Of all the different styles of modern photography, the one that seems to elicit the most reticence from both amateurs and professionals alike is that of macro photography. This is indeed quite unfortunate, for it is through the practice of macro photography that so much of the ordinarily unseen details in our world become discoverable. Add to this the increasingly common availability to the average amateur photographer of at least “close-up” if not actually true macro photographic capability in even the most affordable of digital cameras and there is no reason whatsoever that everyone, particularly naturalists, possessing a recent model digital camera, a healthy sense of curiosity, and a copy of Alan L. Detrick’s Macro Photography for Gardeners and Nature Lovers should not feel themselves entirely capable of exploring the minute yet endlessly fascinating corners of the natural world.

Mr. Detrick, himself a renowned garden, landscape, and nature photographer, brings to the readers of this remarkably accessible guide a straight-forward and easy-to-understand explanation of what both close-up and macro photography are, how they differ from conventional photography, and the methods anyone interested in the craft can use to become a competent macro photographer. Moreover, Mr. Detrick avoids the prime pitfall of all too many authors of guides to photography: wrapping every explanation given in multiple layers of technical jargon and photographic shorthand. Macro Photography for Gardeners and Nature Lovers is refreshingly free from such obscuring language, allowing everyone form beginners to advanced photographers the opportunity to benefit from Mr. Detrick’s sage advice.

As anyone who has ever switched a digital camera into “macro” mode has likely discovered, close-up and macro photography is not simply a matter of getting very close to the subject and pressing the shutter release. While the techniques that can lead to successful macro photography are not particularly difficult to learn (their mastery, of course, requires much additional practice), many are counter-intuitive and the guidance of such a teacher as Mr. Detrick is invaluable in order to save considerable time as well as frustration. Conventional photographers may not immediately consider the astonishing importance of exposure compensation or the most effective methods for obtaining appropriate depths of field in photographing subjects at such close distances. Consequently, even those not intending to practice macro photography on a frequent basis will still benefit from the expansion of their understanding as to just what is possible with their cameras and how to achieve it to realize their vision in their own work – regardless of the subject or style.

Profusely illustrated with images depicting not only the topics explained in the book, but as additional sidebar and even full page tangential discussions as well, the reader is never at a lost for a visual image that well depicts the specific camera setting, light management method, subject selection, or any of other important elements of macro photography that Mr. Detrick presents. Indeed, the illustrations themselves are eye-opening to the potential discoveries that this style of photographic exploration renders possible. Readers having finished an initial reading of the book may likely find themselves returning to it for inspiration as to their own future photographs.

In addition to the techniques pertaining directly to macro photography itself, Mr. Detrick also includes a very helpful selection of information, also presented clearly and in a widely intelligible style, pertinent to all digital photography practitioners. From digital work flow to how to calibrate a computer monitor to ensure it presents the images displayed upon it accurately, many of the important elements that make up good digital photographic practice (yet all- too-often neglected by many, particularly those early in their practice of the craft) are concisely presented here. Considered as a whole, Mr. Detrick’s book is indeed a valuable resource not only to those seeking to view into the very small corners of the world, but those seeking to enlarge their understanding of photography’s vast potential as well.

Title: Macro Photography for Gardeners and Nature Lovers; The Essential Guide to Digital Techniques
Author: Alan L. Detrick (website, blog)
Publisher: Timber Press
Format: Paperback
Pages: 176 pp.
Illustrations: 171 color photos, 3 diagrams
ISBN-13: 9780881928907