How to Photograph Flowers (How to Photograph Series)

Rating:
Summary: A disappointment.
Review: If you are looking for a good overview of flower photography this is your book. If you want some good meaty ideas on techniques and equipment, look elsewhere.

I bought this book looking for specific ideas on equipment usage and for killer photos. In many of the photos the flower itself appears, in my opinion, overexposed. Hopefully this is an artifact of the printing process. In any case the end result is that some of the printed photos do not meet the quality standard set by other photo books.

The comments on exposure scattered throughout the book imply that the author did not use TTL (through-the-lens) spot metering. Today it is hard to buy a 35mm camera without some sort of TTL spot function The author's lack of specificity in this case can greatly mislead those who are just beginning flower photography. The author's comments apply perfectly--to full screen metering only. Whay chaps me is that the author says nothing about the type of metering used. This, in a nutshell, is my biggest squawk about this book. Too many generalities. And if you want to do the best you can with what you have, you need specifics.

There are some good ideas like carry some string to tie back branches. I especially like the trick of converting the camera to an incedent light meter. Elegant.

Insofar as equipment utilization, the subject of multiple flash was barely mentioned. Nor was, unless I missed it, the idea of using a 24mm lens plus your smallest (12mm) extension tube for close up in the face shots.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful photos, comprehensive info
Review: This wonderful book is packed with gorgeous flower photos and excellently presented practical information. It will appeal to anyone who wants to photograph flowers or who just appreciates them.

I like the way every point is demonstrated by an actual flower photograph. No space is wasted with pictures of equipment or other distractions. Still there is a wealth of technical information clearly & logically presented.

Each photo illustrates a specific concept of photographic technique and composition, described succinctly in the caption and in detail in the associated text. Information on the flowers and location is also included.

The book also chronicles the author's worldwide travels as a commercial flower photographer. Various business opportunities are explored and lists of sources are references are provided as well.