Rating: 
Summary: Great Guide for Great Pictures
Review: It is one of the best photography books I've read! The examples and explanations are very clear and to the point. The writers shared their knowledge in a way that I can apply them to all kinds of photography. The book also includes good and objective comparison of different kinds of films to different kinds of picture formats, cameras that are very helpful to make a decision. I strongly recommend this book, especially for beginners.
Rating: 
Summary: More of an elementary primer than a useful field guide
Review: This book is most useful to people who are starting from zero. For example, it spends a lot of time detailing what an aperture is and why a fast shutter speed freezes motion. Although these basic concepts are explained very well, both theoretically and in practical terms, I think that it is mostly redundant for readers expecting an indipsensible field guide. For amateurs like myself who somewhat know what they are doing but want to improve, the advice given is a bit too touchy-feely and vague. In a true field guide, I would prefer something a little more technical, or at least opinionated. For novices who need a basic introduction, it is a very good book.
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Summary: A very useful Manual
Review: This book is simply GREAT, it is dense for its size. Comments about every picture is shown. Tips to keep in mind in the margins of pages. The book covers in a very clear manner the art of photography. The book is divided in these areas, and each is developed in well explained sections.1.- Essential Basics (Composition, cameras,lenses, light, flash, exposure) 2.- A World of Subjets (weather, Landscapes, peoplearchitecture, close up) 3.- Making photographs under pressure (Underwater, animals, Aerials, Adventure) 4.- Computers and photography 5.- Useful information (preparing for travel, web sites, magazines and books) each word between parenthesis is a section. The interviews are in sections where they are related to. The interviews are great, i thought there were going to be 2 or 3 very short interviews, but nothing farther from the truth, there are 8 interviews where the more important characteristics of each photographer is shown as well as their life as photographer. Sincerely this is a GREAT Acquisition. I recomend it strongly.
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Summary: The Greatest Field Guide Ever
Review: This new National Geographic field guide is wonderful. It would be hard to find a more knowledgeable and pertinent, and timely, collection of photographic field information anywhere.What I really like most about this guide is its mix of both the practical and the philosophical. For photography is not just about 'equipment' or about having the right hardware and knowing how to use it, although that is important, too. But the sensibilities of the photographer who is triggering the shutter are equally important, if not more important in some ways, than all the best HOW TO stuff in the world. The text of this field guide is chock-full of cautions and advisories about capturing the essence of a subject, about telling strong and passionate stories with your images, and about stretching oneself to go beyond preconceived notions and psychological barriers with camera in hand.Peter Burian is already a legend in the photo magazine publishing domain in terms of his abilities to write well about what he loves best, which is field photography. His editorial talents reach a new high in this field guide with his gentle, balanced mix of hardware and software concerns, and with his timely focus on both the 'essential basics' and the exciting new things that are happening all around us today in outdoor, nature and travel photography domains.Robert Caputo, of course, is well known to many of us readers of the National Geographic Magazine, and he brings with him to this project a powerful mix of fellow National Geographic legends such as Bill Allard, Dave Doubilet, Chris Johns, Nick Nichols, Sam Abell, Jodi Cobb, Annie Griffiths Belt, Jim Stanfield, Michael Yamashita...this field guide offers us an unprecedented feast of all the best thinking and ideas that Robert and these other National Geographic photographers have to offer. BRAVO to everyone involved! Now, how do I get my copy autographed, guys? Dr. Ellen K. Rudolph -- drellenr@aol.com
Freelance nature and wildlife photographer
Host of the popular Nature Message Board on America Online
Charter member of NANPA, the North American Nature Photography Association
Rating: 
Summary: The best book to launch your hobby.
Review: National Geographic's Field Guide is an excellent manual for the photographer who wants it all in a concise, comprehensive manual. The book is nicely organized, and covers all aspects of the craft from camera types to composition. Brief essays by various National Geographic photographers give their perspectives on a number of topics. IMHO, this book is best suited for the hobbyist in the early stages of development.
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Summary: National Geographic Photography Field Guide
Review: I got the National Geographic Photography Field Guide under the Christmas tree a few days ago. No doubt in my mind, this is the new benchmark of manuals for neophytes and photophiles. Images and text dovetail beautifully in the instructional portions and the photographer profiles spin technique with personality to make wonderful yarns!
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Summary: Field guide
Review: Excellent book. Well written, practical and interesting sections for the professional as well as amateur photographer. The section beginning on page 160 is worth the price of the book alone Andy Shearer
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book!
Review: This is a very easy to follow photography guide for just about any level photographer,with information about cameras; how they work, different types and features and how to choose one best for you. It has clear and easy to understand information and I highly recommend it. It also is a very convenient size making it easy to take along with you anywhere.
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Summary: National Geographic Field Guide to Photography
Review: I found this book very useful. I refer to it often. The color photographs illustrate the text beautifully and completely. The book is a size (larger than a paperback novel, but smaller than a normal hardback) which allows me to carry it around easily. The interviews with photographers are informative and interesting. The variety of photographic styles cover a broad range of interests among these talented individuals and the reader. The "how to" portions are well-written and easily understood. The authors do not "talk down" to the reader, yet cover material well. The text is laid out in a way that makes it easy to find information. This book should prove very useful to the amateur, advanced amateur, or beginning professional.
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Summary: Great book for learning to take better pictures
Review: This book is excellent. Unlike some books which tell you the basics and the theory, and leave it at that, this book illustrates its lessons with actual pictures. Some photography books use black and white pictures to illustrate the differences between adjusted aperature settings, etc... Even worst, some offer NO pictures as examples. This book has bright vivid and clear pictures showing the effects they are describing. It covers everything from aperature settings, to flash terminology and useage, to photographing wildlife, to photographing portraits. Excellent. At the end they even have chapters dedicated to professional photographers for National Geographic, where the pro's give tips and recommendations.
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