Creative Nature & Outdoor Photography

by Brenda Tharp

A classic guide to creative nature photography, now updated for the digital world.

Amateur and experienced photographers interested in taking more compelling, personal images will love this new edition of Creative Nature & Outdoor Photography, now updated to address the exciting possibilities (and challenges) of digital image-making. Author Brenda Tharp’s inspiring approach has garnered fans all over the world, as she teaches that magical skill no camera can do for you: learn how to “see.” Readers expand their photographic vision and discover deep wellsprings of creativity as they learn to use light, balance, color, design, pattern, texture, composition, and many simple techniques to take a photo from ordinary to high-impact.

Featuring more than 150 stunning, all-new images, Creative Nature & Outdoor  Photography, Revised Edition is for anyone who understands the basic technical side to photography but wants to wake up their creative vision.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Art Design, Art, Nature

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2003

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

If, like me, you just look at nature and make a photo without thinking too much then this book will help you immensely.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished a one week workshop with Brenda Tharp at Maine Media Workshops. After learning so much from this gifted teacher I just had to run out and buy the book to learn even more. Brenda makes it so clear that good photography is very much an expression of self and that the more aware we become of ourselves in this universe, and the more we are able to bypass our fears and live fully in the moment, the more we will be able to create photographs that speak of that experience.

[Sharada Prasad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am new to photography. But I have read so many books on landscape photography that after a while I don't really learn much from a new book. But this book seemed very useful. It had lot of new content related to composition. I am a fan of exposure data which was provided for every photograph in the book. The book also lists a large number of techniques but does not talk about the gear and other technical details in detail. But this is a great book for beginners to intermediate photographers.

[Mohammed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential for aspiring photographers.

[Kevin Bjorke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a well-meaning friend.

It is clearly aimed at people whose tastes are very middle-of-the-curve: Generic, conventionally-pleasant photography. The examples are almost exclusively saturated photos of static objects, rather than events. If the word "Creative" in the title had been replaced with "Competent" I would have rated it higher. But middle rating feels more appropriate here than for nearly any other book I can imagine.

[Slagle Rock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a quick read with lots of great images and philosophical ideas and practical tips for improving your photographic practices. I found the book after seeing the author deliver an informative lecture on photography on Youtube.

[Tatum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Straightforward but great! Informative and got just what I wanted from this book.

[Liquidlasagna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended by Ken Rockwell

"my favorite single book for most people who want to learn the technique behinde taking better pictures"

[Lewis Szymanski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I learned a lot about lighting, visual design, and composition from this book.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not so much a technical, 'how to tweak the settings on your camera' type of book; it focuses much more on how to use light, color, composition, etc. to take beautiful photographs. She also suggests activities/exercises to try and help you to explore the ideas she outlines in her book. I will definitely be bringing a better educated eye out with me when I go on my next photography mission!

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. To me the discussion on composition and design is well balanced with the technical aspects. The pretty pictures really help illustrate the discussion points. Quite inspiring, especially the section on abstract/impressionist approach.

[Qua Veda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of basic concepts for "seeing" compelling images.

[Garth Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great book about the softer skills of photography. Wish my library had the updated version.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. This book is quite good, if a bit basic. But I did find her chapter on composition had some excellent tips.

[Susinok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice. Lots of good ideas and techniques.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was really good. Definitely better for non-beginning photographers which is such a nice change. Great tips, advice and technique.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Everything has an essence, but to find it you'll need to open your mind and throw out your need to be literal"
--Brenda Tharp, Author

[Vaughn Bender]

A great book both visually and written explaining and showing great ways of composition for a Photographer looking for inspiration. Very much enjoyed it, it is very refreshing reading this.

[Manish Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Photographs. Nice approach to creative outdoor photography.