National Geographic Photography Field Guide: Secrets to Making Great Pictures

National Geographic Photography Field Guide

by Peter K. Burian, Robert Caputo

An updated, accessible guide to photography from two leading experts in the field, the National Geographic Photography Field Guide 2nd Edition appeals to both aficionados and amateurs with its encyclopedia coverage of everything from choosing film to virtual photography. Featuring up-to-the-minute information on new film, filters, cameras, lenses, and advances in digital photography as well as step-by-step instruction, this revised guide is an indispensable tool for creating superb pictures. Professional photographers Peter K. Burian and Robert Caputo reveal every secret and component involved in creating photos, including the basics of composition, color, and light; manipulating film, exposure, and shutter speeds; coping with situations from weather to fast-moving subjects; techniques for shooting architecture, close-ups, portraits, and underwater adventures; plus a new section explaining black and white photography—all in a user-friendly and easy-to-reference format. With exquisite images and useful tips from award-winning professionals, this inspiring and informative volume illustrates the keys to turning everyday situations into vibrant visual moments to cherish forever.

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

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Francesc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Libro interesante para aprender los principios de la fotografía. A parte de los aspectos técnicos, repasa el trabajo de varios fotógrafos a través de sus fotografías.

Es un libro previo a la fotografía digital, pero no por ello carece de interés. Es cierto que el mundo digital cambió muchas cosas, pero los principios siguen siendo los mismos y los fotógrafos que disparaban con carrete siempre serán unos ídolos.

Las fotografías de su interior son historia pura y siempre es necesario la revisión de los clásicos.


Interesting book to learn the principles of photography. Apart from the technical aspects, it reviews the work of several photographers through their photographs.

It is a book prior to digital photography, but it is not without interest. It is true that the digital world changed many things, but the principles remain the same and the photographers who shot with film will always be idols.

The photographs inside are pure history and there is always a need to revisit the classics.

[Pat Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not found a book about photography that I did not like. This one is also a great read. Lots of technical info and advice. This book even goes into the way you should prep for a trip to do photos and how to behave in an environment that is foreign to you. I have an interest in photography but not to the point of a pro or an artist or even as a hobby. I just find it interesting and i would like to be good at it.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent beginning guide to learn the basics of photography. Covers the basics of how an SLR camera works, as well as tips and things to consider for different areas of photography (portraits, action, macros, etc.). This edition largely covered film cameras because it was published before the boom of digital SLRs, but all the information in it still applies 8 years later.

[Cade · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on photography that I have read. Easy to understand and full of advice that is relavent to acutal field photography scenarios. An excellent book for amature photographers. If you were to only read one book in order to learn photography, I would recommend that it be this one.

[Hardeep · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an EXCELLENT guide for people who want to get more milage from their SLR cameras. Too many people- me included (IMHO), buy advanced SLRs and then shoot in full auto majority of the time. Get rid of the habit, and unlock the potential of your camera, as well as your creative side!!!

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for either beginner or experienced, despite (I've owned my copy for over 10 years) some aspects which are dated related to current technology. The work covers basic principles in many if not most areas.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I read about photography and I was able to understand and comprehend most of it even being a beginner. I would recommend this to any one interested in photography.

[Ljubomir · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good guide which covers most of the basics in a detailed way. Would be useful both to total beginners and to enthusiasts who have recently bought or consider buying a serious camera.

The book focuses mostly on film photography (and the section dedicated to digital technology is outdated, of course), but most things are relevant to digital photography as well, and those that are not are still interesting to know.

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book that covers the basics of SLR photography. I was looking for information on B&W photography and this had a bit to offer. Nice resource with some interesting essays by photographers. Made me want to pick my SLR back up. Now to find a book that focuses on TLR and B&W!

[David Liscio · Rating 5 out of 5]

The classic guide for photographers whose work takes them outside the studio. Fits in your travel bag.

[Gokuloko · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot is absolutely packed

[PeterK B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks for all the kind reviews.

Cheers, Peter K. Burian

[Roy McDine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated with clear explanations. Somewhat dated, being written in the film era, but otherwise full of useful photography tips and guidelines for all levels.

[Chase Harder · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential field guide to reference on the go

[Nathaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outdated, but still useful.

[Yves Damin · Rating 5 out of 5]

La Photo avec un grand P, abordée de manière pragmatique, pratique avec une dimension humaine sur les relations entre les photographes et leurs sujets.
Un enseignement par les maîtres du National Geographic Society. Un plaisir à lire.

[Христо Трендафилов · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ако започваш с фотографията сега ... много полезно четиво. Би могла да е полезна дори и ако снимаш вече от доста време.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great photography guide from National Geographic. The books in this series tend to gear themselves toward professional and semi-pro photographers--at the very least owners of digital SLRs--but even those of us using point-and-shoot automatics will come away with useful knowledge about equipment, exposure, lighting, depth of field, perspective, and printing.

In fact, this is a series that I think that anyone interested in photography, might want to keep in their personal library.

[Mark Lacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I thought this was a pretty good book when I finished it in 2003, even at that time I noted that it was dated with respect to digital photography. Of course there are many important principles to photography that are important regardless of whether one is shooting film or digital, but unless this book has been updated, it is probably not very valuable anymore when it comes to digital.

[Johanne]

Ce livre est plein de trucs intéressants, avec en prime de superbes photos, parfois prises avec de l'équipement professionnel coûteux, parfois prises avec... des téléphones cellulaires. Ça donne le goût d'essayer, d'innover, de créer...

[Emil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was a teenager and, even now, it seems the best kick-starter on your way from novice to a decent photographer. It presents the basic elements of photography at a moderated rate of detailing. I would warmly recommend it to whoever picks up photography.

[Aditya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reference book for any skill level..

[Tommyb]

Photography

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended for wannabe photographers.

[Mega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for photographers.

[Hapzydeco · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent guide for beginners and a good reference for the experienced photographer.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most comprehensive books on photography I've ever read. It's wonderful to be able to learn from so many accomplished photographers from such a fantastic publication!

[Gino Filicetti]

True

[Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book and for someone who shoots film, it was nice to get insight and options on using that medium.

[Teri Temme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very outdated information now on camera's, but the pictures and tips are great!