The Art of Garden Photography [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Ian Adams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 4, 2005

Every gardener who seeks to capture the fleeting moments of perfection in plants and gardens must inevitably turn to photography. In this remarkably clear and informative book, celebrated photographer Ian Adams provides detailed instruction in every aspect of the art and craft of garden photography, from selecting the right equipment to starting a garden photography business. Chapters include such topics as:

• Digital cameras


• Film and filters


• Sharpness and exposure


• Abstracts and close-ups


• Lighting


• Scouting and preparing the garden


• The garden vista


• Garden structures


• Gardens through the seasons


• Finding fine gardens


• Making color prints

Filled with the author's first-hand experience and expert wisdom, The Art of Garden Photography is certain to be a treasured reference for gardeners and garden photographers.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Although photography demands technical know-how, the act of composing a photograph is the medium's heart and soul. Adams addresses the equipment issue by giving concise, straightforward explanations of camera types, lenses, formats, films, and the pros and cons of digital photography. Then aesthetics and the art of composition are duly recognized as being critical to one's success in achieving beguiling garden shots in sun, shade, or snow. Helpful advice is plentiful, from ways to correct for various lighting conditions to points of view for close-ups or expansive vistas. Adams' expertise, derived, in part, from conducting workshops and seminars, shines through as he broaches a range of subjects that will inspire budding shutterbugs, and offers good counsel on setup and follow-through. More experienced photographers will certainly find a wealth of ideas or may want to focus in on Adams' tips for starting a garden photography business. Alice Joyce
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"Ian Adams handles the problem of explaining film based and digital photography superbly in answering the many questions of his workshop students."—Joanne S. Carpender, National Gardener, April 2005 (Joanne S. Carpender National Gardener )

"Besides being a how-to guide, the book also showcases some of Adams' best work. His photos were shot all over the country, but specific attention is given to locales (such as Cleveland Botanical Garden) in northeastern Ohio, where Adams lives."—Philadelphia Inquirer, March 25, 2005 (Philadelphia Inquirer )

"One of the most useful books to come across my desk this year."$#8212;Bobbie Schwartz, Buckeye, October 2005 (Bobbie Schwartz Buckeye )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press (February 4, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881926809
• ISBN-13: 978-0881926804
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #310,154 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good, practical information, June 27, 2005

By 

W. Oliver (Alabama) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Art of Garden Photography (Paperback)

There are not many books available about garden photography and this one will be a welcome addition. It is filled with outstanding photos and practical advice. The author explains the usual dilemmas with film, cameras, composition, etc. but also includes very good information about labeling, storing and organizing your work (a link is included for a software program that I was not aware of - thank you!).

I bought this book mainly, however, for learning more about taking nature photos with a digital camera. While the author raves about the digital format and even confesses that he uses digital for most of his work now, there are only 2 photos in the entire book (out of hundreds) taken with a digital camera. This is a little disappointing and kind of puzzling. I would have liked to know more about the specifics for using digital photos for publication.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the book we have been waiting for, May 19, 2005

By 

Herbert Frei-Schindler (Zurich, Switzerland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of Garden Photography (Paperback)

This is in every respect a masterpiece. Competence, didactic skill, glorious photographs and beautiful layout - you find it all in this book. My only quibble: A hardcover edition would have be more practical (pages open flat) and durable.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing., November 8, 2007

By 

Black Raven - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Garden Photography (Paperback)

I wish I would have been able to look at this photography book in one of the local book stores before ordering it. The two photographs on the front cover are the best ones. That's probably the reason why I expected so much more. I judged the book by its cover. I wasn't impressed by the photographs and the printing wasn't as crisp as one would expect from a newer photography book. The information was the same as in most photography books I already own and therefore I didn't learn anything new.
I would not recommend this book. I returned it.