John Shaw's Closeups in Nature (Practical Photography Books) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Photographers who are starting to think about working in the closeup range often ask, "How close can I get with this particular lens or accessory?..." (more)
Key Phrases: lens stacked, middletoned subject, rotating tripod collar, Auto Flash (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

There's more than one way to shoot a frog, as Shaw demonstrates in this splendid book, a thorough course in practical field techniques for closeup photography using a 35mm single-lens reflex camera. Although hobbyists who want to capture the flowers in their garden can glean ideas for composition or the best time of day to photograph, this detailed work is intended primarily for the serious amateur or professional. Success in closeup photography, Shaw maintains, depends on control, and he advocates meticulous experimenting and testing of equipment and supplies before one attempts to photograph in the quickly changing, unpredictable conditions of the field. Shaw (The Nature Photographer's Complete Guide to Professional Field Techniques) is an excellent teacher, establishing a common vocabulary with the reader, presenting lavishly illustrated new material that builds on previous knowledge, repeating important concepts and techniques for emphasis. He believes that technical competence frees the photographer to concentrate on esthetics, and his inspiring pictures are beautiful artworkfields of flowers that evoke impressionist paintings, delicate dogwood blossoms reminiscent of Oriental designs, rare glimpses of snowflakes or raindrops on a yew needle. Photography Book Club main selection.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

Hailed by American Photographer as "the master of the closeup," one of the country's foremost nature photographers offers the first book to apply closeup techniques to the subject of nature. 190 full-color and 20 black-and-white illustrations.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Amphoto Books; First Edition edition (September 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0817440526
• ISBN-13: 978-0817440527
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #42,049 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Inspirational Book, February 14, 2001

By	Catchlight (Vancouver Island, BC) - See all my reviews

This book is worth the price for the breathtaking images alone. More importantly, John Shaw's ability to explain complex photographic issues and techniques with clarity makes this one of the best "how to" books I have ever read on any topic.

Here are a few of the book's features that I especially appreciate with each re-reading:

1. Thorough technical details beside each shot; 2. Emphasis on appreciating nature, and enjoying nature photography; 3. Appreciation of good photo gear for its effectiveness and convenience, combined with suggestions for improvising to reduce expense (such as how to shoot arresting closeups without investing in a macro lens); 4. Lots of Nikon-specific equipment references, but mentions Canon equivalents; 5. Ethical, urging photographers not to harass creatures or damage plants in the wilderness; 6. Did I mention the breathtaking images?

His newer "Nature Photography Field Guide" is also brilliant,and equally full of superb images, valuable tips, and further inspiration. There is little overlap between the two.

"Closeups in Nature" opens up a new world of perception and expression for photographers. Treat yourself or a photographer friend to a copy.

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars images of natures tiny subjects, June 13, 2000

By A Customer

If you're interested in nature photography and especially macro work, get this book before you spend a ton of money on confusing and/or expensive equipment (ie macro lenses, diopter sets, extension tubes, lens reversal rings etc.) John is easy to read and covers about everything you need to know about how to capture natures tiny subjects on film. Although the book is a bit old, basic photo techniques don't change and his love of photography is contagious. Buy this book and you'll be out in your yard within hours, camera in hand. He is a firm believer in the old saying "necessity is the mother of invention". From calibrating your light meter, using the palm of your hand to estimate midtone exposure, making homemade flash brackets or reflectors from coolwhip containers and tin foil, he covers it all. He reviews the basics of exposure, flash, different film pros and cons and explains all the basic macro equipment so you know what lenses and equipment will and won't do for you.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on close-up photography. All practical methods, September 17, 1996

By A Customer

I have attended workshops taught by John Shaw, sitting on the side of a flower covered mountain, listening to John discuss macro technique. This book caries all of the character and clarity of being there listening to him in person. John Shaw's work is undoubtedly some of the best nature closeup work around and this book gives you all his tricks. The photographs in the book are excellent technically and provide wonderfull examples for the techniques explained in the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a complete overview of different macro techniques and/or detailed instruction on any of these techniques. He gives you all the options for macro technique without spending major dollars on unneeded equipment.