What makes a great photo? Flicking through the pages of most popular photography magazines you might get the impression that there’s only one rule of importance – ‘the rule of thirds’. Indeed it appears that some will judge the merit of a photograph based almost solely on this. Rarely do you hear discussion about ‘visual weight’, ‘balance’, ‘negative space’, ‘depth’ and so on. Author and professional photographer Richard Garvey-Williams argues that success lies in a combination of four elements: an impactful subject; dynamic composition; effective use of lighting; and, perhaps the most crucial, ability to invoke an emotional response in the viewer. Citing examples gleaned from a study of history – the Ancient Greeks' Golden Rule; Fibonacci's mathematical ratio; and the principles known as the Gestalt theory – the author analyses the concepts, rules and guidelines that define successful composition in photography and offers practical guidance to achieving great results. In clear, concise and jargon-free text he also considers the role of tone and colour in good composition, and offers invaluable tips and the tools to help the photographer take control of the creative process.

Landscape photography can be a solitary experience, but award-winning landscape photographer David Taylor believes creativity requires a certain amount of peaceful contemplation to flourish. What skills or requirements, therefore, does a successful landscape photographer need? An ability not to mind getting cold or wet is one that springs to immediately to mind, but a landscape photographer also has to understand how the weather and the seasons affect the landscape. Navigational skills are useful to find potential subjects. Above all, empathy for the natural world is a prerequisite. Beginning with a comprehensive guide to the choice of cameras, lenses and other equipment and accessories, Taylor goes on to discuss the fundamentals of exposure – aperture, shutter speed, ISO, dynamic range – and an appreciation of the effects of light on the landscape, at various times of the day and in all types of weather. Practical advice on planning for an outdoor shoot covers the basics of assembling a travel kit, using maps and choosing a location, consulting sunrise and sunset times, weather forecasts and predicting tides. The author's own stunning photography transports the reader from coastal regions to hills and mountains, through woodland and moorland, in all seasons and weather.

The landscape is not only endlessly varied it is also constantly changing, and this is what makes it such a fascinating and challenging subject. Using a fabulous collection of landscape photography, Peter Watson’s latest book gives you both the inspiration and knowledge you need to compose stunning digital photographs. Starting with an explanation of what makes a good landscape for photography, the book guides you through picking the best viewpoint, using the light to your advantage and creating depth and impact.

Whether you are planning to take up wedding photography professionally, or have been given the role of photographer at a friend or relative’s big day, this is the book for you with its fantastic tips and comprehensive advice. It is packed with expert advice from acclaimed portrait and wedding photographer, Mark Cleghorn. Inside you will find comprehensive information on choosing equipment, plus all the key photographic techniques, both basic and advanced, fully and clearly explained. There are also plenty of suggestions as to what to capture before, during and after the ceremony and how to go about it, plus what to do post production.

Wildlife watchers and aspiring natural-history photographers – collect up your kit and get ready for a practical course with a difference. Photographic workshops are exceptionally popular but not everybody has the time or budget to attend one in person. This ‘workshop in book form’ allows you to absorb the benefits of the workshop experience without actually being on location with the professionals. Whatever your level of experience, this comprehensive book will help you improve and capture better photographs whether you are a beginner or an enthusiast who wants to brush up on some skills. Be guided by the authors’ breadth of knowledge and follow the progression of technical advice. Chapters dedicated to different types of wildlife give hands-on advice of how to locate, approach and photograph your subject using insider tricks of the trade.

This book shows readers how to create their own breath-taking outdoor shots. Based on a three-day workshop, Outdoor Photography Masterclass is packed with information, tips, colour photographs and practical exercises, designed to take the reader right through from beginner to master photographer. Each day starts with learning the fundamental aspects, then taking these new-found skills into the field, before working through some production skills and finally reading up on the history and forerunners of photography. Niall Benvie’s approachable writing style and numerous examples of his own work make this book easy to follow and a joy to read.