Rating: 
Summary: Very useful information, irritating style
Review: I've read this book cover to cover several times and I have to say it has greatly improved my understanding the technical aspects of photography and my results have improved rapidly. I highly recommend the book, especially to beginners like me. That said, I have to say that when I'm looking through the book for the umpteenth time for advice and technical information, the condescending, know-it-all tone that the author occasionally adopts to make his point gets really irritating and detracts from my enjoyment of the book. Also, although the brand-specific information is probably useful for Nikon users, and in the cases of some kinds of equipment like tripods, for people with large pocketbooks, it is of little use to people with other systems or limited budgets, and once again this makes me as a reader feel a bit like a second-class citizen. My point is that John Shaw is a very experienced photographer and decent writer who has collected a great set of useful tips into a handy book, but I wish he would stop bragging about himself and his equipment in the process.
Rating: 
Summary: If You Can Buy Only One Book
Review: If you are interested in nature photography and can buy only one book this is the one to buy. For the beginning and intermediate nature photographer this is a complete course under one cover. But even the expert can derive something from the refresher course this book provides.Shaw begins with fundamentals, with a discussion of the bedrock of photography, exposure. He makes clear in simple steps the relationship between shutter speed, aperture and film speed. Even in this day of high tech cameras that handle all of this information if you let them, anyone who really wants to master photography must understand this relationship so they can lie to the camera. (If you don't know what I mean, you need to
read this book.) At the very least you'll learn when to select aperture, shutter or program mode. Shaw then goes on to discuss equipment and film, lenses, composition, closeups and working in the field. He even provides a seasonal guide to shooting locations, mostly in the United States. The book is profusely illustrated with Shaw's photos. How does someone whose prose is so straightforward and concise take such poetic pictures? At first I was surprised at the amount of space devoted to closeups. I knew that these were a Shaw specialty but I felt that most of the audience for this book would not be that interested in the subject. Then I realized that I felt this way because I didn't know how to do this well in nature. After
reading this chapter I was inspired to journey into the yard to take a Shaw-instructed closeup of a day lily. I was so pleased with what I had learned and applied that the picture now hangs on my wall. I have a few minor quibbles with some of Shaw's advice. For example he urges the reader to use slide film and gives good reasons. But, particularly in this day of digital imaging, the greater range of color negative film has its uses. I think Shaw could have acknowledged this. But my quibbles are minor. This book belongs in every nature
photographer's library, even if it is the only one.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book
Review: If you are just getting started in photography this book is an excellent choice. Quite easy to understand, this book will significantly increase your knowledge and understanding of fundamental photographic techniques. No one else explains exposure so succinctly and clearly as you will find it here. You also get to look at all of the wonderful photographs included in the book.
Rating:
Summary: Another Must Book For the Photograhpic Library
Review: John Shaw does an excellent job in keep one's interest in the reading of the book. The accompanying photos are excellent as well. Being an advanced amateur photographer I was able to learn from John's experiences in composing. He showed a lot of tight shots in nature which means that you should not venture out with only a superwide or wide angle, but take the tele as well. Though I think Bryan Peterson does a better job showing side by side exposures comparing the differences in aperture settings and the benefit of bracketing, John is a pro and by all means add this book to your library regardless of your photographic talent.
Rating:
Summary: Always a great work!
Review: John Shaw has been my book mentor for over 15 years. He consistently publishes books of the highest educational value. This field guide is no exception. From the author of Nature's Palette: Art Through a Photographer's Eyes, Michael Impellizzeri
Rating:
Summary: Very nice for advanced and beginner
Review: John Shaw is a master photographer who excels at communicating his knowledge in very clear and concise language. This book is a marvel of efficiency as he covers topic after topic in highly succinct fashion. While keeping each section brief, he manages to teach a lot in the clearest way possible. Many tips on how to get correct exposure and strong composition are in here as well as techniques for macro photography. Also, a significant portion of the book is devoted to considerations when purchasing equipment and the information is invaluable. As others have pointed out, the equipment he favors is not cheap but some seem to miss the entire point of those chapters. Shaw does not give the reader a shopping list. He discusses the pros and cons of various equipment and encourages you to weigh the trade-offs to develop your own equipment list. Since much of the better equipment is expensive, this may mean rationing your money to get the best bang for the buck. This is an excellent book. It covers a variety of topics with a rare clarity that makes it a must have for any serious photographer.
Rating:
Summary: Great advice for all photographers
Review: John Shaw is a master photographer who excels at communicating his knowledge in very clear and concise language. This book is a marvel of efficiency as he covers topic after topic in highly succinct fashion. While keeping each section brief, he manages to teach a lot in the clearest way possible. Many tips on how to get correct exposure and strong composition are in here as well as techniques for macro photography. Also, a significant portion of the book is devoted to considerations when purchasing equipment and the information is invaluable. As others have pointed out, the equipment he favors is not cheap but some seem to miss the entire point of those chapters. Shaw does not give the reader a shopping list. He discusses the pros and cons of various equipment and encourages you to weigh the trade-offs to develop your own equipment list. Since much of the better equipment is expensive, this may mean rationing your money to get the best bang for the buck. This is an excellent book. It covers a variety of topics with a rare clarity that makes it a must have for any serious photographer.
Rating:
Summary: Top Notch Shooter
Review: John Shaw is a Top Notch Shooter, straight forward, common sense, knowledgeable, great results. He is a master of the K.I.S.S. formula; Keep It Straight & Simple.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent exposition -- practical "how to" and art vision
Review: John Shaw's books are the best I have come across on the subject of "how-to-do" outdoor photography. Shaw is very purposeful in explaining the basics and supporing them with magnificent visual clues. What makes Shaw unique is his ability to intermingle the practical aspects of photography (exposure, equipment, composition) with the artistic vision. His style is entertaining, lucid and very easy to read and follow -- even for novice photographers. I highly recommend this book to amateurs and advanced amateurs who aspire for a higher quality outdoor photographs(to which group I belon as well)!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book for the serious amateur or professional
Review: John Shaw's photographs are amazing and inspiring and this book would be worth purchasing just for the images. Fortunately, however, this is book is not just a glorified portfolio but an excellent guide to every aspect of nature photography. The book is comprehensive without sacrificing detail. John Shaw provides specific advice and detailed guidelines for photographing nature subjects. Where most books are vague, the author recommends specific equipment to purchase, when to use it and when to avoid it. Be advised, however, that though this book has excellent information for any level of photographer, it is most useful for the advanced amateur or professional. Some of his recommendations are beyond the capabilities of a beginner -- technically and financially. For example, his recommendations of the type of equipment to buy for high quality images would probably bankrupt a hobbyist. Again, the information is priceless and the images without equal.
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