Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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

I've done a lot of digital photography with a SLR, but so far don't own a macro lens. This book makes me realize that I'll be able to create images that I long for with Detrick's techniques; a new lens will be the only item on my birthday wish list.
I love the way the author both describes his thought processes and shows several images of the same subject shot in different ways. Side by side you see not just the good one and the bad one, but even better, two great images with different goals in mind.

I have just completed reading and enjoying one of the most outstanding books on digital techniques in macro photography. "Macro Photography for Gardeners and Nature Lovers" by Alan L. Detrick can be used as a reference book for both professionals and hobbiests. The remarkable photographs and excellent accompanying text display the insight and knowledge of Mr. Detrick's years of involvement in nature photography. His knowledge and skill shine through this magnificent publication, with sharp eyed instructional text alongside each photo. One is aware that the best efforts were made in preparing this book.

This book is truly THE essential guide to digital techniques for macro nature photography. I have been applying many of the techniques Alan Detrick suggests, resulting in much improved images. His firsthand, detailed description of the many superior images in each sidebar add to the enjoyment and effectiveness of this guide. My visualization of an image before actual capture has become a key step along the path to successful capture, thanks to Alan's good example as described for each shot. The inclusion of technical information is also useful and treated at just the right level of detail and complexity; not distracting the reader from the essential message (for me), maintaining emphasis on making artful macro images. The author clearly is a master of his craft and an outstanding teacher. Thank you for making it available.

Mike Cirella
Juried fine art photographer member of the Cape Cod Art Association
[...]

I read this book from cover to cover. It is a Must Read for anyone considering delving into the world of Macro Photography, and still offers insight to those (like me) who have been shooting Macro for many years. The author not only tells you How he took each of his fine images, but Why. He touches on all aspects of Macro photography, from digital capture to composition to ideas on how best to manage your image files. If you want inspiration and good technical guidance on capturing some great macro images, read this book

The book has some very nice pictures, but also quite a few that didn't impress me, but that could simply be taste. The organization of the book was very irritating with a lot of pictures interlaced with the text often with no correlation with the subject. What information there was of limited use, I don't know why every author feels the need to cover basic stuff that is handled by other books. I don't buy a macro photography book to learn about workflows, JPEG and raw files. What I want is insights into things related to macro photography. Such as setups, lighting, tricks for making things easier.

I did get some ideas to help with my photography, but that was more from looking at the pictures to figure out how they were shot. I could have gotten that from looking at any web site specializing in flowers. Overall I wouldn't recommend the book.

This book is chocked full of beautiful photos and info on how they setup and took the photos. Lots and lots of great tips and ideas. I would think that beginners as well as professionals could learn from this book and get creative ideas sparked by these amazing photos. A wonderful purchase and fast delivery by Amazon.

The book's title says it all! I was so happy to find a book by an experienced photographer with an in-depth knowledge of garden plants. As a fellow gardener and novice photographer, I was captivated after reading the preface and seeing the first few images in "Macro Photography for Gardeners and Nature Lovers".

This compact book has chapters on defining macro photography, equipment condsiderations, looking at (and seeing) those macro images, plus information on digital file basics and digital workflow, all in an easy-to-read style. Mr. Detrick walks us through his wealth of experience needed for envisioning those exceptional close-up shots before pressing the shutter release.

After reading his book I was fortunate to attend a macro photography workshop with Alan and his wife Linda at Maine Media Workshops in Rockport, ME. Alan's a thorough and patient teacher... I learned so much. I highly recommend the experience of a workshop with them.