by John H. Williams ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 30, 2014
A clearsighted, useful book for photographers looking to turn their snapshots into more compelling, meaningful photographs.
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An informative guide that tackles important topics, from what nature photography is to perfecting technique to caring for equipment.
Williams, a nature writer and photographer for over four decades, wrote this guide to help photographers of all experience levels improve their craft. Refusing to rely on Photoshop, the book explains the skills and attention required to truly “see” the natural beauty of a subject and to successfully record it as a digital image. While Williams doesn’t go over the mechanical nuts and bolts of a camera, he does explain the fundamentals, such as the relationship between shutter speed, f-number (aperture) and ISO (film speed) for correct depth of field, especially in landscape shots. Once a frustrated shutterbug himself, Williams dispenses advice, using his own professional experience to relay habits and techniques. At times, the tone can seem a bit critical in regard to the ways of others, but the information is clearly related, uncluttered by extraneous information or needless data; often, it’s also illustrated with a personal story or anecdote. The book is split into various categories—Landscapes, Still Life Photography, Photographing Mammals, Photographing Birds, etc.—in which Williams shares his secrets, tips and tricks for good photos of a particular subject. For instance, Williams says, the key to a good landscape photo is a powerful foreground. The text also carefully addresses common mistakes made in nature photography, usually pertaining to color representation, critical focus, or a lack of attention to the focal point of an image. In the chapter on equipment, Williams focuses on service above status. Some photographers feel only top of the line will do, but Williams helpfully discusses where bare minimums are acceptable and where frugality should never be considered; he even points out how certain bells and whistles can create issues. At the end of each chapter is a “Project” section, which ranges from enumerating important tips, further suggestions and advice, exercises to improve technique, and actual projects such as how to make your own reflectors and light-blocking screens. Amid all its solid advice and encouragement, the book centers on a key idea: Always improve, not just your technique; learn to see as a photographer and critically analyze your work. Make your best shots better. As Williams says, “Perfection should be your goal if you take your photographic work seriously.”
A clearsighted, useful book for photographers looking to turn their snapshots into more compelling, meaningful photographs.Pub Date: July 30, 2014
ISBN: 978-1496109101
Page Count: 328
Publisher: CreateSpace
Review Posted Online: Jan. 2, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2015
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
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by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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