National Geographic Complete Photography

by National Geographic Society

A comprehensive illustrated reference about photography and the camera, this book combines how-to advice, knowledgeable commentary, and useful tips on how to take and look at photographs. Not just a how-to book, it is a how-does-it-work book, focusing on cameras, photographs, and photographers. Throughout, voices and photographs from the greatest of National Geographic photographers add authority to these pages. Chapters build from camera basics—like how a digital camera works, what different lenses do, and the definition of exposure—to advanced and specific techniques—such as taking the best family candids, underwater photography, or techniques for capturing fireworks on film. Every chapter includes a feature called "My Perspective," highlighting a National Geographic photographer and his or her work with a personal note on photography. Every chapter ends with a feature called "What Makes This Photograph Great?"—twelve different iconic National Geographic photographs are analyzed thoroughly for their subject matter, composition, lighting and exposure—by James P. Blair, longtime National Geographic photographer. A fascinating illustrated timeline of photography places milestone moments in the developing technology and art of photography into historic context. With something for everyone, novice and experienced amateur alike, designed in such a way that a reader can dip in and out of page after page, this complete reference will become a family favorite, to which young and old will refer over and over for years to come.

Genres: Photography, Reference, Nonfiction, Art, Travel, Art and Photography

408 pages, Paperback

First published September 20, 2011

About the author

The National Geographic Society (NGS), headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States, is one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations in the world.
Founded in 1888, its interests include geography, archaeology, and natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical conservation, and the study of world culture and history. The National Geographic Society's logo is a yellow portrait frame—rectangular in shape—which appears on the margins surrounding the front covers of its magazines and as its television channel logo. Through National Geographic Partners (a joint venture with The Walt Disney Company), the Society operates the magazine, TV channels, a website, worldwide events, and other media operations.

Reviews

[Matthew Lutkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very in-depth and detailed, yet light and quick to read. There were so many topics covered about photography and more. I loved the incorporation of the history of photographers and the analysis of certain photographs. It made for an extremely active and interesting read! Going to take some photos now!

[Carlos López · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nice book about the fundamentals of photography.

[Florence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This colorful reference book will be shelved again but no doubt I will refer to many more times in the future. You will find within the book, a time-line of photography up to 2010. Its awesome photographs and technical information shared by the National Geographic team of photographers have inspired me. It covers subjects like photographing people and pets, landscapes, nature, action, adventure, traveling, and special techniques. These creative individuals, highlighted within the various chapters, traveled all over the world, took endless risks in getting "impossible" shots for use in educating the public through their well-known magazines, books and movies. They treated nature with respect in the process and are subtly asking us to do the same.

[Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very complete book about photography. Sometimes, the vocabulary can be confusing and some things should be explained with more details. I feel like I can make better photos, but I'd like to learn more. Many pictures and a lot of information about history and famous photographers.

[Kathrynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far this is the best photography book I have read. The book starts easy with the basics and there are learning exercises to practice what you read before moving on to the next section. Full color, easy to read, lots of "pictures."

Excellent book!

[Steven Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the technology references are dated now, but the general theories on exposure and composition still hold up well.

[Zhuo Zhang · Rating 5 out of 5]

After starting the book, I paused for a while—daily trivialities, major events, and pressing matters kept piling up, and there were always more urgent books to read. Today, I finally finished it in one go. Reading a book like this often gives the illusion of "having mastered it" once it's done, but in reality, the real work only begins afterward, as photography is a hobby that truly requires practice. Reading helps broaden one’s perspective and find a personal creative space. This is merely a starting point—or perhaps a resting spot—on a path with no final destination. Along the way, I’ve come to know many great masters and will continue learning endlessly!

[Cliff Sinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

not really what I was looking for, but there was a lot of helpful information for a beginner with a camera.

[Donald Lanham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good coverage of the basics along with some more advanced photographic tips and techniques.

[Steve Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for new photographers even if slightly dated, a good review for the rest of us from many well known pro photographers.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very true with photography.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

کتاب قدیمی هست ولی اطلاعات و نکات خوبی داخلش داره

[Grant Van Singel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The complete photography was filled with thousands of facts about photography. It gave lots of tips and advice for achieving the best photos. It contained lots of great pictures that went along with the text. The book also had several pages that described a photographer and gave advice from the photographer. The book cover lots of topics that all surrounded photography.

I really enjoyed this book because it was about photography which I am very passionate about and wanting to get better at. It had lots of stunning pictures that made me want to get better. It gave tips that I can look back on and apply to my photography. I liked the book alot.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative. One of my favorite sections of the book is the timeline. I love history of cameras and photography. The nat geo photographers are people I look up to, or rather their skill is something I look up to. I've checked the book out twice in the last two months and I plan to get it for my personal shelf at home.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING. Everything from the basics of how a camera is built & works to professionals picking apart photos and explaining why they "work."

I got the one I'm reading from the library, but I'm going to have to go and buy it because it is just so packed with amazing information!

[Harshit Kapoor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indeed a very informative read.This book has lots of amazing photos clicked by some of the most renowned photographers.It has stuff for all categories of photographers.Also gives an insight to the perspective of some of very famous photographers.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic primer to photography with plenty of examples and explanations to accompany the numerous tips, tricks, and techniques discussed within its pages. It's "camera agnostic" so it doesn't matter what make and model you have an interest in.

[LeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book. I've been through it once. Now I need to go back, read sections and try to practice what it says. It probably isn't realistic is such a broad overview, but I would have liked more specific instructions or learning exercises. Tips tended to be vague or general.

[Mary Jane Rouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written with concrete suggestions for better pictures.

[Rainey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good resource for helping one out with their photography endeavors. A photography for dummies type book.

[Kathleen Messmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! Loaded with information applicable to any level photographer. Tons of resources in the back as well.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is jam-packed with helpful tips for all levels of photographers. I've bookmarked so many pages and know that it will help improve my skills. The photos are absolutely beautiful and inspiring!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Extremely helpful with my own photography and learning.

[Erica Hasselbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

An invaluable resource for a photographer.

[Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction for photographers.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great if you dont know the basics. Some handy tips tho

[Sarah Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thorough and well-paced.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good beginner or consumer reference.

[Shideh Mirashrafi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love photography and I was searching for a good reference for learning it. since I started this book I learned a lot about photography I'm excited to read rest of it.

[JennLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive guide to all things photographic. Useful tips and explanations for a variety of situations, and plenty of excellent examples.