Wildlife Photography: An expert guide

I'm a fairly beginner photographer and I can say that I can't wait to delve into this book more. Of course the images are inspirational but I just love that there are such well written explanations of basic techniques like ISO, aperture and shutter speed. There is an incredible chapter on light which to me is the most important element in capturing an image. My favorite thing, though, is there are suggestions about gear that are actually within my budget....lot of sources suggest things that are totally unreasonable. Mr. Bernabe provides insight into expeditions and travel both abroad and gives ideas for trips and opportunities that dont require a passport or a lot of time away from work. All in all it's the best Christmas present I've gotten in a long time!

Logically arranged to cover gear choice, technical considerations, light and composition. Finishes with useful strategies for different categories of wildlife and for travel. Although the travel strategies are aimed at the long distance traveler, many would still apply to day trips for local wildlife. Photos used to illustrate concepts are excellent and relevant to the neighboring text. Each chapter is ended with a Travel Guide to a particular location, which covers what to expect, essential gear, tips and best time of year. Although the author is a well-known photography workshop leader, he does not advertise or promote his own workshops in these guides. The travel guides are temptingly well illustrated. If you are the type of photography book reader who likes to read one chapter at a time and think about the material for a day or two, these travel guides will make it very difficult for you not to jump right into the next chapter. I waited for this book, as Amazon had a later release date in Canada, but it was well worth the wait.

I have followed Richard Bernabe for many years, and am always impressed with both his photography and his life philosophy. Along with his creativity, artful eye, and technical knowledge, Richard also has an innate sense of how to make a picture 'real', that is he presents not just an image, but also a feeling for its lifestyle, and survival needs. When you look at a Bernabe landscape, you are IN the picture, it surrounds you. This book's cover photo resonated strongly with me, in an almost 'expect the unexpected' kind of way'. A simple, calm, photo, beautifully shot to convey the glories of nature, its ability to present the viewer with an emotion, a sensation. The message is clear, it draws you into the rest of the book, where Richard presents his 'lessons' in ways that are concise, complete, and understandable. I find his work especially attractive in so many ways because he is a man who has found his bliss, has carved his path, and is willing to impart his art and his expertise to all of us who would perhaps thus be tempted to venture forth in his footsteps. Bravo, Richard Bernabe!

I just got Wildlife Photography by Richard Bernabe Photography and I highly recommend it if you want to level up your outdoor photography game. I was expecting a good book, but I wasn’t expecting it to be so comprehensive. It caters to all skill levels by covering everything from the basics of tech to the nuances of composition and how to shoot wild subjects. The stunning images and mini travel guides add great context to his tricks of the trade. I hope I can go to a couple of his destinations and try it out for myself someday. Until then, I’m going to get a picture of that Snowy Owl. Well, maybe not, but I’ll have fun trying.

Richard Bernabe is a world-renown photographer and this latest book is a beautifully put together guide to wildlife photography. Laid out in logical sections from general equipment basics to strategies and info on travel for wildlife photography, this is a very easy and enjoyable read. Sections are short and clear. Examples are always included and help make the information very practical. If you like wildlife photography (whether a newbie or pro) you'll find plenty to like in this book. And it's just flat out beautiful! Bernabe's photos are amazing (I follow him on Twitter and have seen so many wonderful shots of his). As an advanced amateur, I highly recommend this book.

Richard Bernabe is an extraordinary wildlife photographer and the book has many breathtaking images. As a book, however, designed to guide hobbyists I have three issues: The first two are editorial . The beautiful images are described in a barely legible caption pirinted in light grey font set against a glossy white background. Very attractive but who wants to repeatedly use magnifying glasses to read the caption? The second is more serious: none of the images give the reader the image’s settings, ie. ISO, shutter speed, focal length and aperture. For the aspiring hobbyist this information is arguably the most instructive. A major missed opportunity as they could have easily been included. My second issue is a matter of opinion. Wildlife photography requires good, fast telephoto lenses. Bernabe’s own equipment include a $5,500 Canon body and a $11,900 Canon telephoto, not quite the kit most hobbyists can afford. Further, he dismisses anything but a DSLR, claiming only these have auto focus systems adequate for wildlife photography. This ignores a number of equally excellent photographers using Sony, Fujifilm or Olympus and the quality of their focus systems is evident. In sum, I think his recommendations on equipment could unnecessarily discourage budding amateur photographers. Bernabe does give some excellent technical and artistic advice and for these, I definitely recommend the book. I would also recommend “Mastering Wildlife Photography “ by Richard Garvey-Williams whose images are equally stunning and their settings are described.

This book is mostly geared towards someone starting out as a photographer more than an experienced photographer of wildlife. The first sections get into detail on how to use camera, rule of thirds, histogram, aperture, flash, equipment, and shutter speed. Very technical and too much information for the beginner though. The next sections deal with composition, light, depth of field, motion, exposure. These sections were done well for a beginner or someone who is starting to use more controls on their camera. The information I found most helpful was when the photographer explained detail camera settings for certain situations. This is where any level of photographer could benefit. For example he would explain that if you want a geese in flight and to freeze the motion use shutter priority at 1/800 with single focus set to get the eye of the bird, but if you wanted more blur...This was more towards the middle of the book through the end. He also ended every chapter with a destination and what to shoot there-some were exotic, some were not. Every photo had a caption with details on what settings he shot the photo at and where it was taken. I liked that he spent time on backyards and zoos since not everyone can go on Safari. I did not like the fact that he focused on DSLRs only and lots of lenses. I think he is right that these give the best photos of wildlife but point and shoots can capture some great photos if someone cannot afford the more expensive equipment. The attached photo was shot with a Lumix DC-ZS70 from 20 ft away at Corkscrew Sanctuary in Florida. My second camera sometimes is this one. The book though is worth reading if you want to shoot better wildlife photos and just do not know where to begin. It also has beautifully well done photos that are laid out well.

As a budding photographer, I found this to be one of the best teaching photography books I've read. Richard offers very insightful tips on everything from shooting techniques, composition, travel tips, gear, location considerations and more. Coupled with his incredible photography, this book is packed with everything you need to get you started, keep you going, and inspire you to produce your best work. His easy going writing style makes this an easy book to follow and understand, and his images will inspire you! This would make an excellent gift for any photographer on your holiday list! ;-) Well done Richard!

Having bought this book out of an interest to move into wildlife photography, liking the preview and following the author Richard Bernarbe on Twitter, I was immediately drawn in and really impressed with such a beautiful book. He has covered everything from photography basics, gear, lighting, geography and every possible aspect of any animal you encounter you could think of, including taking your camera kit under water!!! (Something I am now seriously considering). There is a great balance between learning how to take various shots and showcasing some truly amazing wildlife photography, this would be a great buy for both those interested in photography and those just interested in some of the amazing animals on our planet and how they were captured through photos. I will not be putting this down for a while and the more I read the more inspiring Richards journey across the planet is. Beautiful animals captured with beautiful photography.

A very useful book for novices as well as photographers with bit of experience.useful

Per tutti gli amanti della fotografia naturalistica ma non solo. Il libro è scritto molto bene, Richard Bernabe è un ottimo fotografo e sa spiegare molto bene le varie tecniche fotografiche Il libro è ricco di consigli per fotografi di tutti i livelli. Consiglio la versione cartacea richiede la conoscenza dell’inglese perché non c’è una versione in italiano. Comunque si legge facilmente anche se non si conosce perfettamente la lingua

This book explains photography in easy to understand language along with beautiful photo examples. One of the best books I’ve read on wildlife photography. Buy it!

It was a great pleasure to follow RB on the path of the professional photography and to look behind the scenes of amazing pictures. Not sparing with instructions and professional advices, not patronizing us, his book gives us the means to level up in photography.