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29 of 29 found the following review helpful:
 Excellent, but with strong brand bias Jul 28, 2002
By M. Broderick
"mikebinok"
What the other reviewers have said is true. This is an outstanding book on bird photography. It also contains outstanding photos. The closest thing to a weakness with the book is the strong association and support Morris has with Canon products. I'm a Canon person myself, but I sometimes wonder about equipment advice Morris gives in his book or his fine website at birdsasart, because of his contract connection with Canon.
Despite my whining on this subject, the book is excellent if you want to learn about photographing birds. It includes a review of the basic principles of any type of photography, then goes on to give very detailed information on techniques of photographing birds. In addition to camera use, there is good information on tripods, stalking techniques, and some bird photography hotspots around US and Canada.
An excellent book, even for non-Canon shooters! I gather that it is being released in a paperback edition now, which will be a better value.
26 of 28 found the following review helpful:
 Losing place Jun 26, 2006
By D. Earls
Don't get me wrong, I'm nowhere near the photographer Arthur Morris is, but the emerging world of digital photography has taken the bloom off this rose. This title needs updating for the new world. This book focuses mainly on work done with full-frame film cameras (where Morris earned his reputation), and much of what's here would apply to full-frame digital SLRs. Problem is, most of us can't afford them, and we're forced to using APS-C, smaller-frame cameras. The most significant thing there is that the images delivered to the sensors are the central portion of the full-frame sensor, so a lens connected to the camera "acts like" it has a longer focal length. This impacts things like composition and lens selection, and some detail from the master would have been insightful.
I would like to have seen a more thorough discussion of the use use of extension tubes in front of long lenses (Morris uses them). I am inclined to compare this book less favorably with anything by John Shaw, who very clearly and amusingly gets us into the nitty-gritty details of what AND why we do things a certain way.
I was also a little surprised at the quality of the photographs. Morris is a fine photographer, and the book is chock full of his finest work - but the reproduction of them leaves a lot to be desired. This is not a knock on Morris, but this title is a decided step down from Amphoto photography guides.
11 of 11 found the following review helpful:
A Classic ! Aug 25, 2002
By M. D Roberts
If you only ever read one book about bird photography, then let it be this one.I have many wildlife photography books in my library, but this is the one that I refer to time and time again. Arthur Morris covers everything from equipment, lighting and composition to exposure. Highly recommended. Please visit his website at [URL] for a wealth of information. Arthur Morris also now provides a 'pocket guide to exposure', details of which are on the website. It is a real gem.
8 of 8 found the following review helpful:
Great stuff Jun 04, 2001
By Craig M. Lipski
After reading previous reviews, I was a little chagrined when my book arrived and it was so thin, but after reading it, my reservations were gone. Of course,the photography was stunning; In addition to being an excellent technical manual, the book would be great as a "coffee table" book. The information was well presented and thorough. On the issue of "bias" toward Canon equipment, Morris is up front regarding his Canon contract, but does not hesitate to point out some features that other makers make available, but Canon lacks. My only resevation with book is a dearth of information on filters; Other than that, this book is an *excellent* primer on bird (and nature, in general,) photography. Well worth the money; I'm sure I will refer to this book many times in the future.
13 of 16 found the following review helpful:
Stunning book by a true expert Jan 21, 2000
By Mark Wagner
This book is an outstanding book, both on photography itself as well as bird photography. Art Morris takes a difficult subject and makes it much more approachable for the beginner. What is best and most valuable is the section on exposure as well as learning the various habits of your subjects. I had the chance to meet Art Morris here in Austin a few weeks ago at the 2000 NANPA Summit. There is no doubt that Art is the master of his "art", and it shows with the pictures in the book. Yes, he is very brand specific, but so is Moose Peterson (Nikon), Art Wolfe (Canon) Frans Lanting (Nikon), and the list goes on. Any of the great nature photographers are very specific about the brands that they shoot. So whether or not you shoot Nikon, Canon, or whatever else, you can learn a great deal about photography, birding, and still enjoy some stunning photographs! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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