Customer Reviews

Closeup Shooting: A Guide to Closeup, Tabletop and Macro Photography

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I greatly enjoyed the review copy of Cyrill Harnischmacher's first book, Low Budget Shooting. This one I didn't find as compelling. There is quite a bit of good information here, and certainly you could learn a lot about how to start experimenting with photographing all manner of things close up. But where Low Budget Shooting was really innovative in addressing a need that many photographers don't even think of having, Closeup Shooting looks at a topic well covered and doesn't breath the same refreshing air as Harnischmacher's first book.

In some cases, the technical information is limited without, so far as I noticed, an explanation. To say that extreme closeup photography is only possible with an SLR or DSLR is flat out wrong. Medium format and large format cameras are capable of as much and even more. (Perhaps the book's title should have been Small Format Closeup Shooting.) One mention of infrared photography didn't mention the difficult - or even impossibility - of doing this with DSLRs. There are many examples of images, but relatively few show the set-up and lighting diagrams that help people understand how the techniques worked and to apply them in their own shooting.

Given the number of special considerations one could make, 121 pages simply aren't enough to offer comprehensive coverage - there are entire books written on nothing but close-up photography in nature. It certainly isn't a dud, and it contains a lot of useful information, but I don't think it would be my first stop to learn about tabletop or macro photography.

I have been able to take my closeup photography to a new level with the help of this new book published by Rockynook. As a 'people photographer' I used to be interested in what some of my fellow students were shooting while attending Brooks Institute of Photography, however, never took the time and didn't take any of the nature classes where closeup photography was being taught.

I have recently been more interested in photography in the garden and would get some nice shoots when it was overcast, however, didn't really have the right equipment and didn't spend much time with technique.

This book has helped me with finding and using the right equipment (lenses) and helped more importantly with lighting techniques using various diffusers, reflectors and flash.

I am really pleased with the results I am consitently getting and am looking forward to getting back in the water (diving) to try some of the underwater closeup techniques that are covered in the book.

This book is great for someone just beginning photography and for the photography professional.

Tom Ligare

'Closeup Shooting: A Guide to Closeup, Tabletop and Macro Photography' is a wonderful book that will help you get the most of out your closeup shots that you want to look better and jump off the page at you! Shooting closeup is one of the hardest things a photographer can do. Just simply setting the camera to macro mode and pressing the 'shoot' button is rarely enough. Subjects like what is being shot, lighting, how fast the subject is moving, etc. etc. need to always be kept in mind and this book will tackle these issues and so much more! With over 100+ pages of material, this book is beautifully designed in a hardcover casing that yells out to the reader: LOOK AT ME!! If you are a serious or hobbyist photographer that is interested in taking closeup pictures or you simply want to get better at this facet of picture taking you owe it to yourself to pick up this book. I absolutely love this design and feel that this will make nearly any photographer become a BETTER photographer. Easy to recommend and a joy to peruse.

***** RECOMMENDED

Close-up Shooting
A guide to close-up, tabletop and macro photography
by Cyrill Harnischmacher
published by Rockynook 2007
ISBN 978-1-933952-09-3
rockynook.com
Reviewed by Carl Baggett (member of Eureka Photoshop Users Group)

Having just obtained a close-up lens I was eager to review this book. It turned out this book is perfect for someone just getting into close-up photography. There is a brief, basic discussion of the technical issues that is easy to absorb. The author does a good job comunicating that the many techniques of lighting is where the creativity of close-up photography starts.

Lots of photos are used to demonstrate what the author is discussing. In particular there are 2 pages with 9 photos of the same object. One page shows a comparison of different lens configurations and the other shows different lighting techniques. And you know what they say about a photo being worth a thousand words.

I haven't looked at any other books dealing with close-up photography to compare this one to, but I would tell any close-up beginner like myself that this book is a good one to get.

Closeup or 'macro' photography is using the camera to capture clearly defined images of very small objects or details and is one of the more difficult and demanding genres of photography. In "Closeup Shooting: A Guide To Closeup, Tabletop, and Macro Photography", studio photographer and designer Cyrill Harnischmacher also draws upon his professional expertise and experience in nature and infrared photography to provide the aspiring photographer with superbly illustrated, step-by-step manual on just how to capture images of the beauty present in the world of 'small, smaller, and smallest' objects. "Closeup Shooting" covers choosing the right equipment, the use of ambient or artificial lighting, as well as conceptualizing and framing the perfect shot. Beautifully illustrated through in full color, students of photography are provided with examples and detailed instructions on setting up a system and workflow for successful close-up photos. Of special note is the advice concerning the creative use of a camera's features which are key to gaining a perfect image. "Closeup Shooting" is thoroughly 'user friendly' and should be considered an indispensable guide for novice photographers -- and even those more experienced with the camera and are considering adding the techniques of macro photography to their photographic skill set.

Not remotely worth the cost. Far too few images. Many images are very average. Not remotely enough detail or examples in the technical discussion. Boring. I'm amazed others find this book so impressive.

If you want a serious introduction to shooting macro photography, read John Shaw's Close Ups In Nature. It's a classic. Even though it was written before digital, you'll learn from a master. And the basics apply directly to digital. And look for titles by Tim Fitzharris and George Lepp and other true masters of the art.

With the vast number of good photography books available that are devoted to or include discussion of macro photography, I'd put this one way down on the priority reading list.

After reading through this book twice I know this will be one of my favorites on the subject. There are many things to like about it. The examples are inspiring and informative. The content is varied but not shallow. And the layout and organization make it easy to follow.

Most of all I like this book because the author exhibits many of the traits I associate with great photographers. I can tell that he has wonderful vision, and that he spends many hours diligently pursuing it. I'm also impressed by the way he applies creativity, and uses low-cost items, rather than just instructing us to buy one of everything from the camera shop to make boring "me too" images. I recommend this book 100% to anyone seriously wanting to grow into macrophotography.

Some guides simply brag of the authors experience, others throw technical terms, shutter speeds and f-stops at the reader. A good guide should be wonderfully assembled to teach and inspire without arrogance. This book does that, providing a wonderful resource that even experienced photographers can learn from. Stunning photos and explanations inspire and teach. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to make their photos the best they can be.

Closeup photography is a great field for anyone looking to use their creative skills, as you can do it any time of year, indoors or out, with inexpensive equipment, or, as presented in this guidebook, with more sophisticated gear. This book goes into more detail than I've seen in other macrophotography books, provides better techniques, and really shows off some great photography. You can't go wrong with this one.

I found the book very confusing to read, and i have about 20 other photography books covering the spectrum.

I am guessing that english in not the authors first language, and that to me created a very abrasive writing tone, feeling little charm or personality in the writing.

To be honest some parts of it i had trouble following...