Reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher
Weaknesses: This is not a tutorials
guide, per se. You have to “digest” the readings slowly step by step like a
textbook. The tutorials are learned through these worthwhile readings. If you
want a quick guide, this is not for you (but you will miss a great book!).
Introduction
Most
of my photography has been with nature, sky and other worldly objects, using
telephoto, regular or other lenses. Lately however I have seen objects such as
spiders, plants and other objects that show objects close up. Having dabbled in
taking close-up pictures of spiders, flowers, moths and more, I thought it
lucky that a book called Macro Photography appeared at the right time when I
was searching for further information about creating better close-up
photographs. And this is why I was happy about finding it.
The
author, a freelance writer, has a popular photography blog and is known for his
creativity and work with hardware. He also has a good way of using words and I
found that his ideas and ways he communicated them within the tutorials and
more, a great read. In many ways, I found the “wording” and “ his ideas
different then I had ever thought about. I found myself being drawn into the
book by this and several other ways.
The author,
using expressive words, says that macro photography “has changed over time
and that macro photography has changed it even to further”. The 10th chapter
spans a wide range of his important insights, reflections and ideas. What is
remarkable about this book is the extremely intuitive nature and the clear
ideas that are laid out about macro photography.
Instead
of regular text laden tutorials, the author integrates detailed examples
(photos) with profound statement that are instantly understood. These insights
gave me a “new look” on several ideas and included new insights that I could
use about photography in general but also macro photography. Instead of stating
the obvious or including information that one should just do a task, the author
eases the user into understanding and the “why’s and how’s”. This is a
refreshing change. His statements are communicated brilliantly and concisely.
He also addresses how and what ways macro photography “has changed over time
and how digital photography has changed it even more” (page 5). He then continues
to introduce you to “the regular topics” used in macro photography and going
beyond.
Photos
in the book (collected from other photographers) are magnificent and illustrate
his “points of view and idea,” too an even greater extent. He also says that
while macro photography can be used in many ways, many of the rules that apply
to other branches of photography are “meaningless when you start to getting
close enough for the results you want” (page 7). I found statements like this
and others helped me pay attention even further to the remarkable detail the
author has crafted into this book.
Orange
box-markers (ref for reference) within the chapters, detail additional ideas
regarding instruction, hardware or software. Additional ideas called “notes”,
assist with knowing about equipment, learning new ideas, and even include
websites for finding additional information. Boxes with “tip” inside yield
information about equipment. “Idea” boxes include other websites and resources
to search for find additional information.
Chapter 1
eases you into the world of macro photography. This includes basic challenges,
working with macros and information about camera bodies for the topic of this
book. Chapter 2 focuses more in-depth about equipment, while Chapter 3 includes
lighting under many situations (well done chapter and important). Chapter 4
lays the ground work for “ macro opportunities everywhere.” This is followed
by subsequent chapters which include techniques and ideas for photographing
flowers, textures, insects. Then skills can be practiced with abstracts
pictures and art and people. Finally Chapter 10 includes digital darkrooms
skills and understanding more “how’s and what’s” which includes Raw
information.
In the Appendix A, there are internet
resources while Appendix B includes the 10 names of contributing photographers
who has some of the books photos utilized in this text. A nice glossary allows
for the searching of vocabulary, while the index helps find additional
information at your finger tips.
Conclusions
I
really found this book insightful, resourceful and a refreshing way to learn
about photography. I instantly found more information concerning utilizing my
camera for “macro – fun. ” The photos elevated my ideas even further
because I literally could look at the photos and tutorial/ readings and
instantly get “a-hah (insight)” in my mind how and when to try to use my camera
for other close-ups now and in the future.
Recommendation
I
think you will be delighted you found this book for several reasons. The price
is right and is a great buy. Everywhere you turn in this book, you will learn
something new. It looks good and will no doubt inspire you to look at the “the
world “ and using your camera in different way.
Anyone
who wants to use their digital camera for close-ups / macro activities should
take a look at this book. Not only does it expand your thoughts about exploring
with your camera but also the best ways to experiment and how. You will also
discover some twenty-plus ways to be challenged, how to troubleshoot and use
your digital-editing skills to create effects desired. Find and read this book
to get as many “ahahs” as I did.