John Shaw's Closeups in Nature

This book is worth the price for the breathtaking images alone. More importantly, John Shaw's ability to explain complex photographic issues and techniques with clarity makes this one of the best "how to" books I have ever read on any topic.Here are a few of the book's features that I especially appreciate with each re-reading:1. Thorough technical details beside each shot; 2. Emphasis on appreciating nature, and enjoying nature photography; 3. Appreciation of good photo gear for its effectiveness and convenience, combined with suggestions for improvising to reduce expense (such as how to shoot arresting closeups without investing in a macro lens); 4. Lots of Nikon-specific equipment references, but mentions Canon equivalents; 5. Ethical, urging photographers not to harass creatures or damage plants in the wilderness; 6. Did I mention the breathtaking images?His newer "Nature Photography Field Guide" is also brilliant,and equally full of superb images, valuable tips, and further inspiration. There is little overlap between the two."Closeups in Nature" opens up a new world of perception and expression for photographers. Treat yourself or a photographer friend to a copy.

If you're interested in nature photography and especially macro work, get this book before you spend a ton of money on confusing and/or expensive equipment (ie macro lenses, diopter sets, extension tubes, lens reversal rings etc.) John is easy to read and covers about everything you need to know about how to capture natures tiny subjects on film. Although the book is a bit old, basic photo techniques don't change and his love of photography is contagious. Buy this book and you'll be out in your yard within hours, camera in hand. He is a firm believer in the old saying "necessity is the mother of invention". From calibrating your light meter, using the palm of your hand to estimate midtone exposure, making homemade flash brackets or reflectors from coolwhip containers and tin foil, he covers it all. He reviews the basics of exposure, flash, different film pros and cons and explains all the basic macro equipment so you know what lenses and equipment will and won't do for you.

John Shaw shines in this book. The information is not only helpful, but to the point and direct. Shaw explains everything in detail, but only enough as needed. Truly exceptional book!! It is a must have guide to anyone who wants to delve into the macro photography field. I have been focusing on macro for the last year now. I just recently read the book and it helped me unbelievably. From what tripod to use to what filters (if any), to how to compose that great shot. It is a wonderful book!!

I have attended workshops taught by John Shaw, sitting on the side of a flower covered mountain, listening to John discuss macro technique. This book caries all of the character and clarity of being there listening to him in person. John Shaw's work is undoubtedly some of the best nature closeup work around and this book gives you all his tricks. The photographs in the book are excellent technically and provide wonderfull examples for the techniques explained in the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a complete overview of different macro techniques and/or detailed instruction on any of these techniques. He gives you all the options for macro technique without spending major dollars on unneeded equipment.