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Photo Book Reviews

Creative Nature & Outdoor Photography (Amphoto Books) By Brenda Tharp Reviewed by Mason Resnick Article rating: 9.00

In Creative Nature & Outdoor Photography, Brenda Tharp has produced a photo how-to book that both informs and, through great examples, inspires. A seasoned writer, lecturer and workshop instructor, Tharp dissects nature photography in seven chapters filled with clearly-written visual approaches and technical advice, plus some stunning pictures.

In the first, and shortest, chapter, “Learning to See,” she asks the reader ten questions that identify the elements that make up a successful photograph—questions that should be asked every time you’re ready to snap the shutter. The second chapter is devoted to light, which she rightly describes as “the raw material of all photographs.” After discussing how film records light and working with natural light, she instructs readers on ways to modify light with filters, fill-in flash and working with a light meter.

The third chapter discusses design elements—lines, pattern, shape, form, texture and perspective. Talking about lines, for instance, Tharp describes how a horizontal line infers “a calm, stable feeling and can convey the breadth of a place” while vertical lines are “assertive and direct, and they a impart a sense of height to a composition that we interpret as power, order, and strength.” Chapter four, “The Dynamic Image,” shows how light and design elements create depth and drama. She also shows the characteristics of different kinds of lenses before talking about composition in chapter five. After explaining the basics of, she goes into specifics: balance, dominance, proportion, and a sense of scale are among the ingredients that fill the frame and bring the viewer in. After discussing the properties of color and how to use color for harmony in chapter six, she describes capturing fleeting moments, using camera motion, and establishing a mood for your work. We like the photo essays sprinkled throughout the book that put the technical points into practice. In the final two chapters, Tharp encourages users to experiment to find a personal vision.

If you feel your outdoor photographs are missing something, this book can help you find it. Add a star if you’re a Canon user—most of the photos are taken with a Canon EOS-1. 

Click here to check out Brenda Tharp's website.

Read more on Brenda Tharp in Master Photographer's Teach You How.

Click here to buy a copy of Creative Nature & Outdoor Photography.

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