Book Reviews

Book Reviews

C.A. Boylan  |  Jun 1, 2004

Through The Lens: National Geographic Greatest Photographs; National Geographic Books, 1145 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20036; hard cover; 504 pages; $30; (ISBN 0-7922-6164-X)

This glorious title from National Geographic features 250 images carefully selected from their vast collection of 10.5 million photographs. These amazing shots document the changing face of our world over the course of 100 years but the amount of effort that went into its creation reveal this to be so much more than just a mere book. It's a virtual journey across the globe and into space as seen by 84 of National Geographic's most accomplished photographers. This is an amazing adventure and at the affordable price of $30, you won't be able to resist.

100 Ways To Take Better Photographs; by Michael Busselle; David & Charles Books, distributed by F&W Publications, Inc., 4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45236; soft cover; 128 pages; $24.99; (ISBN 0-7153-1499-8)

Every amateur photographer yearns to discover new techniques to transform ordinary looking snapshots into professional quality images. Busselle has the inside information on exactly how to accomplish this goal and he provides 100 hot tips as well as an abundant supply of sample images to get you started in the right direction. He covers every aspect of photography from equipment to composition, using light and how to achieve better color results. There are also a few lessons on portrait, nature, travel, landscape, and still life photography that are truly fascinating so don't miss out on this one.

San Francisco Bay: Portrait Of An Estuary; text by John Hart, photographs by David Sanger; The University Of California Press, 2120 Berkeley Way, Berkeley, CA 94720; hard cover; 212 pages; $34.95; (ISBN 0-520-23399-9)

While the San Francisco Bay is famous for its scenic beauty, very few visitors realize the real complex nature of the area. The bay is a vital estuary that provides shelter to birds and fish while supplying life giving water to all. These every day miracles are clearly presented in this fascinating book. Sanger provides 155 vivid images that are expertly paired with Hart's inspirational words to create a fascinating book that you'll be sure to enjoy and learn from.

The Art Of Black And White Photography; by John Garrett; Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016; soft cover; 160 pages; $19.95; (ISBN 1-4027-1009-7)

Black and white film has the seemingly magical ability to not only freeze a single moment in time but to harness the emotions of that instant as well. Many photographers rely on that trait but it takes a great deal of hard work to master the technique. John Garrett provides a wealth of useful tips, detailed charts, and equipment lists along with 250 sample images that should have you producing high quality photographs in a short time. This guide acts like an intensive workshop where you can set your own pace for maximum efficiency and I highly recommend owning a copy.

National Audubon Society Guide To Nature Photography, Revised Edition; by Tim Fitzharris; Firefly Books Ltd., 3680 Victoria Park Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M2H 3K1; soft cover; 192 pages; $24.95; (ISBN 1-55297-808-7)

If your passion is nature photography then the Audubon Society has the perfect guide book to aid in your quest for the perfect shot. Fitzharris expertly utilizes his many years of practical experience to provide a bounty of fantastic tips on everything from traditional SLR equipment, film, filters, and tripods to digital gadgets and innovative ways to carry your gear. There are 200 illustrations that serve to both inspire and educate the reader on the fine points of capturing breathtaking nature images that you've only dreamed about.

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