John Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide

by John Shaw

An updated bestseller, this book of extraordinarily beautiful photographs of nature contains state-of-the-art instruction on how any photographer can aim for equally impressive results every time a camera is focused on the great outdoors.

Even highly skilled photographers are often baffled by the problems facing them when they work outdoors. But with this exceptional field guide in hand, every photographer—beginner, serious amateur, semi-pro, and pro—can conquer the problems encountered in the field. Using his own exceptional work as examples, the author discusses each type of nature subject and how to approach photographing it. Specific advice and information cover selection of equipment and lenses; how to compose a shot; how to get close ups; and other tips covering a range of techniques to enrich various types of nature photographs.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Reference, Travel

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2000

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I got my DSLR this book was a source for a lot of valuable practical information for me. Shaw covers all kinds of equipment issues from lenses to filters to tripods, composition, exposure, field techniques and more. Plus it is filled with his gorgeous photography which serves as good inspiration to get out there and put the theory to practice. Experienced photographers won't find much new in here, but for those new to nature photography or even any sort of outdoor photography this is a fantastic resource.

[Sheryl]

The pictures in this book are amazing!! I hope I can learn to take photos like these!! (Thanks, Michelle) (Ummm..... note the author's name, Angie!!)

[Diva · Rating 4 out of 5]

some things new, something that i knew,beautiful photos

[Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great photography how-to. I'm not a huge fan of nature photography and tend to avoid it with my own camera, but Shaw has so much good information that the subject matter took a back burner. His explanations of camera functions and exposure took me from near constant frustration to finally understanding my camera and how to get the results I want. After reading this one, I know what my camera is doing and how to make that translate to proper exposure, color, movement, etc.

I'm happy to say that I can now properly expose my photos without much thought and I have two things to thank for that: John Shaw and moving to digital. For the first time I could actually afford to practice, practice, practice... The subject matter isn't immediately intuitive to most, so practice is key in ensuring the knowledge sticks.

[Nichole ~Bookaholic~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am getting ready to go to Yosemite to photograph the waterfalls and any wild flowers that might be in bloom...so I picked this up as a "refresher" sometimes when I am out shooting I end up on "auto pilot" which in some cases is not bad...but not for landscapes and nature shots (at least for me). This was a good book with some amazing photographs....and I will probably keep it in the car so I have a quick reference handy for any shooting situation I may find myself in

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of this book is dated, although some of it offers excellent advice.

[thirtytwobirds · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to nature photography. Lots of kinda-outdated technical info in here, but there are also some gems buried in it if you're prepared to look (e.g.: the section on closeup filters).

[Mohsen Al-Dajani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I built a good fortune based on John Shaw's books on photography. Great author and beautiful writing.

[Ruel Tafalla · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book

[Chenbo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a Chinese version.