Macro Photography for Gardeners and Nature Lovers: The Essential Guide to Digital Techniques [Paperback]

Alan L. Detrick (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 22, 2008

Gardeners and nature lovers delight in taking pictures-especially close-ups of flowers, butterflies, and insects. And though advances in digital camera technology have made taking, storing, and sharing photos easier than ever, taking top-quality pictures requires familiarity with both digital technology and the general principles of photography. Macro Photography for Gardeners and Nature Lovers provides exactly the information that aspiring photographers—no matter their level of skill—need to take their photos to the next level. Clear and concise chapters cover the basics of macro (close-up) photography, explain the features of current digital single-lens reflex cameras, show the many ways images can be composed, and share tips on digital effects, storage, and manipulation of imagery. Throughout the text, helpful tips, definitions, exercises, and case studies serve to demystify digital photography. Each lesson is supported by examples of the author's stunning photography. Whether taking photos of flowers and insects, compiling a photographic record of your garden, or simply sharing beautiful images with friends and family, everyone can become accomplished photographers of the world's small-scale wonders.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Although the book is lovely to look at, it isn’t a coffee-table copy. Instead, Detrick, an award-winning photographer and instructor, has created a hard-working, soft-cover book that plenty of gardeners would be happy to see under their Christmas trees." (Minneapolis Star Tribune )

“[A] wonderful guide for photographers looking to take it to the next level.”

(The English Garden )

“[B]oth aspiring and accomplished photographers will find just the right information on the basics of  taking close-ups, how to used digital cameras to best advantage, along with tips on digital effects, storage, and manipulation of images.” (Journal Enquirer )

“[A] beautiful book explaining how we can take stunning close-up photos in our gardens…this book will help bring your garden photos to a new level of quality and effectiveness.”

(Recorder )

“Learn the basics of close-up photography with helpful tips, definitions, exercises and case studies covering the features of current D-SLRs, how to compose and more.”

(Outdoor Photographer )

"As an experienced photographer, I found this book extraordinarily helpful, alive with tips and tricks.  I highly recommend [it] for photographers who are looking to dabble in macro photography or those who already have some experience." (Washington Gardener )

"All of the beautifully reproduced photographs are accompanied by text that helps and never talks down to the reader." (Shutterbug )

“Each photo is a short lesson in making outstanding photos. Reading this book is like walking through a garden and seeing through the eyes of a master photographer.”
(American Gardener )

About the Author

Noted garden, nature, and landscape photographer Alan L. Detrick resides with his wife and business partner, Linda, in Glen Rock, New Jersey. His award-winning work has appeared worldwide in major publications including Audubon, Garden Design, Horticulture, Modern Maturity, Natural History, Reader's Digest, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, and Sunset.

An experienced instructor, Alan has lectured and led photography workshops for professional organizations and public gardens including the American Horticultural Society, the Garden Club of America, the Garden Writers Association, The New York Botanical Garden, Chanticleer Garden, Brookside Gardens, and Longwood Gardens. In addition to owning a stock photography agency, Alan and Linda also provide photographic services for landscape architects and garden designers. In 2005 they were honored as Fellows of the Garden Writers Association. Their Web site address is www.alandetrick.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press (October 22, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881928909
• ISBN-13: 978-0881928907
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 0.5 x 9.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #182,083 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Noted garden, nature and landscape photographer, Alan L. Detrick resides with his wife and business partner, Linda, in Glen Rock, NJ. His award winning work has appeared worldwide in major publications including Audubon, Garden Design, Horticulture, Modern Maturity, Natural History, the New York Times, Newsweek, Prentice Hall, Readers Digest, Sports Illustrated and Sunset.
An experienced instructor, Alan has lectured and led photography workshops for professional organizations and public gardens including the American Horticultural Society, the Garden Club of America, the Garden Writers Association, The New York Botanical Garden, Chanticleer Garden, Brookside Gardens, and Longwood Gardens.
He is the author and photographer of "Macro Photography for Gardeners and Nature Lovers", by Timber Press and the sole photographer for "Beyond the Garden, Easy and Elegant Rose Designs" by Ellen Spector Platt.
In addition to owning a stock photography agency, Alan & Linda also provide photographic services for landscape architects and garden designers. In 2005, they were honored as Fellows of the Garden Writers Association. Their web site is www.alandetrick.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 62 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical ~ whether experienced or a novice November 14, 2008

By Benjamin

Format:Paperback

Written by a professional photographer and lecturer and instructor, and someone who is also clearly knowledgeable about plants, Macro Photography is a very informative publication. The term "macro" in this instance is taken at is loosest to encompass close-up photography as well as true macro. The book is divided into seven main sections which include an introduction to macro photography, the equipment needed, how to look at images, a section entitled `Realistic or Artistic?' and sections on photographing flora and fauna, digital files and handling. There is also a list of resources, a glossary and an index.

The book sets out to reach both the experienced photographer and the novice, and here I feel it succeeds. The writer, having moved from traditional film photography to digital does well in explaining the differences and how this should affect ones approach. I found this particularly useful having myself been schooled, and schooled others, in the days of film photography. The technical aspects of macro photography are covered quite extensively and very clearly, and all are well illustrated by the superb pictures which accompany the text; a useful point here is that in addition to the coverage in the text each photograph is accompanied by its own explanation along with details of camera, lens and settings used.

Of course when it comes to the more subjective area of "artistic" photography there is the possibility of disagreement. Yet the advice given here is sound, although there was the occasional point I would not always agree with; but that is only to be expected when one moves into such areas, and of course each is able to make his own decision, again the excellent pictures here can help one to decide. For example, where a blossom is too large to be in focus from front to back, Detrick suggests ensuring that the perimeter or outer edge is in sharp focus; the centre or closest part of the flower then being out of focus (pp74-75, Allium blossom). The theory being that the viewer notices the perimeter first and so decides that the picture is in focus. However the accompanying pictures used to illustrate the point I feel suggest the reverse; I find the blurred centre of the bloom worrying. I do not doubt that Detrick's theory works in principle, but maybe it just goes to show that there is no definite solution to every situation. Whatever one decides, the benefit of this book is that pictures tell the story, whichever way one wants to read it.

Even as an experienced photographer I found this a most useful book; every aspect is adequately covered from advice on the equipment, how to use and get the best out of it, and how to compose, light and shoot the pictures. The possibilities of what can be done with photo editing software are also mentioned, but not discussed in detail. I am sure that whatever the level of knowledge the reader, one is bound to find this a very useful publication. Well illustrated with over 160 good size colour photographs.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical AND inspirational! December 5, 2008

By Ellen Zachos

Format:Paperback

Having read many books on macro photography I found Mr. Detrick's approach both accessible and artistic. Too often instructors include merely the technical, without touching on what motivates their choices. In this book we are given not only the "how to" but the "why you might want to." Mr. Detrick considers the aesthetic as well as the technical, the result being that the reader is inspired to experiment with her or his own artistic vision, having been given the tools with which to work. The best book I've read on this subject, by far.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Close-up Nature Photography December 3, 2008

By Bug Lover

Format:Paperback

This is the first macro book that makes sense to me. The images are inspirational. I also really like the fact that the author's thinking behind the images is included along with the technical data. It gives some human insight into the compositions that is missing in many other publications. I believe this is a fine, very useful guide and reference for any photographer who is interested in doing, or wanting to do close-up nature photography. Easily five stars for a rating