Macro Photography for Gardeners and Nature Lovers


Book Description

Gardeners and nature lovers delight in taking pictures—especially close-ups of flowers, butterflies, and insects. And though advances in digital camera technology have made taking, storing, and sharing photos easier than ever, taking top-quality pictures requires familiarity with both digital technology and the general principles of photography. Macro Photography for Gardeners and Nature Lovers provides exactly the information that aspiring photographers—no matter their level of skill—need to take their photos to the next level. Clear and concise chapters cover the basics of macro (close-up) photography, explain the features of current digital single-lens reflex cameras, show the many ways images can be composed, and share tips on digital effects, storage, and manipulation of imagery. Throughout the text, helpful tips, definitions, exercises, and case studies serve to demystify digital photography. Each lesson is supported by examples of the author's stunning photography. Whether taking photos of flowers and insects, compiling a photographic record of your garden, or simply sharing beautiful images with friends and family, everyone can become accomplished photographers of the world's small-scale wonders.




Close-up and Macro Photography


Book Description

Focusing on fieldcraft techniques for macro and close-up photography, Thompson covers the vital but often overlooked skills necessary to achieve consistent professional results in the field. Case studies covering a broad and often challenging group of subjects from the seashore to your back garden form the core of the lavishly illustrated book. Biology, life history, subject behaviour and ethics along with best practice approaches are discussed in detail and underpinned with photographic tips. The book is divided into four sections—Digital Fundamentals, Fieldcraft & Methodology, Portfolio Case Studies, Digital Workflow & Presentation—covering the full photographic process from capture through to editing, captioning, development and storage are discussed. Moving beyond the surface-level approach to macro instruction, this book provides readers with techniques that work in the field. Illustrated with over 250 of the author's own inspiring images, this publication is a must for photographers, naturalists and anyone interested in improving their macro skills in the field.




Mastering Macro Photography


Book Description

Macro photography is a fascinating and rewarding area of photography that allows you to capture the intricate details of the world around us. With the rise of digital cameras and the availability of affordable macro lenses, it's now easier than ever to explore this exciting genre. In this book, you'll learn the essential techniques for capturing stunning macro photographs, from understanding depth of field and lighting to selecting the right equipment and post-processing your images. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, you'll find plenty of tips and tricks to help you take your macro photography to the next level.




The Rough Guide to Digital Photography


Book Description

The Rough Guide to Digital Photography is an up to date quick reference tool for all things photography-related. With tips on composition and technique, editing quick fixes, and cool things to do with photos, this essential handbook tells you what you need to know to maximize the quality and impact of your pictures both online and off. It will also help you make sense of the mass of online options in an ever-changing digital age, from photo sharing and hosting to creating blogs, mash-ups and slideshows. Taking a practical look at the many image tools available, it will help you decide what's best for you and shows you how to: Learn the rules of composition ... and then learn how to break them Harness the power of the digital darkroom and how to create images that will impress your friends Whether you are new to photography, want to get the best out of your cameraphone, or are a dedicated amateur with an SLR this book will help you make the most of your pictures at home, on the move or online.




Photographing Flowers


Book Description

Capture stunning macro floral images with this gorgeous guide by acclaimed photographer Harold Davis. You'll learn about different types of flowers, macro equipment basics, and the intricacies of shooting different floral varieties in the field and in the studio. Harold also shows you techniques in the Photoshop darkroom that can be applied to flower photography to help you get the most out of your images. Beautiful and authoritative, this guide to photographing flowers is a must-read for every photographer interested in flower photography. Photographing Flowers will also win a place in the hearts of those who simply love striking floral imagery.




Essential Perennials


Book Description

Essential Perennials focuses on what every gardener needs to know to choose from the thousands of perennials available, and care for the ones you already have. This A-to-Z guide is packed with more than 2,700 plants, with each entry listing flower color, bloom time, foliage characteristics, size, and light and temperature requirements. Each profile is supported by stunning color photography that showcases the flower and foliage that make each plant unique.




A Photographer’s Guide to Ohio


Book Description

Ian Adams is perhaps the best-known landscape photographer in Ohio, and in the first volume of A Photographer’s Guide to Ohio, he shared his knowledge of what to photograph in the Buckeye State and how to photograph it. Now, in this second volume, Adams expands on his previous work, adding over 120 natural features, scenic rivers and byways, zoos and public gardens, historic buildings and murals, and even winter lighting displays to the list of places to visit and photograph in Ohio. In addition to advice on photographing landscapes, he offers tips for capturing excellent images of butterflies and dragonflies. Recognizing the rapid development of new technologies, Adams includes pointers on smartphone photography, lighting and composition, digital workflow, and sharing images across a variety of platforms. The book is illustrated with more than 100 color photographs. Comprehensive and concise, these two volumes make up a travel and photography guide to almost 300 of Ohio’s most noteworthy and beautiful outdoor places.




The Humane Gardener


Book Description

In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.




Seeing Flowers


Book Description

We’ve all seen red roses, blue irises, and yellow daffodils. But when we really look closely at a flower, whole new worlds of beauty and intricacy emerge. Using a unique process that far surpasses conventional macro photography, Robert Llewellyn shows us details that few of us have ever seen: the amazing architecture of stamens and pistils; the subtle shadings on a petal; the secret recesses of nectar tubes. Complementing Llewellyn’s stunning photographs are Teri Dunn Chace’s lyrical, illuminating essays. By highlighting the features that distinguish twenty-eight of the most common families of flowering plants, Chace gives us fascinating insights into the natural history of flowers, such as the relationship between pollinators and floral form and color. At the same time she gives us a deeper appreciation of why and how flowers have become so deeply embedded in human culture. Whether you’re a nature lover, a gardener, a photography buff, or someone who simply responds to the timeless beauty and variety of the floral world, Seeing Flowers will be a source of enduring delight.




Creative Garden Photography


Book Description

Make great photos of flowers, gardens, landscapes and thebeautiful world around us Gardens are everywhere, all around us. In this long-awaited guide to garden photography, noted botanical photographer and author Harold Davis tackles the subject of garden photography with an expansive brush. In this book, you''ll find techniques for photographing extreme macro subjects while becoming a better landscape photographer. From tiny flowers to vast landscapes, your photography can be enhanced using the techniques you will discover in Creative Garden Photography. What is a garden? The topic of garden photography encompasses a huge range of photographic styles and techniques that can be applied to almost any kind of photography. Learn to use this toolset from one of the acknowledged modern masters of photography. * Explore gardens, types of gardens, and how best to photograph them * Create stunning floral macros and high-key imagery * Learn techniques for adding impressionism to your photos * Use light and creative exposures to enhance your imagery * Master close-up focusing, depth-of-field, and focus stacking * Create your own custom field studio "in a bucket" * Complete exposure data and the story behind every photo "My goal as a photography teacher and writer about photography is to inspire andto help you become the best and most creative photographer and image-makerthat you can be." --Harold Davis "Harold Davis''s etherial floral arrangements have a purity and translucence thatborders on the spiritual." --Popular Photo Magazine "Davis is a pioneer and a new art form--part photographer, part digital illusionist." --Rangefinder Magazine "Harold Davis''s Creative Photography series is a great way to start a photographylibrary." --PhotoFidelity TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ENTERING THE GARDEN Understanding Gardens Garden Styles and Purposes Different Kinds of Garden Photography Garden Purpose and Design Informs Photography OF LIGHT AND GARDEN Sunrise, Sunset, Blue Hours, Golden Hour ON LOCATION: THE ROMANTIC GARDEN, SCHWETZINGEN AT SUNRISE, GERMANY ON THE IPHONE: SNAPSEED USING A TRIPOD Using a Tripod for More Creative Options Tripods for Garden Photography: Materials, Legs, Types of Heads Tripod Tips and Tricks BLENDING EXPOSURES TO EXTEND RANGE BLACK AND WHITE IN THE GARDEN Photographing the Zen Garden ON LOCATION: IMPERIAL GARDENS OF OLD NARA, JAPAN CONVERTING TO BLACK AND WHITE IMPRESSIONISTIC PHOTOGRAPHY Camera in Motion Subject in Motion with Camera Stationary Creative Exposures In-Camera Multiple Exposures Post-Production ON LOCATION: PHOTOGRAPHING MONET''S GIVERNY, FRANCE ON THE IPHONE: WATERLOGUE FOCUSING ON REPETITION Compositions with Repeating Garden Elements and Patterned Spaces Best Practices in Focus Depth of Field ON LOCATION: THE PARC DE SCEAUX, FRANCE FOCUS STACKING DRAGONFLIES, BEES, AND WASPS Stopping Motion Getting Close Dealing with Those that Sting Auxiliary Lighting: Reflectors, Macro Strobes, LED Lighting WATER DROPS AND SPIDER WEBS Refractions in Close-Up Photography Spider-Web Studio MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR GARDENS OF THE MIND PRINTING GARDEN PHOTOS NOTES & RESOURCES Off-Beat Garden Photography Tools Places to Practice Garden Photography Recommended iPhone Apps for Garden Photography iPhone Workflow ImageBlender NOTES AND RESOURCES GLOSSARY INDEX