The Complete Guide to Nature Photography: Professional Techniques for Capturing Digital Images of Nature and Wildlife Paperback – December 6, 2011

Gave as a gift. The recipient enjoyed it very much

This is a great book to improve your nature & landscape photography .I originally borrowed it from the local library .But after checking it out of the library several times , I had to have a copy of my own .SEAN ARBABI is great at explaining photography , makes it easy to understand .I have learned so much from his book .

This is not my first nature photography (or landscape photography) book that I have read - but I will definitely say that Sean's approach to writing this book is different, inspiring, and loaded with useful information. Whether you are just beginning in nature photography or have been shooting for years - this book is different. The first thing I noticed is Sean's approach starts with how to be safe, prepared and enjoy shooting at the same time. He discussed things you need to do for day hikes, overnight hikes, or even just a stroll out in nature. I've not seen any other book discuss this - and even better, Sean actually does these things himself. You'll get information on how to apply the equipment you have, how to understand all the various components of photography including lighting and composition. I've read this book twice now and I still find interesting things I have missed the first few times through - highly recommend this book if you're planning to do any kind of outdoor photography. The book is logically broken out into various sections beginning with where to start (packing your gear and reading the camera manual). Additional chapters about metering, framing, macro, filters/flash, he covers many subjects. In addition, the book contains assignments so you can go out and practice as you finish each chapter - always an inspiration to get out and shoot.

Sean's writing style is easy to understand and enjoyable while the photographs are well done and he shares both a little about the shot and his settings. There is a section covering how dangerous the wilds can be which is a idea good for the general public but steals pages that could have been used for more in-depth information on techniques. As far as photography advice he does a solid job with the basics and covers a broad spectrum with the unfortunate downside that most of this would already be known information for a more advanced photographer. So great for your just retired uncle who always loved photography but stuck to shooting his friends and family who is now interested in nature but wants to take better photographs while he explores and has a good DLSR with multiple lens. Not what I personally was looking for as a very dedicated photographer looking to improve my landscapes.

I'm a rank newbie. And therefore am studying information from a variety of sources. Including the local library. That's where I first found Sean Arbabi's Guide. One of the few things I regretted about other instruction was that, though I found a lot to learn from almost all instructors, I didn't find a lot of what I wanted to emulate.I liked Arbabi's Guide first and foremost because of the photographs in the book. I wanted to look at them for a long time and I wanted to learn how to take pictures like that. In places where he had taken the pictures. My concern was that the instruction might not be as good as the photographs. I found the instruction clear, complete, and helpful. Useful. In all cases. I am confident that with what I learn from this book and other sources and with time I can take really good pictures. I like the book so well that I want regular access to it, and Mr. Arbabi might like knowing that I bought the book. It is everything I had hoped for and more.

Although this is not Sean Arbabi's first publication, it is the first of his books that I read (I am not new to photo books, I have read several by different authors.) Cover to cover... I ate this book up. It is full of useful information that can be tried immediately as each chapter is followed by an "assignment". Some of the material was refresher for me as I have been a hobbyist photographer for ten years, but it delves into more than your basic photographic information. I would give this book top reviews for the content alone but the images within are coffeetable appropriate. I had to use exraordinary self discipline to refrain from flipping ahead just to look at the amazing photos on almost every page! Every gorgeous image not only illustrates the topic, but includes all the shooting data as well ~ ie. focal length, apperture, shutter speed, ISO, filters when used, and exposures. I could not wait to turn the page. I learned alot from both content and the images. After reading this book I ordered his first one, The Better Photo Guide to Exposure.

I am an amateur photographer and find this guide useful. The writing flows well and is easy to read and easy to follow. Mr. Arbabi used ample examples to articulate the key techniques. Given that I am not a novice, sometimes I found what he described confirmed my understanding, which gives me more confidence of how I may apply the approach. But I also find something I did not know or master before. Mr. Arbabi did not use much (although some) of the dramatic scenes of landscape which can only be gotten by trekking days, reaching high altitudes or freezing the wits. Instead, most people are able or possible to realize what described with some commitment and attention. The print quality is excellent. I find the print color is very natural, unlike some other books in which the colors are too much enhanced and not real. Each picture has a description of the camera/lens parameters as well as the thinking or strategy behind it.