Customer Reviews

Art of Bird Photography: The Complete Guide to Professional Field Techniques (Practial Photography Books)

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

What the other reviewers have said is true. This is an outstanding book on bird photography. It also contains outstanding photos. The closest thing to a weakness with the book is the strong association and support Morris has with Canon products. I'm a Canon person myself, but I sometimes wonder about equipment advice Morris gives in his book or his fine website at birdsasart, because of his contract connection with Canon.
Despite my whining on this subject, the book is excellent if you want to learn about photographing birds. It includes a review of the basic principles of any type of photography, then goes on to give very detailed information on techniques of photographing birds. In addition to camera use, there is good information on tripods, stalking techniques, and some bird photography hotspots around US and Canada.
An excellent book, even for non-Canon shooters! I gather that it is being released in a paperback edition now, which will be a better value.

Don't get me wrong, I'm nowhere near the photographer Arthur Morris is, but the emerging world of digital photography has taken the bloom off this rose. This title needs updating for the new world. This book focuses mainly on work done with full-frame film cameras (where Morris earned his reputation), and much of what's here would apply to full-frame digital SLRs. Problem is, most of us can't afford them, and we're forced to using APS-C, smaller-frame cameras. The most significant thing there is that the images delivered to the sensors are the central portion of the full-frame sensor, so a lens connected to the camera "acts like" it has a longer focal length. This impacts things like composition and lens selection, and some detail from the master would have been insightful.

I would like to have seen a more thorough discussion of the use use of extension tubes in front of long lenses (Morris uses them). I am inclined to compare this book less favorably with anything by John Shaw, who very clearly and amusingly gets us into the nitty-gritty details of what AND why we do things a certain way.

I was also a little surprised at the quality of the photographs. Morris is a fine photographer, and the book is chock full of his finest work - but the reproduction of them leaves a lot to be desired. This is not a knock on Morris, but this title is a decided step down from Amphoto photography guides.

If you only ever read one book about bird photography, then let it be this one.

I have many wildlife photography books in my library, but this is the one that I refer to time and time again.

Arthur Morris covers everything from equipment, lighting and composition to exposure.

Highly recommended. Please visit his website at [URL] for a wealth of information. Arthur Morris also now provides a 'pocket guide to exposure', details of which are on the website. It is a real gem.

After reading previous reviews, I was a little chagrined when my book arrived and it was so thin, but after reading it, my reservations were gone. Of course,the photography was stunning; In addition to being an excellent technical manual, the book would be great as a "coffee table" book. The information was well presented and thorough. On the issue of "bias" toward Canon equipment, Morris is up front regarding his Canon contract, but does not hesitate to point out some features that other makers make available, but Canon lacks. My only resevation with book is a dearth of information on filters; Other than that, this book is an *excellent* primer on bird (and nature, in general,) photography. Well worth the money; I'm sure I will refer to this book many times in the future.

This book is an outstanding book, both on photography itself as well as bird photography.

Art Morris takes a difficult subject and makes it much more approachable for the beginner. What is best and most valuable is the section on exposure as well as learning the various habits of your subjects.

I had the chance to meet Art Morris here in Austin a few weeks ago at the 2000 NANPA Summit.

There is no doubt that Art is the master of his "art", and it shows with the pictures in the book.

Yes, he is very brand specific, but so is Moose Peterson (Nikon), Art Wolfe (Canon) Frans Lanting (Nikon), and the list goes on. Any of the great nature photographers are very specific about the brands that they shoot.

So whether or not you shoot Nikon, Canon, or whatever else, you can learn a great deal about photography, birding, and still enjoy some stunning photographs!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

By far, the best reference text I have ever found on the topic. It may be a little dated with the film equipment bias. Also there is bias toward Canon products (noted by the author). However he appropriately shows that effort and tenacity are key ingredients, not choice of equipment manufacturer. If I could have only one text on wildlife photography, this would be the one.

Bird photographers of all skill levels will benefit from reading The Art of Bird Photography. As a beginner, it is the first photography book that I ever purchased. Today it remains, by far, the most valuable. In the book, Mr. Morris covers everything from the fundamentals of making technically perfect photographs, to how he creates his stunning compositions, complete with the crisp, clean "Birds as Art" backgrounds for which he is famous. After purchasing and devouring the technical sections of this book, my photography was transformed nearly overnight. It is a must read for anyone interested in improving their photography whether they specialize in birds or bears.

Wow this book kept my attention. I read it in one sitting. I re-read it the next day. The photos are amazing and Mr. Morris is very generous with his descriptions, information, location advice and more.

It's a bit dated, doesn't cover digital and mentions equipment generally no longer available, but the instruction on exposure is as good as I have seen.

Mr. Morris also talks at length about exposure compensation which I found very helpful.

Mr. Morris has a well-deserved reputation as America's number one bird photographer and his background as a teacher comes in handy here. Even if you're not into bird photography, check this book out. Anyone can learn from The Art of Bird Photography.

The Art of Bird Photography is the best bird photography book that I have read. Buy this book and read it twice. Just don't be too disappointed if your photos look like garbage compared to those of the author. Arthur Morris is an exceptionally good bird photographer.

This book points out such valuable information as: use a long lens (like the authors $9,000 glass,) and get close. Hey, I never would have thought of that! The book was written in 1997 and deals exclusively with 35mm film media. A large portion of the book is devoted to film types and uses, and exposure and development techniques. Virtually no one, including Authur Morris, uses film anymore. Additionally, the author makes many equipment recommendations for equipment that is no longer even produced. This might have been a valuable publication, when it was written, 10 years ago, but it is sadly out of date now.