National Geographic Complete Photography

This comprehensive illustrated reference harvests the best of a long and winning series of 'National Geographic' photography field guides, bringing that wisdom up to date with technology and current techniques. Step by step, the science of the camera and the art of taking great photographs are laid out in these pages. Stunning 'National Geographic' photographs illustrate every idea. Special features include My Perspective, highlighting a National Geographic photographer and his or her work with a personal note on photography; and What Makes This a Great Picture?, knowledgeable comments on 12 iconic photographs from National Geographic photographer James P. Blair, detailing how subject matter, composition, lighting and exposure contribute to each masterpiece. Chapters build from camera basics - like how a digital camera works, what different lenses do, and the definition of exposure - to advanced and specific techniques - such as taking the best candid photos of family and children, underwater photography, or techniques for capturing fireworks on film. An illustrated time line marks milestones in photography's history. Thoroughly cross-referenced and indexed, comprehensive and easy to browse, this is the ultimate family guide to photography and will appeal to anyone who has looked through the lens and strived to take better pictures.