|
The
Underwater Photographer is a third edition, but it has been
so thoroughly revised to include digital techniques that it
could have easily justified a new title. If you own the second
edition then you will already probably want the third. The
late, great Jim Church said of second edition that it "set
a standard that will only be surpassed when Martin writes
a third edition". And Martin has clearly worked tirelessly
to ensure that it does live up to that billing.
First
impressions are that this is a substantial volume at just
under 400 pages. It is full colour throughout, and is divided
into 5 sections: The Basics and Beyond; The Digital Revolution;
Using SLRS and Compacts Underwater; The Mindset (Martin's
Think and Consider approach to underwater photography); and
The Big Four (Composition, Lighting, Macro and Wide Angle).
The
Underwater Photographer is seriously comprehensive and will
clearly serve as a faithful and thorough reference manual.
But the author's enthusiastic, personal and accessible style
make it easy reading. As Peter Rowlands says in the foreword
Martin's gift is to be able to explain this multi-faceted
subject both simply and comprehensively. Technical issues
are dealt with thoroughly but reassuringly free from jargon,
and even if it gets a bit technical, you can always skim through
the heavy stuff and skip to Martin's personal recommendations,
to instantly improve your shots. There are a few opinions
I disagree with, but I would say the same about most other
underwater photography books I have read.
To
really get the most out of this book you really have to buy
in to Martin's philosophy. In my opinion, Martin's strength
as a photography teacher is that he is not an instinctive
photographer. His images are the result of analysis, planning
and calculated execution. He understands better than most
why his images work, and when they don't why they have failed.
He understands the technical and artistic decisions that go
into producing a great image. Put simply his book helps the
reader do the same.
Another
nice feature of the book is that the author directs the reader
to useful further information. He also regularly refers to
other photographers' work as examples and asks thought provoking
questions such as: "Consider your favourite underwater
photographer.. Doubilet? Newbert? Cathy Church? How do you
think your images would improve if they chose your subjects?"
And naturally, BSoUP and BSoUP members are mentioned regularly!
It
is very hard to think of any negatives. If I had to say something,
I would say that the standard of the images is not absolutely
world class throughout (although I would add the standard
and detail of the teaching most certainly is). The images
have been chosen to demonstrate techniques and to re-affirm
points. But I would like to see an extra sprinkling of gratuitously
stunning images in there.
In
conclusion, this book is very impressive and as up to date
as a work of this magnitude could hope to be. In short, if
you are an underwater photographer and you want to improve
your images then I recommend buying this book. That's as straight
as I can put it.
Alexander
Mustard (27.03.06) |
