I am an amateur photographer and have been for two years. This book speaks to me as such without making me feel stupid or inferior for not having a career as a professional photographer. I give this book great praise for the information found within it. Although world-renown photographers are speaking to the reader about their personal field experiences and expertise, it is written in straight-forward language that amateurs may understand.
The book begins with an introduction of the five photographers and why they all prefer digital SLR systems over their former film systems. The next section includes the equipment used by each man to actually make the shots they get. They then provide concise dialogue of controlling exposure (chapter 1), understanding light (chapter 2), composing landscape images (chapter 3), landscape locations (chapter 4), and landscapes in black and white (chapter 5).
The book is not a series of drab or artistically subjective photographs that make you wonder, "Well, that picture looks nice/interesting...but how did they actually achieve this?" The photographs included in the book are essential in outlining their varied techniques and I love this book for their method in doing so.
Rather than just place pictures throughout the book with painfully vague captions stating, "See how the light plays a role on the landscape?" or, "Simplicity at its best," they actually have full captions accompanying every photograph detailing: 1. the location, 2. their critique of their work with additional tips and techniques, and 3. (THE MOST IMPORTANT) the camera equipment they used to take it and the shot information (i.e. Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II, 70-200mm lens, 1/15 sec at f/11, ISO 100)!! Every single picture has captions to that effect and it is extraordinarily helpful to see what literally makes a good landscape photograph.
The book does not supply you with endless technical details throughout the narration, so don't expect an all-encompassing book about photography. This book is specific to real landscapes found in the real world with minimal post-processing and nothing more. No slight-of-hand, no smoke and mirrors, just real testimonials of professionals who use digital SLRs as though they were film systems - but with digital perks.
An example of this is when David Noton explains in a caption that he spent four days staking out the best conditions for just one photograph. They didn't take a few snapshots and splice them together in post-processing to make a digital fake. This book showcases genuine professional photography!
Similarly mentioned by another reviewer, the layout of the book does not make me feel as though I stumbled upon a "world-renown" photographer's highbrow portfolio and soiled it with my inexperienced, amateurish eyes. The book is straight-forward and written by guys who know their stuff and, more importantly, have the humility to translate their work for amateurs to understand.
The pictures are aesthetically pleasing and envious. The captions and narrations are readable at every competency level. I would recommend this to anyone serious in elevating their landscape photography.
