When
I started reading this book, I felt that it will not be of any value
for ‘average’ photographers like me. Isak makes it clear that if
you want to be a bird photographer, you need the best equipment: a
good DSLR camera body with expensive lenses plus all the accessories
that go with it. Some of the equipment I have are not in the
recommended category. But the easy reading and good structure of the
book made me read further. Along the way, I realised how much I can
learn from the book, irrespective of the equipment that I use.
Isak
justifies his recommendations with understandable and good
explanations. There are also valuable tips how to obtain better
equipment over time without breaking the bank.
The
simplified descriptions with excellent illustrations of all aspects
of photography, are among the best that I have came across in books
and/or the Internet. The cornerstones of exposure (aperture, shutter
speed and ISO) are a good example of this and will enrich the
understanding and application for all levels of photographers.
Other
topics that I found extremely valuable include how to use flash in
daylight, use of golden hours and other daylight hours, rule of
thirds, auto focus modes.
Each
chapter starts with an introduction to the specific topic. Then
follows a list of key points that are about to be covered before the
detail descriptions with excellent illustrations and examples of
results with stunning photos. In between are practical tips how best
to apply what was explained. The exact settings how to achieve the
results are indicated for specific cameras, mostly Canon and Nikon,
although a generic reference is included for other cameras.
The
first half of the book is about the technical aspects of photography
as described above. The second half focus on the other aspect of
photography, the artistic side. Composition, bird portraits, birds in
action, bird behaviour and more. You will learn a lot from this part
of the book even if you do not have all the equipment that
professional photographers have.
The
book ends with details descriptions of several hotspots for bird
photography. Isak’s view is that the best places for birding are
not necessary the best places for bird photography. You will have to
read the book to understand why.
Isak’s
structured approach and excellent understanding and explanations of
the technical aspects of photography are probably due to his
engineering background. As a professional wildlife photographer, he
applied this to become
the winner of the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award for the
Bird Behaviour category – the first South African ever to win this
award.
I
strongly recommend this book to all wildlife and bird photographers,
from aspiring amateurs to professionals. I endorse the wording on the
back: “This
is the most comprehensive guide on bird photography available.
Whether you are new to bird photography or are already a passionate
hobbyist, this guide will teach you all the tools, techniques and
creative ideas required to take your bird photography to the next
level.”
Insider’s
Guide - How and Where to Photograph Birds in Southern Africa
–
by Isak Pretorius
Release date: October 2014
Release date: October 2014
Fourth
impression: 2016
Distributed by Jacana Media (www.jacana.co.za)
Isak Pretorius website: www.theafricanphotographer.com
Distributed by Jacana Media (www.jacana.co.za)
Isak Pretorius website: www.theafricanphotographer.com