In Understanding Close-up Photography Bryan Peterson turns his attention to a topic that is an ongoing favorite with photographers. But where most macro photography books focus on capuring subjects in nature, Peterson promises to go beyond, teaching you to photograph a range of subjects from animals and plants from the garden, beach, or mountains to objects found in the kitchen, supermarket, even the junkyard. In addition to information on equipment, exposure, light, and composition, his book will feature elements of technique that go beyond the norm, teaching you to shoot not just what is generally considered close-up, but to go even closer to the point of abstraction. He will also show you how to produce the intimacy of a close-up within a larger shot--how to capture the look in your subject's eyes without compromising the clarity of the surrounding scene. And as always, Peterson offers his signature touch with his personal terminology: in what he likes to call "Pop Junk" he shows how combining creativity with the right digital technology can turn close-up photos of the most ordinary objects into surprising pieces of art. |
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 Good Book for Beginner or More Advanced |
| Review Date: April 1, 2009 |
| Reviewer: javajunki, |
Peterson's books on Shutterspeed and Aperature are among the best I've ever encountered so when I saw this book in the soon to be released section I ordered it immediately. After waiting three months, it finally arrived and although I would not put it into the same category as the Aperture and Shutterspeed books, it is certainly a worthy addition.
First, I'm not a pro but enjoy close-up and macro probably more than any other type of photography. This book strikes a solid balance between buying advice and explanations sufficient for newbies wanted to get started in close-up or macro and a few creative ideas or style for others with more experience.
The emphasis is certainly on close-up above macro but with sufficient appeal to keep both happy. Ample explanations, nice use of comparative photo's and Petersons exceptional style of casual communication that provides insight into the shot itself.
Also, he includes wide angle, fish-eye and other less common lens types outside of just the macro itself...for that he gets an extra star as it is a topic rarely included in most close-up discussions. Not every photo is of stellar quality - although there are some beautiful examples.
Briefly, topics include equipment, depth of field and aperature, general tips, home studio, framing, magnification ratios, depth of field preview, and other essential information.
To sum it up...a worthy addition but not of the same quality or caliber as exposure and shutterspeed. Newbies will benefit the most while more experienced users may pick up a few worthy ideas.
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just look at the shots - and feel
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| Review Date: December 8, 2009 |
| Reviewer: John Brookes, Silicon Valley |
For me, the bottom line is he gets good photos. They are arresting, technically excellent, and creative. At least some of them I would put on my wall. That's actually a very interesting "litmus" test - If you were to look at the "artistic" message you would get from many of these put on the wall at 16x20 size? I find many of these shots very pleasing, and certainly they would make a wonderful "trendy" design motif for any architectural interior. But is it art? I think in Peterson's hands, it is. It is close to some types of avante garde (did I spell that right?) art, or modern art. Its quite abstract, yet there is a visceral impact to the textures, broad soft colors, and complex play of light that fascinates, draws the attention in to another world which we never see in this way. I notice my mind, in writing this, tries to fall back into the truism that "this is just a magnification of small things, just an interesting curiosity is the result - like a strobe picture of a water drop." And then I open the book to "grok" a shot and imagine how it would look on my wall. Holey Moley! Looking at some of these shots does something that great art usually only promises to do - it refreshes the soul, preens the feeling of self-esteem, expands the sensibilities, opens the heart. This is obviously something that defies analysis and buggers description. I notice that any reviews at Amazon, the 5 star kind, may "gush" with praise or say things like "awesome." While often lacking in detail, such reviews may reflect an "enthusiasm of the soul" that gets opened up on an experiental basis. Just look at Peterson's shots and see if you agree, but as for this review in advance of purchase, my vote is that some of them are art you would want on your wall. This is an amazing "plus" for any photo book, to participate in the process of a good, perhaps great, artist at work.
Throw in the detailed usefulness of the mechanics of getting these shots, the skillful manipulation of technology, good writing etc, and you have a winner. You can't lose. This is a gem.
The only question I have is that Peterson uses really good lenses - expensive. I shoot Nikon myself, and with my D300 have a Nikkor 10-24 wide angle that cost around $1000. I have to admit the results seem spectacular and seem to reflect the expense, yet its hard to quantify this. Yet it's there. I don't think you need to spend $5000 to get these results, but it helps.
By the way, if you vote my review helpful, I get a nickel from Amazon for each positive vote. :) |
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