Understanding Close-Up Photography: Creative Close Encounters with Or Without a Macro Lens Paperback – March 31, 2009

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.

Once in a while we find a publication that thoroughly talks to a subject, and really shows you how to do the tasks that are associated with the subject. This book does just that. By a carefully laid out sequence of photographs the author builds on experiences and shows just what to do to accomplish amazing photographs. The 'how to' is expertly and carefully shown with each photo so a student can easily follow up and accomplish a similar task. This author not only supports each photo example with a details 'how-to' but also adds the extra bits of information that make the task both interesting and successful. The audience for this book can be a novice all the way up to an expert, for it covers the entire scope of taking close-up photos. Although this used book it was in excellent condition, a previous 'student' also enjoyed it. So will you if you find another one.

Fantastic book to read and to learn how to take close up photographs. Easy to follow with lots of illustrations and pictures that explain how it is done professionally. Here are some samples of the lessons learned from this book, and applied locally in the Nordic region. [...]

I just started to get serious in close up and macro digital photography. This book seed like a great source. It turned out to be an excellent source!I purchased this book, used. I am very happy with this purchase! Thank you Amazon!

I got this book from Amazon with the intent to learn about macro photography. During this past year, I have been getting back into photography after a 20 year layoff. Never having done any "Macro" photography, other than getting as close as my lens would allow me to do and still stay in focus, I had lots to learn. Wow, did Bryan open my eyes to the beauty of "close up/macro" photography. But MOST important, he really taught me about the Nikon equipment that he uses in his own work. So if you are a Nikon shooter, you will especially appreciate this book. While the concepts apply to all brands of cameras, his examples all include working with Nikon equipment. Except, for the apparently amazing Canon 500D closeup filter. That is a lowcost item that really enhances your macro capabilities without lots of cost. Yes, I just ordered the Canon closeup filter; about $169 via amazon.Have I told you about the beautiful photos in this book? Well, they are spectactular and just rev up your own enthusiasm to jump into the world of closeup/macro photography. Check out that pix of the dragon fly! This is one book that really delivers technically and esthetically.

I like Bryan's straight forward approach and the 'can do' spirit with which this book was written. His book is not filled demands for you to buy the most expensive equipment in order to capture photos like his examples. He informs the reader of all the equipment options from expensive to not so expensive and how to make the best use of the basic lenses that often come with a camera.With illustrations of ways to completely change a photograph with point of view, he talks us through why a photo works or doesn't. He encourages the reader to ask themselves what they want to convey about a subject. He also trains us to look for and capture simple beauty and form. I appreciate the many photographs throughout the book; each one has notes on how it was created. It is clear that he loves his craft and wants others to join him in finding the same enjoyment in photography that he has.We all look to accomplished masters to learn about things that interest us. Bryan is a masterful joyful photographer, and a sincere teacher. This is an inspirational book that I will keep and refer to for a long time.