Most amateur photography books spend way too many pages on generic equipment recommendations, photography basics and other generalities without specific advice. They're usually a major waste of time (& money).

Mr. Shaw's book goes into step-by-step detail and offers extremely practical advice on both equipment & a plethora of advanced photography techniques.

Disregard the word "nature" in the title and read it regardless of whatever type of photographer you are. Sure, the book is geared towards nature photography and it mainly discusses high-end equipment usage. But any discerning reader should be able to tailor the advice to his specific needs. E.g., using slide film requires more effort & cost than I am willing to expend, f/4 telephoto lenses are a lighter/cheaper compromise than f/2.8 (I'm not a perfectionist and I don't use my equipment to build upper body strength while herding my family and the 2x26" Samsonites on vacations.)

The book is not geared only toward professionals but an amateur should have a serious level of interest in the hobby to make the most of the book.

I wish I could find a book as well written as this for travel & portrait photography (My main interests are vacation photography and pictures of my family). This book is hazardous to mediocre photography!


Excellent, very thorough nature guide   July 15, 2003
 9 out of 11 found this review helpful

The information provided on exposure alone is worth the price of admission as it were. Personally I use a Pentax Pz-1p and have no problem with the discussions when he refers to Nikon or Canon, admittedly the Pz-1p doesn't have mirror lockup (the MZ-S, and the *ist do) but I manage just fine! The book is very thorough in both technical and artistic considerations and I have seen a definite improvement in my photos since using it (although i shoot print and never have shot slides and that just goes to show the power of this book) I would go further to say that while all of Mr Shaw books are great if you had to pick just one this should be it. I would also advise those now getting into SLR photography that before you buy a camera buy this (or borrow it from a library) and read the section on buying a camera system, very useful!!


An easy to follow book on all the details   June 26, 2003
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I found this book to be great for me. I am new to photography but have been an avid amateur for about two years. Being a detail person, this book is the sixth one that I read but it is by far the best.

John Shaw makes it all clear and doesn't use the buzz words that you will not understand. If he does use technical jargon, he explains it completely.

If you like outdoor photography the book is a must. Otherwise it is a good (no great) book on the basics from exposure to lighting to equipment to common problems.

Don't miss this one.


Should be "Nature Photography 35mm SLR Field Guide"   May 26, 2003
 10 out of 11 found this review helpful

I claim the title should include "35mm SLR" because there is so much information specific to 35mm SLR equipment. That's a good thing. This book is EXTREMELY helpful in explaining the gear and techniques needed for nature photography.
Since Mr. Shaw seems to keep up, very pragmatically, with new equipment, I'll be very interested in a new edition that takes into account digital SLRs!
I also bought "Understanding Exposure" (forget the author) at the same time, and can say that "Nature Photography Field Guide" covers everything "Understanding Exposure" does, and more, and better.


Excellent Photography Guide   May 12, 2003
 2 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is one of the best guides for photography I've read with easy to follow instructions and very understandable language. Any beginner to photography would benefit from this guide and the photos are stunning. A definite "must buy" for any amateur photographers.