Stop the yawning! (Guide to Travel Photography)

Member Name: kingseany

Product:	Guide to Travel Photography
Date:	06/05/05 (90 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to read, understand, Well structured, Great relevent images

Disadvantages: Aimed at 35mm users

I picked up a copy of Ebury Photoguides' "Travel Photography" in a second hand shop for 30p. Although it's aimed at traditional 35mm photography, and I mainly use digital these days, I thought for the price, it'd be a worthy addition to my library.

This guide aims at those who know how to use a camera, but perhaps aren't always coming back with the stunning shots they've always dreamed of. In my opinion, knowing the technical details of your camera comes a very distinct second place, than actually knowing how to "see" and compose a good image. The best camera in the world, won't help you much if you simply cannot grasp the basics of composition and looking at the world in different ways than your average snapper.

This particular guide was originally priced at £3.95, and first published in 1982 by Ebury Press, London and contains 64 pages in full colour. It's format is larger than your usual guide books., almost A4.

It's contents page shows that the book is broken down into numerous short sections which cover all manner of travel photography. Subjects such as Action, Water, Sunsets, Groups, Fireworks, Flames, Snow and so on are all covered. As well as very simple and easy to read text, there are stunning images which accompany each section, and illustrate the various techniques. Each of these sections is shared 50/50 between general tips, pointers and suggestions, as well as the more technical aspects. As mentioned earlier, digital was not an option when this book was written, although if you have anything more more than a pure point-and-shoot, you'll still find most technical terms are applicable.

Forgetting all the technical aspects though, the book is great at putting you straight when dealing with using scale for reality, looking at repetition for interest, getting close, contrasting architecture, shapes and patterns, capturing the mood - and all the other things which give your pictures interest. With this book, people will actually want to look at your holiday photos rather than yawning helplessly!

Although I consider myself to be a reasonably good photographer, with a good eye for a good image, there has still been much useful information in this guide, that has encouraged me to experiment just a little more.

Many of my photography books in my library look quite dated. This guide though, looks as modern as the day it was printed, and is something I turn to whenever I need a push. Probably a difficult book to find in stores, but will probably turn up on Ebay, second hand shops or car boot sales near you! Recommended.

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