National Geographic China Photography Techniques: Teaching You How to Take Stunning Photos

Author: Editor-in-Chief of the National Geographic China Magazine
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-06-01
Features: This book introduces the basics of photography, including how to shoot landscapes, macro floral photography, wildlife, and cultural scenes. Photography is the art closest to our lives. It concerns aesthetics, emotions, and mindset, appealing to the visual sense, and is a revolutionary integration of vision. From the projection of the gaze, to the reaction of the heart, to the capture of desire, through the adjustment of aperture and focal length, and finally the confirmation of the shutter, we can achieve the anticipated joy. The production of images has its own history, and we merely select a segment to apply. For most photography enthusiasts, the world is right around them, and its scope is equally vast. Plants, rocks, mountains, stones, clouds, water, birds, insects, daily life scenes, joys and sorrows—all are fit for the frame and poetry. If you love novelty and the extraordinary, love documenting your travels, this is also a tribute to creativity. It is a close and intimate exchange with the scenery, objects, and people, and more so with the inner self. Big and small, light and heavy, should not be the only scales for judging the value of photographic subjects. Just as there is no war, we do not need to create one; without disaster and death, we do not need to wait. The extraordinary lies in the ordinary, and we need a pair of eyes that can discover it. If you are a lucky or unlucky person, caught in the storm of a major event, please pick up your camera and record it. Witnessing is also one of the most primal and essential impulses of photography.
When it comes to the convenience of photography, it is nothing more than being spontaneous, but achieving satisfaction is not that simple. Since it is an art, it has its fundamental requirements; and since it is one of many art forms, it has its unique characteristics. To capture stunning images, technical preparation is indispensable. It includes attention to and exploration of the meticulous details in the entire photography process. It is precisely through the precise and measured mastery of these small details that we can create beautiful, thought-provoking, and convincing images. This book features personal insights and photographic tips from seasoned photographers. Their creative work embodies the of National Geographic China—"Opening the door to nature and revealing the essence of humanity"—and opens windows to observe the world, understand oneself, and appreciate the art of photography. Of course, do not be misled into thinking only professional photographers can produce good work. You can too. As long as you invest some effort, equip yourself with the necessary hardware for photography, and remain diligent in thinking, learning, and practicing, you can also do well. I believe this book will bring you a joy of reading and teach you knowledge and skills. The charm of photography lies in continuous understanding and innovation.