I have recently read and re-read Closeup Shooting ($24.95) and would say without hesitation that it is one of the most useful photographic ‘tips’ book that I have read.
I have mentioned the ‘project’ that I am involved in before called 4framesofmind which to be honest isn’t getting the attention it deserves from me BUT the one project we did complete (almost) was the 12 Frames of Macro (although it seems we only posted 9!!) I found the concept of Macro photography extremely difficult both technically and creatively. I really wish I had read this book first.
The book isn’t really split into chapters, more subject matters with a couple of pages allocated to each subject, e.g.
* Choosing the right camera
* Extension Tubes & Teleconverters
* Tripods, Flash Tilts, and Ball Heads
* Travel Close Up Photography.
The pictures used to emphasise the different options and techniques are nothing less than stunning, and amazingly creative. To be honest as a ‘book of pictures’ it would stand up against the best of them, but when you add the explanations and techniques in it is a very impressive book.
You do require a reasonable knowledge of photography, and the ability to work out and understand both ratios and ‘technical speak’ helps a lot as it doesn’t pull any punches in giving the theory behind the techniques.
As a relative newbie to the world of DSLR and a gadget junkie I was totally amazed at the variety of accessories and options that exist for the camera, and just how specialised a skill Closeup Shooting is.
How much do I love this book? I won’t be lending it to anyone – it is just one of those books to keep dipping back into both for the beauty of the pictures and the inspiration and advice that it provides.
Book description
Close-up photography is one of the most fascinating areas in photography. This illustrated guide will take the reader on a journey into the wonderful world of small, smaller, and smallest objects and show him how he can capture their beauty with photographic images. Each step of the way will be carefully explained; how to choose the right equipment, how to use ambient light or create artificial lighting, and how to conceptualize and frame the perfect shot.
Whereas the nature photographer is exploring facets and structures in his environment, the “table top photographer” is trying to shoot a small object, a product, or a small treasure for display on the web (e.g., eBay) or in print. Here, the choice of the appropriate lighting and backdrop, and the creative use of the camera’s features are key to a perfect image.
Cyrill Harnischmacher explains all aspects of close-up shooting for both inside the studio, as well as outdoors. This book is filled with beautifully illustrated examples and detailed instructions on how to set up a system and workflow for successful close-up photography.
Book details
Title: Closeup Shooting (Hard Cover)
Subtitle: A Guide to Closeup, Tabletop and Macro Photography
First Edition: May 2007
ISBN 10: 1-933952-09-1
ISBN 13: 9781933952093
Pages: 124
Excellent book. (I really love Rocky Nook books anyway.) Not only does the book instruct, but has a lot of excellent pictures. The quality of the book and pictures are as good as any coffee table book.
One additional thing I’d like to add is there is a section on building your own equipment, so that’s pretty cool. In fact, the next book you need to get from Rocky Nook is “Low Budget Shooting.” It too shows you how to build your own photography equipment.
In the UK when I was growing up a popukar kids TV programe was Play School – they were always making things out of stuff from around the house.
The stuff they show you how to make reminded me of that – but they always finished the demo off with “and here’s one I did earlier”
Floella Benjamin is coming to my Uni next week for the graduation ceremonies; she’s our chancellor. Fun eh?
For those of you who aren’t from the UK – Floella worked on Play School. =P
Very cool – but everything at the moment seems to be showing me my age!!!
I remember Peter Pervis, Johhny Ball, John Noakes, Valerie Singleton and of course Shep!!!
Damn – those days are actually further away than my pension age!
@Chris
I fear you’re getting confused. I’m 99.9% certain that “and here’s one I did earlierâ€? was from Blue Peter.
The crew I recall from when I was first introduced to Blue Peter was Peter Purves, John Noakes and Valerie Singleton. (With Shep coming along a little later, I think.)
Play School was for the pre-school kids and went on before the main batch of kids shows were broadcast. Floella was on Play School – I don’t think she was ever a presenter on Blue Peter. The Wikipedia article in the link above bears this out. Johnny Ball was also on Play School but, again, he was never a Blue Peter presenter.
🙁 I knew that. I actually was thinking Blue Peter – the ‘badge’ was so desirable as I recall.
Thanks for correcting me – that is what happens when the thing you are trying to recall is further back than your pension is ahead.
How does a book review comments turn into a nostalgic trip to ancient history 🙂 ?
Possibly in much the same way as a post on the iPhone becomes a “Day on the farm” 🙂
http://www.chrismarshall.ws/?p=759