Customer Reviews

The Art of Flower & Garden Photography

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
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If you're looking for a how-to book, definitely look elsewhere. Clive Nichols gives a great deal of insight into some of his most stunning shots showcased within, but the phrase "illustrated guide" is a misnomer. Recollection and equipment lists do not suffice for "instruction."

That criticism aside, the photos are absolutely gorgeous. I'd never heard of Clive Nichols before coming across this book in the library, but I was so taken with his art I immediately ordered my own copy. If you enjoy Flower & Garden Photography, this book is very much worth-it. If you'd like to hear a few tips, tricks and explanations as to "how did he do that!?" the book is very much worth-it. If you want step-by-step instructions, I would suggest looking elsewhere but still pick up this book for inspiration.

Although slight, this book is very entertaining. There are tips throughout, and I certainly thought "Hey, I should try that!" more than a few times, but it's definitely not a manual as much as a select culling of some of the author's favorite shots with his own words explaining them. A chapter on using color in backdrops, for instance, does show a color wheel, but mainly features close-up photos against colored backdrops with comments on how they work; a chapter on "abstracts" shows examples of some abstracts he took and tells you how he came up with the ideas; a chapter on "People" includes pictures of his own kids and tips on how he kept them occupied. Also, although he does make a few comments on shooting in bright sunlight, he definitely is working in England-- not all of us have a lot of overcast, moist days! That said, I don't think this book pretends to be a manual, or anything more than what it is, and I found it really enjoyable to look through, the pictures were simply stunning, and I definitely learned some things I didn't know (I am VERY much a beginner).

I purchased this book with an idea that it has more practical value to
budding garden photographer like myself. After all the name Clive Nichols says it all. Most of everything in garden photography. The photographs in this book are drop dead gorgeous, but I was not looking for coffee table book but for instructional one. Unfortunately I got neither. There is hardly any practical info except for stuff that is widely known even for the beginner. I recommend Paul Harcourt Davies 'Photographing Plants and Flowers' as better how to book.

I love this book. Both the garden and close-up photography are extraordinary, great flower closeups, lots of ideas, and very inspiring. I would recommend this book if you want to expand your photographic skills. Her use of natural light is very well done.