The BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Nature Photography (BetterPhoto Series) Reviews

• The new "bible" on digital outdoor photography!

  
  By A648BH55IZBV1 on 2007-04-27
  I have been an avid amateur photographer for over 30 years. I am very thankful for having started my photography journey with a "match the needle" manual Canon SLR in the early 1970's, forcing me to learn the dynamics of ISO/speed/aperture. John Shaw, George Lepp, and Art Wolfe were early inspirations for the composition and artistic side of the equation. Many pieces of f2.8 and faster glass later, I have been recently building my Canon 30D system (my 5th digital camera) and hungry for a comprehensive book to complement my past learning experiences and add new tips. Usually this exercise requires multiple books that one pieces together from recent reading memory. Not the case with The BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Nature Photography. Jim's book was EXACTLY what I was looking for. A great refresh to my past learning combined with the new techniques and clear methodologies from Jim's expert experiences. I read this book cover to cover in one sitting - how could I put it down when the next unread page promised to reveal yet another gem I would commit to use? I took 2 pages of notes - many action items for me to follow through with on the prep for and during my next photo experience. I consider this a must-have photographic bible to refer to on a regular basis. Jim assumes the reader is on the path to becoming a professional outdoor photographer. This is a fresh approach. Much more of an apprenticeship style mentoring relationship with the reader. Well done Jim! 5 stars.
  
  

• Reads like a conversation

  
  By A20K33P0QW45BE on 2007-10-27
  I love this book. Jim is not only an excellent photographer, he is also an excellent writer. His style is conversational, and his book is well organized and easy to read, while not being too "simple" sounding. No corny humor either (I like Scott Kelby, but his humor annoys me after a while). He also clearly put thought into what he covered. He first ASKED people WHAT they wanted to know about digital nature photography and then wrote his book guided by those needs. He covers topics that other authors would not have thought to cover (like what to pack for photo trips and peripheral tools that can be helpful in the field).
  Excellent reading. I am now looking at digital photo books based on author, and Miotke is one of my search words!
  
  

• Very Good Read

  
  By A151EUL2C4GJNE on 2007-02-17
  This book is very well done. I enjoyed his writing style. It contains a lot of examples and has assignments to help reinforce what is being taught. There a good tips and many examples that are easy to follow and understand. This is a nice follow-up to his other book Digital Photography.
  
  

• Excellent!!!

  
  By A25ZEBLNHEXF31 on 2007-04-10
  The book covers lots of information on photographic skills, not focusing on photo software. So it is good for entry level or non-professional photographer and may let you take more pretty photos.
  
  

• BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Nature Photography

  
  By A2UCL4UIBFSK3M on 2007-02-16
  Awesome book! Jim Miotke covers all the basics and more. I have many books but none cover the subject like this one does. It covers all areas from your camera to composition and lighting plus special effects. It even has assignments at the end of each chapter that you can do to practice the information. I recommend it to anyone from beginner up to someone that just wants a new idea or approach.
  
  
• The BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Nature Photography
  By A1Q2CDDRZC07FP on 2007-02-03
  Written in a relaxed and friendly style Jim's book The BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Nature Photography covers a wide variety of useful and helpful topics including equipment and light and composition in their many and varied situations. The book throughout is peppered with stunning photographs which are accompanied by explanations and camera details. Jim's book teaches you to think about why and what you are photographing and gives you the knowledge required to go and take your best photo. I would highly recommend this book to any digital photographer.
  
  
• The Better Photo Guide of Digital Nature Photography
  By A3LC8TG5V9TWS7 on 2007-02-05
  This book has given me so many "new" ideas on any type of photography, not only nature. As a fairly new digital SLR Camera user, I have learned so much more from this book than any others I have read. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book. A special thank you to author Jim Miotke for making my photos so much better!
  
  
• Good Information
  By A1PUGUYNJYIY29 on 2008-04-04
  I am in the process of reading about 20 guides and books related to Nature Photography (Landscapes, Macros, Wildlife, etc)...everything from the older Shaw books to new digital books such as this one.
  
  This book has a lot of good information. I enjoyed the mentoring style of the book and thought the LCD (Lighting, Composition and Digital(Eposure) approach to each of the sub topics was well presented. There are good ideas for assignments also.
  
  I only have one fairly minor flaw with the book and it is a rather subjective one...while the photos in the book were good examples of the topics being discussed, not a lot of them were jaw dropping and inspiring to me personally. Obviously this is a subjective point and others may disagree. After reading the Shaw and Audubon and acouple of digital nature books prior to this one, the photos in this book just didn't wow me as much as the others I have read.
  
  I don't feel the above is enough for me to knock the book down to a 4 star so I am still giving it a 5 star rating although if there was a 4.5 star option, I would probably select that.
  
  Don't get me wrong, though, I still feel this is quite a worthwhile book to buy. The approach is friendly, encouraging and refreshing and the author obviously knows his stuff and has produced a good book.
  
  One further note...I also liked the fact that this book is definitly about nature photography and doesn't spend an over-abundance of time on generic photography priniciples that one has more than likely picked up from other general photography books. Some nature books are general photography books with a splash of nature thrown in. This one is a nature photography book with just the right amount general photography thrown in. An honest approach to a nature photography book.
  
  
• The BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Nature Photography
  By A3CR6VST61DMKA on 2007-01-30
  This book is written in a way that is easy to understand and follow. The pictures are beautiful. It's the best photography book I've read. Sometimes I feel like authors of how to texts tend to want to keep somethings secret from the reader. I felt that Jim Miotke really had a desire to pass on his knowledge of digital photography. It full of useful ideas to help you take pictures worth framing.
  
  
• Easy Reading
  By A1RK6ZKEBN7EF6 on 2007-01-31
  I enjoyed the book. As with many of the books I have purchased through Betterphoto, it is well illustrated. I find them useful to pick up and read in any section for tips or just to view good photography. I believe it is well worth the cost.
  
  
• What a GREAT Book!
  By A7CYVIBAN5SCN on 2007-03-02
  This book has something for everyone...novice to advanced. It is well written, organized, and presented. The examples are easy to understand and relate to. I took quite a few notes and I carry they with me when I am out using my camera. I highly recommend this book.
  
  
• Digital Nature Photography
  By A3QGLO0IIPFFJG on 2008-02-09
  Excellant written. I bought this and his other book Digital Photography together. Not only did I get an excellant deal but both were well worth the investment. You can't get much more clear and easy to understand than this. Very down to earth written and everything is so well explained and simply put. It's almost like your sitting down over a cup of coffee with a good friend. I learned more from these books than any other material that I've read. AND from the first day started to notice a big improvement in my photos. A must read for anyone that is serious about photography!
  
  
• A Fantastic Book!
  By A2NCJATZAFRCQG on 2007-01-30
  Digital Nature Photography is an absolute fantastic book.Jim Miotke is a very knowledgeable and talented author. He explained everything in such a way that even the most inexperienced person could understand.When you read Jim Miotke's Digital Nature Photography, it seems like Jim's right there talking to you. He provides great tips, wide variety of subjects and techniques with numerous and stunning colour photos. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in photography, no matter what level they are. I give this book five stars.
  
  
• Excellent Book
  By A38NI3GU3BQAZ9 on 2007-02-11
  I would recommend Jim's book to anyone looking to learn more about this subject. His book is well written, simple to read, and very explanatory covering all aspects of nature photography and includes fantastic images! Everyone can learn from this book as it's perfect for everyone from beginner's to pro's.
  
  
• birdwatcher in El Cerrito
  By AGOCMN60YICYB on 2007-08-29
  Very well organized book. Easy to read. Illustrations are well done. I liked his assignments. Good for beginners because of clarity of descriptions and lack of jargon.
  
  
• Excellent book.
  By A35DIPLWK6KN7F on 2007-09-07
  I bought this book and I want to learn how to shoot nature and landscape.
  This book is excellent and highly recommended.
  
  
  
• one of the best
  By A2VNI86GPUBA31 on 2008-04-12
  I like this book, learned a lot from it, it will help you take better pics! Some parts maybe a bit to much for absolute beginner but if combined with another reading or class you will appreciate it. Contains valuable info to any photographer.
  
  
• Its Greaaaat!!!
  By A3U7KBR05IFHC8 on 2008-05-08
  Zen of Watering Your Garden
  
  This book is what Tony the tiger would call Greaaat!!!! It really teaches the basics off nature photography. I found it very useful even though my interest is in flora and not fauna and in flowers plants and gardens rather than landscapes. It helped with composition and technique. i would recommend it highly to anyone ready to jump head first into the digital portal to Mother Nature. Matt cohen
  
  
• Lot's of Information......
  By A2RUI0QFFSTMFN on 2008-06-11
  One of the more informative photography books i've purchased yet. Aside from giving great techniques , it actually gives settings of photos in the book (much easier). GREAT BUY!
  
  
• A great photography book
  By A19XK3G8C515IR on 2008-06-25
  This book is very nice, it has beautiful pictures and very clear techniques of how you can take amazing photos. In it, you can find how to take great landscape photos, macro photography, wildlife photography and much more. It's a book for begginers and for professionals as well. I think i made an excellent decision on buying this book
  
  
• OK guide
  By A3P1508PZ0UADD on 2008-08-01
  Good general guide. It has some good points, but at times gets too specific and you camera may not have the features needed. Recommended for general reference.
  
  
• it works!!
  By A3O0NGCHJWVK3Z on 2007-09-06
  i havent finished reading the book and i already learned a lot about nature photography.
  
  
• My recent Amazon purchase
  By AV1UEIFVTEPBA on 2007-09-09
  I've recently purchased two of these books from Amazon. They are the equivalent of new books. I'm very satisfied. So are the two people to whom I gave them.
  
  
• Excellent!
  By A2TCL5RM7P974R on 2008-08-02
  I highly recommend this book. Jim does a great job of explaining everything you need to know about nature photography (and digital photography in general) and gives assignments that are very helpful in the learning process.
  
  
• The better photo guide to digital nature photography
  By A1MOOGBYMEIHCW on 2008-08-04
  For the more serious photographer, it is an excellent book to read and try out the techniques included in it.
  
  

• The Betterphoto Guide to Digital Photography (Amphoto Guide Series)
• Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition)
• The Digital Photography Book
• The Digital Photography Book, Volume 2
• National Audubon Society Guide to Landscape Photography