How to Photograph Flowers (How To Photograph Series) [Paperback]

Heather Angel (Author)

Book Description

Series: How To Photograph Series | Publication Date: February 1, 1998

131 color photos 7 x 9 How-to information for photographers of all levels from an expert Stunning color photos of flowers from around the world A thorough, concise guide to essential equipment and techniques Heather Angel, internationally known nature photographer and author, describes equipment, film, lighting, composition, and special techniques for photographing flowers in the wild and in gardens. Clear, straightforward explanations focus on the particular challenges of taking beautiful flower photographs: coping with wind; getting correct meter readings; manipulating light with filters, diffusers, reflectors and fill-flash; composing and shooting close-ups; even adjusting for problem colors. Principles are illustrated with a wealth of color photos, from bluebonnets alongside a Texas road to giant lobelia in the mountains of Uganda. Also includes tips on making money from nature photography, and a list of international contacts. Heather Angel, a medal-winning member and past president of the Royal Photographic Society and author of numerous books on nature and photography, lives in Surrey, England.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Stackpole Books; 1st edition (February 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811724557
• ISBN-13: 978-0811724555
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,229,545 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Heather Angel is a leading peripatetic wildife photographer who is now concentrating on documenting the wildlife and remote parts of China - with three books on pandas to date icluding the best-selling Panda and the expansive Green China, with Exploring Natural China published in Fall 2010. Other popular wildlife titles include Wild Kew, Puffins, Snow Monkeys and Living Dinosaurs. She also writes practical wildlife photography books - Macro through a Nikon lens. Always an enthusiastic communicator, Heather tutors workshops worldwide and her work has been recognised by many awards in Britain and overseas. She was President of the Royal Photographic Society from 1984-86.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A disappointment., January 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Photograph Flowers (How To Photograph Series) (Paperback)

If you are looking for a good overview of flower photography this is your book. If you want some good meaty ideas on techniques and equipment, look elsewhere.

I bought this book looking for specific ideas on equipment usage and for killer photos. In many of the photos the flower itself appears, in my opinion, overexposed. Hopefully this is an artifact of the printing process. In any case the end result is that some of the printed photos do not meet the quality standard set by other photo books.

The comments on exposure scattered throughout the book imply that the author did not use TTL (through-the-lens) spot metering. Today it is hard to buy a 35mm camera without some sort of TTL spot function The author's lack of specificity in this case can greatly mislead those who are just beginning flower photography. The author's comments apply perfectly--to full screen metering only. Whay chaps me is that the author says nothing about the type of metering used. This, in a nutshell, is my biggest squawk about this book. Too many generalities. And if you want to do the best you can with what you have, you need specifics.

There are some good ideas like carry some string to tie back branches. I especially like the trick of converting the camera to an incedent light meter. Elegant.

Insofar as equipment utilization, the subject of multiple flash was barely mentioned. Nor was, unless I missed it, the idea of using a 24mm lens plus your smallest (12mm) extension tube for close up in the face shots.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars GOOD OVERVIEW FOR BEGINNER, December 31, 2004

By 

D. Blankenship (The Ozarks) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How to Photograph Flowers (How To Photograph Series) (Paperback)

Like another reviewer, I was a bit let down with this one. It does have some very nice pictures and does give some very nice tips if reference to photographing flowers, but skirts around the technical problems. If you need a book addressing equipments, methodiology and technical facts, better looks elsewhere. That being said, I did pick up several good techniques from it, i.e. tricks of the trade, so It was helpful in that aspect. Luckly, the book, bought used, does not cost all that much so there is really no reason not to add it to your photography book collection.

6 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful photos, comprehensive info, January 2, 2000

By 

Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How to Photograph Flowers (How To Photograph Series) (Paperback)

This wonderful book is packed with gorgeous flower photos and excellently presented practical information. It will appeal to anyone who wants to photograph flowers or who just appreciates them.

I like the way every point is demonstrated by an actual flower photograph. No space is wasted with pictures of equipment or other distractions. Still there is a wealth of technical information clearly & logically presented.

Each photo illustrates a specific concept of photographic technique and composition, described succinctly in the caption and in detail in the associated text. Information on the flowers and location is also included.

The book also chronicles the author's worldwide travels as a commercial flower photographer. Various business opportunities are explored and lists of sources are references are provided as well.