Close-Up and Macro Photography [Paperback]

Adrian Davies MSc FBIPP ARPS (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240812123 | ISBN-13: 978-0240812120 | Publication Date: October 22, 2009 | Edition: 1

In this exhaustive guide to macro photography, respected author and photographer Adrian Davies takes a comprehensive approach to the subject, covering every aspect of the multi-faceted and often complicated world of close-up photography.

Everything about Adrian's approach is both practical and diverse, with optimal output always in mind. His coverage of equipment, for example, goes beyond cameras to cover the application of flatbed and film scanners for close-up shots (2D, 3D, reflective and translucent subjects).

Seperate sections cover cameras and equipment, lenses, lighting, workflow and image processing. Additionally, a seperate section on 'special subjects' covers techniques for shooting both common macro subjects (including insects, fossils and coins), as well as a range of technical elements such as shiny surfaces, texture, and polarised light. The appendix includes a technical discussion on depth of field, including detailed tables, and a range of optical formulae.

Clear, concise and comprehensive, and packed with stunning images, this is a must-have purchase for all photographers looking for professional quality macro results.

* One-stop guide to all things macro by respected author/photographer Adrian Davies
* Takes a comprehensive approach to a macro workflow, covering every aspect from pre-capture (including selecting equipment from compacts to film scaners) through to post-capture and image processing
* Packed with stunning macro photographs to inspire the reader and put the information in a practical context

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In Close-up and Macro Photography the author has written and produced the most up-to-date and comprehensive book currently available on the subject. The book is very well written, easy to read and understand and well illustrated with graphs, charts and beautifully reproduced photographs. This book is designed for the 'serious amateur' or the seasoned professional photographer who is interested in the exciting and fascinating world of macro and close-up imaging. It includes chapters on cameras, lenses, studio set-ups and an in-depth explanation of the latest digital technologies and an ordered, sensible approach to digital workflow. I found the book to be complete, very informative and concise and I appreciated the fact that the author looked at close-up and macro photography as both an art and a science. Highly recommended." - Harold Naideau, professional photographer, educator and president of the Long Island chapter of the American Society of Media Photographers

 "Close-up and Macro Photography is one of the most comprehensible books on macro photography I have ever read. An un-missable resource for the experienced or amateur macro photographer." - Hugh Leslie, Macrophotography.org

From the Back Cover

Get professional photos of creative macro subjects with this exhaustive guide to close up and macro photography. Award winning photographer and author Adrian Davies guides you through each step of the macro process, from choosing the right camera, lenses and equipment, to macro workflow and optimum output. Packed with inspiring images this is an essential resource for any photographer looking for quality macro and close-up results.

Product Details

• Paperback: 188 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 1 edition (October 22, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240812123
• ISBN-13: 978-0240812120
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,093,294 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

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the better books, April 14, 2010

By 

ritewinger (New Hampshire, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Close-Up and Macro Photography (Paperback)

Organized well, nice pictures and some good ideas. I have too many of this type of book, and at the same time not enough. One of my favorites.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great explanations to improve macros, January 17, 2010

By 

Donna L. Jenkins (PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Close-Up and Macro Photography (Paperback)

I can't wait to get out and take the pictures of the Spring flowers. This book has many hints that will guide you through the process of taking not good but great macro shots. Before, I used to use a technique similar to "hit and miss" (I think a very popular one when applied to macros) and there were many that I missed. I've learned better now.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars for beginners with some advanced knowledge, June 22, 2010

By 

J. Kew "Vancouver-Indesign User Group" (Vancouver, British Columbia Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Close-Up and Macro Photography (Paperback)

Book Review by Thorsten Gohl (member - Vancouver InDesign User Group)


Close-up and Macro Photography by Adrian Davies (Focal Press)

First when I read the title, it seemed to me that it is concentrating on different camera and lighting techniques for macro photography. It includes these topics, but also gives you a greater idea about photography workflow, from the pre-production, set up, shot and post-production. Maybe a little bit too much general information for one book if your focus is the photography of close-up and macro photography.

The layout of the chapters is very easy to follow. It is talking about image chapter, lenses, camera support, lighting, macro studio and workflow. Again, it seemed like there is much too much detail about general photography rather than focusing on more important things and taking to more time explain them. The book is clear and precise, step by step. Like page 21 with the spot metering explanation, it is great for the reader to know that you should focus your meter (in this case spot meter) on the butterfly to get the right exposure. It is explained well and the images help to understand it even more.

Overall, I feel that the book is for beginners with some advanced knowledge. The part about depth of field, the sensor plain, plain of sharp focus, the lighting rays might be a little bit too much for the starter in photograph, but I think it is really interesting and if you want to improve your images by understanding what happens when you click the shutter, even necessary. All in all, I had fun reading it and also got some good reminders out of it.