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Peter K. Burian & Robert Caputo. National Geographic Photography Field Guide. Washington DC: National Geographic Society, 2001. 352 pages. ISBN 0-7922-7498-9 If you want to improve your photography, nothing can replace thoughtful practice and study: learn to operate your equipment thoroughly, study the works of others, shoot lots of images and edit your work ruthlessly. Of course, outside help and advice can accelerate your learning and inspire you towards greater goals. Enrolling in a college photography course is an ideal way to increase your skills, knowledge and creativity. Unfortunately, this isn't possible at UH Leeward because photography was deleted during Fall 2001 and replaced with digital art courses. Photography was an extremely popular course, always full and often had a waiting list--go figure. Luckily, there are thousands of books about photography, the next best thing to having a teacher. I have read and loved National Geographic since I was a child. The photographs were a major influence on my style and a stimulus to travel and experience new people and places. With this said, I perked up when I spied the familiar yellow cover and title in Cheapo Books and Music in Honolulu. There's a multitude of books about basic photography and they all cover the same topics of exposure, composition, equipment, film, lighting, etc. However, Peter Burian and Robert Caputo's National Geographic Field Guide has two things other photo primers lack: 1) National Geographic photographers such as Jodi Cobb, Annie Griffiths Belt, James Stanfield and others discuss their personal approach to photography and 2) topics are illustrated with plenty of high quality images from National Geographic. 4th of July in Waikiki • EOS 10S, EF 35-105 3.5-4.5, Bogan 3001 & Fujichrome 100 The photography fundamentals section is written in a simple and concise style, making tricky techniques sound easy. Of course, this is commonly available information, but delivered in the confident and practical voice of authors Burian and Caputo. Obviously, with a title like National Geographic Field Guide, the contents are slanted towards travel and journalistic photography. Nevertheless, the authors address the needs and concerns of general photography, casual amateurs (not a likely reader of this book) and serious photographers. Although the 35 mm SLR is considered the camera of choice for National Geographic work, some consideration is given to APS, point 'n shoot, medium format and digital cameras. Scanners, computers and software were also briefly discussed. "A World of Subjects" is the most unique section of this book. This unit explores the personal views and techniques of selected National Geographic photographers. Although there is plenty of "nuts 'n bolts" explanations, much of this section deals with practical advice on how to scout locations, approach subjects, avoid conflicts, or photograph difficult situations. I especially enjoyed Jodi Cobb's comments on dealing with difficult subjects and photographic taboos in nonwestern cultures. It appears that you must be a great photographer, actor, linguist and diplomat to get those geographic moments! Geographic Moment at Aloha Tower • EOS A2, EF 28-135 3.5-5.6 IS USM & Fujichrome Provia 100F National Geographic Field Guide resembles a DK travel guide with its narrow form factor, quality glossy stock and colorful photographs. The graphic design--similar to National Geographic--is pleasing to the eye and lends order and grace to the contends. The early 2001 version is hardbound and retails for $24.95 (I bought it used for $3.95!). However, I saw the latest reprint at Walden Books and it is now paperback, but has the same list price. This text is aimed at the advanced beginner seeking to improve their travel and journalistic photography skills. To that end, Burian and Caputo have done an outstanding job. However, most professionals and advanced amateurs will benefit from the secrets revealed by National Geographic photographers in "A World of Subjects." 1/16/2002 ©Copyright 2002 by Peter Kun Frary • All Rights Reserved

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