What do you think?
Rate this book
The New Art of Photographing Nature
A new spin on the classic guide to composing stunning images of nature and wildlife
What is the difference between a good picture and a great one? In this fully revised edition of the classic bestseller The Art of Photographing Nature, master photographer Art Wolfe and former Audubon photo editor Martha Hill team up to explain the art of composing images of enduring beauty. Against a backdrop of more than 250 photographs of nature, wildlife, and landscapes, they share insights and advice about what works and what doesn’t, and how small changes can take an image from ordinary to extraordinary. Throughout, all-new tips from digital imaging expert Tim Grey show readers how to make the most of digital technology, whether by choosing the right color space, understanding sensor size, or removing distracting elements in post-processing. The result is an invaluable collection of expert advice updated for the modern age.
What is the difference between a good picture and a great one? In this fully revised edition of the classic bestseller The Art of Photographing Nature, master photographer Art Wolfe and former Audubon photo editor Martha Hill team up to explain the art of composing images of enduring beauty. Against a backdrop of more than 250 photographs of nature, wildlife, and landscapes, they share insights and advice about what works and what doesn’t, and how small changes can take an image from ordinary to extraordinary. Throughout, all-new tips from digital imaging expert Tim Grey show readers how to make the most of digital technology, whether by choosing the right color space, understanding sensor size, or removing distracting elements in post-processing. The result is an invaluable collection of expert advice updated for the modern age.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
49 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 21, 2017
(8.5/10)
First, a little bit about my experience as a photographer when I first read this book. I just got into photography and bought my first DSLR about 5 weeks ago. My main photog interest is landscapes and nature. I have had one private lesson and I am about 8 lessons into a free online photography course. So, I'm very much a novice. As I'm very green, I'm not sure what level of experience you'd need to have before you find the information in this book too basic.
This is a great book for nature photographer enthusiasts (and probably good for photographers in general)! Also, while this book is definitely and strongly geared towards nature photography, its principles are applicable to pretty much all kinds of photography. The book primarily focuses on various principles and concepts of composition, or what goes into making a great photo from the artistic side. To be clear, this book isn't an extremely technical, paint-by-numbers guide to composing the perfect photograph; rather, it explores important concepts of composition (finding and isolating a subject, lines, placement, colors, lighting, etc.) and how the affect photographs. The concepts discussed and illustrated in this book really helped expand how I view photos and how I approach photography in the field. I also want to point out, that while I think this book is great for learning about and expanding your understand of composition, it not really a beginner's "how to use your camera" guide. For instance, it doesn't really go into much depth about things like the exposure triangle (the relationship between shutter speed, aperture, and ISO), how to take steady handheld shots, the different specifications of different gear, etc.
I also really enjoyed the format of this book. There are two primary authors of this book -- Art Wolfe, a veteran nature photographer, and Martha Hill, an experienced photography magazine editor. Each chapter introduces a general concept and then sub-issues relating to each concept; all the while, the two authors give their opinions and interpretations of Art's photos as they relate to the concepts presented. Honestly, this book is pretty much worth the price of admission for the inspiration you'll get from all of the photos alone (and there are a ton of photos).
Also, as someone who thinks of trade paperback novels when I hear "paperback" I want to mention that the book is of a very high physical quality. The pages are large and glossy and of thick stock.
Despite loving this book, it does have a few weak spots. First, some of the photos cross over to a second page (no flipping required) and, while it's probably hard to avoid unless you want small photos or a huge book, it's a bit of a shame that a decent amount of fantastic photos are interrupted by the crease between the pages. However, it is also great to see the larger photos to the extent their not interrupted by the crease. Second, the portion of the book that's specifically on digital photography is very small and very basic. It's generally more issue spotting and some very basic tips. The digital portion of the book definitely seemed like more of an afterthought that was added on to an older edition of this book. However, the book's lessons on composition are extremely relevant and useful regardless of whether you're using film or digital.
Everything considered, this is a great book, especially for beginners wanted to learn about composition and perhaps even for intermediate photographers who are looking some new inspiration and new perspectives. There is so much useful information and inspiration in this book that I'm sure I'll reread it multiple times (and I rarely reread books). Highly recommended!
First, a little bit about my experience as a photographer when I first read this book. I just got into photography and bought my first DSLR about 5 weeks ago. My main photog interest is landscapes and nature. I have had one private lesson and I am about 8 lessons into a free online photography course. So, I'm very much a novice. As I'm very green, I'm not sure what level of experience you'd need to have before you find the information in this book too basic.
This is a great book for nature photographer enthusiasts (and probably good for photographers in general)! Also, while this book is definitely and strongly geared towards nature photography, its principles are applicable to pretty much all kinds of photography. The book primarily focuses on various principles and concepts of composition, or what goes into making a great photo from the artistic side. To be clear, this book isn't an extremely technical, paint-by-numbers guide to composing the perfect photograph; rather, it explores important concepts of composition (finding and isolating a subject, lines, placement, colors, lighting, etc.) and how the affect photographs. The concepts discussed and illustrated in this book really helped expand how I view photos and how I approach photography in the field. I also want to point out, that while I think this book is great for learning about and expanding your understand of composition, it not really a beginner's "how to use your camera" guide. For instance, it doesn't really go into much depth about things like the exposure triangle (the relationship between shutter speed, aperture, and ISO), how to take steady handheld shots, the different specifications of different gear, etc.
I also really enjoyed the format of this book. There are two primary authors of this book -- Art Wolfe, a veteran nature photographer, and Martha Hill, an experienced photography magazine editor. Each chapter introduces a general concept and then sub-issues relating to each concept; all the while, the two authors give their opinions and interpretations of Art's photos as they relate to the concepts presented. Honestly, this book is pretty much worth the price of admission for the inspiration you'll get from all of the photos alone (and there are a ton of photos).
Also, as someone who thinks of trade paperback novels when I hear "paperback" I want to mention that the book is of a very high physical quality. The pages are large and glossy and of thick stock.
Despite loving this book, it does have a few weak spots. First, some of the photos cross over to a second page (no flipping required) and, while it's probably hard to avoid unless you want small photos or a huge book, it's a bit of a shame that a decent amount of fantastic photos are interrupted by the crease between the pages. However, it is also great to see the larger photos to the extent their not interrupted by the crease. Second, the portion of the book that's specifically on digital photography is very small and very basic. It's generally more issue spotting and some very basic tips. The digital portion of the book definitely seemed like more of an afterthought that was added on to an older edition of this book. However, the book's lessons on composition are extremely relevant and useful regardless of whether you're using film or digital.
Everything considered, this is a great book, especially for beginners wanted to learn about composition and perhaps even for intermediate photographers who are looking some new inspiration and new perspectives. There is so much useful information and inspiration in this book that I'm sure I'll reread it multiple times (and I rarely reread books). Highly recommended!
May 29, 2020
Have Camera, will Travel
Comprehensive guide... Explains in practical, short segments a wide variety of useful topics.... Helpful for newbies and a good review for crusty oldsters! Excellent photo illustrations....
Comprehensive guide... Explains in practical, short segments a wide variety of useful topics.... Helpful for newbies and a good review for crusty oldsters! Excellent photo illustrations....
March 18, 2023
Full of information especially because the book is written by a photographer, with additional info from an editor as well as digital photography tips from Tim Grey. Superb for inspiration and reference
December 11, 2023
Art’s photography is simple and breathtaking. I saw his work for this first time on either PBS (MPT) or in National Geographic magazine about twenty years ago. I’m so glad I had to read this for my photography class. I love this book.
May 24, 2017
Completely met my expectations of giving us a glimpse into the creative mind of Art Wolfe.
November 29, 2022
Excellent read and will use as reference.
April 26, 2025
Fantastic photos and clear explanations.
August 4, 2016
"The New Art of Photographing Nature" is a book based on the photos of Art Wolfe along with his comments on many of them. Next to his comments, there is also the opinion of a former editor of a photo-magazine, trying to look at the final result as an editor would. They both comment on the photos and try to give feedback for various issues and options the photographer may have.
Although the book is about nature and landscapes, many of the methods, tips and problems refer to other kinds of photography too.
Art tries to explain why he took each picture the way he did and many times shows the different takes of the same photo with small differences and the process of improving his image by altering angles, use of light, composition etc. until he achieves a better result. This is really helpful as you can see what each effect each change has.
If you are looking for specific "settings" or "tricks", then the book won't help you that much. It won't tell you what Aperture to use when or what specific ISO in each case. It's more of a general discussion on how to take photos, the approach and the different ways using lenses, light, shutter speed, distance etc. in order to achieve different takes on the same image.
If you feel you have the right themes, but your photos are not as you imagined then it will probably teach you some things.
The format of the book, with Art and Martha talking about the same pictures like a chat is really nice. However many times, the comments by Martha are not offering insight. The photos are very nice, it's a book that you could just browse, but it's more helpful for people that want some advice before they get their camera and try to take nice nature photos.
Although the book is about nature and landscapes, many of the methods, tips and problems refer to other kinds of photography too.
Art tries to explain why he took each picture the way he did and many times shows the different takes of the same photo with small differences and the process of improving his image by altering angles, use of light, composition etc. until he achieves a better result. This is really helpful as you can see what each effect each change has.
If you are looking for specific "settings" or "tricks", then the book won't help you that much. It won't tell you what Aperture to use when or what specific ISO in each case. It's more of a general discussion on how to take photos, the approach and the different ways using lenses, light, shutter speed, distance etc. in order to achieve different takes on the same image.
If you feel you have the right themes, but your photos are not as you imagined then it will probably teach you some things.
The format of the book, with Art and Martha talking about the same pictures like a chat is really nice. However many times, the comments by Martha are not offering insight. The photos are very nice, it's a book that you could just browse, but it's more helpful for people that want some advice before they get their camera and try to take nice nature photos.
April 15, 2013
Very worthwhile read for all levels of photographers. I really liked the format in which Art Wolfe talks about how and where he took an image and what he was trying to achieve and then Martha Hill, a former Audubon magazine photography editor, critiques the image and tells the reader why it was publishable or what the issues are with it. This is done for a variety of field situations and techniques. Some of this was refresher but I certainly can always use the refresher.
May 29, 2013
I don't know... I expected more from the critique portion if the book. A lot of the time it felt like looking at images and comments on Flickr when Martha Hill would restate why she thought Art's photos were really nice. I appreciate Art Wolfe's skills and success but this book did not ring my bell.
May 4, 2013
I found it very interesting. You're given a photo and critiques from both the photographer & editor. It allows you to see the photos from 2 different perspectives & (hopefully) you learn ways to improve the way you look at your own photos.
May 11, 2014
Another excellent book from Art Wolfe - while much of the info covered in the book is fairly common advice - haveing Art Wolfe sharing his experences and seeing his photos make this a wonderful book for photographers
January 4, 2016
Art Wolfe always provides useful insight into the art of photography. I was a little surprised at the format, but for the most part it worked. I expected Martha to be a little more constructively critical. All in all a good reference and one that I will return to from time to time.
June 9, 2015
The photography is wonderful, but content was basic and lacked detail. 3 stars is a fair review. The excellent photos help bump it up a star.
April 9, 2017
Amazing photography book!! My brother gave me the book as a gift, but I ended up buying two more books by Art Wolfe! If I can get 50% as good as Art in photography, I would be super happy already.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews