The New Art of Photographing Nature: An Updated Guide to Composing Stunning Images of Animals, Nature, and Landscapes

Art Wolfe is one of the great American photographers of this century.His astonishing images are a window into a world most of us hope to see, but might otherwise never see.Over a lifetime of creating these images he has transformed nature, wildlife and cultural photography into an art form.He has devoted his life to photographing, preserving and recording wildlife, nature, remote cultures and the environment.His lens seems to seek the very soul of his subjects.His photography is not a portrayal of environmental vandalism or an elegy to vanishing places.Rather, his focus is on the use of photography to encourage the preservation of what is, whilst being concerned about the constant tensions between development and conservation.When he photographs wild creatures, he sees them in his viewfinder as ambassadors for the preservation of their diminishing habitat. His images seek to be beacons to a stronger connectedness with our natural world and to inspire a more respectful interaction with both other cultures and our environment.It is nature’s spirit that he seeks to frame and turn into captivating photographs.He believes, if we are to know a true connection to nature or to others on this planet, it will have to happen in our own hearts and souls. As a photographer, Art Wolfe has become connected to the natural world, to the matrix from which he was born, which sustains him, and to which he, and all of us, will, one day, return.He believes strongly that each of us is a very important part of this matrix, and we are in a position to preserve and enjoy it, or destroy it. He also believes this position is a privileged one, but is accompanied by an authentic calling to recognise the fragility of this matrix.His signature images captured over the last 35 years are born out of concern for the protection, or tragic loss, of the natural world.They convey an intrinsic emotional and even spiritual gravitas that are projected into those who view them.This book reveals a new lens into Art's magical world.I am enjoying every page.Denis Glennon AO

There are (too) many books on the technique, the methods, the nuts and bolts of how to operate a camera and lens properly (Joe McNally's book for Life Mag far and away the best I've read), and too few on the art of how to compose a good picture. It's hard to teach (and learn) artistic technique! This book, along with those by the late, great Galen Rowell is wonderful. It's like standing in the field with Art Wolfe, having him explain what goes through his mind as he tries to capture the essence of a scene. He is very insightful and able to articulate those insights eloquently. The commentary by Audobon editor Martha Hill is good,also, sometimes providing interesting counterpoint to Wolfe's thoughts, but these are Art Wolfe's beautiful creations. He is a fantastic photographer and teacher - a rare combination.

I have enjoyed Art's work since I first saw him on PBS a few years ago with his show, and Tim Grey provides great daily digital photography answers through his website, so I was excited to be able to pick this up, along with the perspective that Martha provides as a photo editor.If you are looking for a recipe book on nature photography, this is not it. If you want a book that will help reinforce techniques and give you ideas for new things to try this is it. For me, as an aspiring wildlife photographer, the chance to read the insights of a photo editor were particularly helpful. I look forward to using some of Martha's comments in attempts to get published.I think if you actually spend time reading the text, and studying the photos to understand the differences, it is most helpful. Art often will provide two (or more) side by side photos of the same image with different exposure or lighting conditions to help illustrate a point.Would I buy it again, yes, would I buy it in digital format only, probably not, as it would be too hard on most devices to get a good feel of the side by side comparisons.

Where do I begin? This is so well done. To have explanations of photo comparisons in just a few well-written sentences, along with Tim Grey's tips on photo-processing all in one book, this becomes a user-friendly and very effective reference handbook on photography. I am sure the authors had tons of photos they could have used and text they could have written, but less is more and highly impactful and educational. Beginners and experts both can benefit. I appreciate all the different locales in which the photos were taken. The effort adds to the interest and appeal (and entertainment value...) of the book. And thanks to Tim Grey for all the tips...so useful and relevant AND helpful). Congratulations on a superb book that I will take notes on and refer to for some time. I am going to give several as gifts, as well.

I particularly liked how the book provided two points of view on most subjects; that of an accomplished wildlife photographer and that of an accomplished wildlife magazine editor. I also liked the updates to the book on a digital workflow. A wildlife photographer told me this book has been the most influential book on his 30-year career, and that he reads it periodically to review the bigger points. I have found myself doing the same. The advice in the book is appropriate for beginning to professional photographers, although basic proficiency with a camera is largely assumed. The subject matter is applicable to all kinds of photography.After seeking additional excellent books on making great photographs, and reading the reasons for why other books are not liked by some readers, I more fully appreciate the rare feat that Art has achieved, along with Martha.