Jim’s Photo Page - Nature Photography Books 2

This is my second page of nature photography book recommendations. For more information and books, go to Nature Photography Books 1 after you've looked at this page.

George Lepp’s BEYOND THE BASICS: Innovative Techniques for Nature Photography and the sequel, BEYOND THE BASICS II: More Innovative Techniques for Outdoor/Nature Photography are very-good, specialized books to dig into after you have a good handle on the basics of nature photography. Lepp is the tech guru for OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHER magazine and Lepp knows his stuff. Each book covers a number of specialized topics in about 10-15 pages per topic. Some of the topics in the first book are Multiple TTL Flash, Cross-Polarized Lighting, Butterflies, Creative flower Techniques, Projected Flash, and Zoo Photography. Some of the topics in book II are Aquariums, Tele-Extenders for Macro & Telephoto Photography, Flying Birds, Photographic Blinds, Controlled Animals, Aerial Landscapes, Fall Colors, and Design Elements. These books are well named. When you want to go “Beyond the Basics,” this is the place to go. You can get these books several places, including directly from George Lepp (see my links page). Lepp’s own quarterly THE NATURAL IMAGE is well worth your while if you are truly serious about nature photography.

No-one I know does bird photography quite like Arthur Morris. He is one of the country’s foremost avian photographers. This is a specialized form of photography, requiring long lenses that push your bank account and skills that push your patience. Try and take a few photos like the kind Morris takes and you will see what I mean. If eye-popping photos of birds is your goal, Morris’ books are essential reading. Start with his small book, BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY: Pure and Simple. Then graduate to his big book, THE ART OF BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY: The Complete Guide to Professional Field Techniques. Reading these two books will start you on the right path to better bird photography. You can get these books directly from Arthur Morris (see my Links page) and at the Amazon.com link at the bottom of this page.

Another first class bird photography book, by Larry West and Juli Ridl, is HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH BIRDS, one of the very well done "How To Photograph" series by Stackpole Books.

If you like to photograph bugs and beetles and frogs and other things that creep, crawl and slither, two more excellent books written by Larry West will get you started: HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH INSECTS AND SPIDERS and HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS (both part of the How To Photograph series). Larry West really knows his stuff and you will be well rewarded by reading and trying out what he shares in his books.

Yet another very good book in the How to Photograph series is HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH ANIMALS IN THE WILD by L. L. Rue (America's most published wildlife photographer) and his son Len Rue. Also by L. L. Rue is his reprinted HOW I PHOTOGRAPH WILDLIFE AND NATURE. Rue writes a column in OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHER and is an amazing photographer.

If you have landscapes on your mind, I have two words for you: John Fielder. His book, PHOTOGRAPHING THE LANDSCAPE: THE ART OF SEEING is my absolute favorite landscape how to book. Whether you start with Fielder and then read some other books, or read some others and then read Fielder – eventually you must read, think about, absorb and try out the concepts presented by John Fielder. From Theory to Toppings to Timing, his book will challenge you to a very high level of photography. Some of the photographs are absolutely stunning. If landscapes is your thing, Buy This Book!!

Other excellent landscape books are JOHN SHAW’S LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY, Tim Fitzharris' The Sierra Club Guide to 35mm LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY, and Charlie Waite’s THE MAKING OF LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHS, A Practical Guide to the Art and Techniques. These are all fine books and will serve you well.

Jim Brandenburg is a world class nature photographer. Check out BROTHER WOLF (hardcover) or BROTHER WOLF (paperback) which was shot on or near his property in Minnesota. One fall, to challenge and renew his photographic spirit, he took one and only one picture every day for 90 days. It was a personal project that managed to find its way into National Geographic, and then into book form: CHASED BY THE LIGHT. Look at the photos and be amazed. They may be the three best consecutive rolls of film ever taken. I was impressed, and I think you will be too. Check this out at you local library and/or buy it for inspiration.

After you have gone to the trouble to take a great photograph, you want it to last as long as possible. Henri Wilhelm is the expert in this area. His book, THE PERMANENCE AND CARE OF COLOR PHOTOGRAPHS: Traditional and Digital Color Prints, Color Negatives, Slides, and Motion Pictures, is the most comprehensive reference on the topic. Check it out at the library, or buy a copy for reference.

To find one of the books above, simply click on the link for the book. To find anything else at Amazon.com, use the Amazon link at the bottom of this page. If you like this web site, you can show your support by starting with the links on these pages whenever you go to Amazon.com.

The books on these two pages are the cream of the crop and should keep you busy for a long time to come. Remember, what will really improve your photography is to go out and try what you read in these books. Have a great time! Good shooting!!