Nature Photography "Textbook"

          When it comes to the Nature Photography book by Tim Fitzharris I must say it has to be one of my favorite course related text books thus far.  I just love the fact that you do not feel like you are sitting down and forcing yourself to turn the pages.  All the pictures draw you in and keep you interested in learning the skills and processes used to achieve the skills necessary to take excellent pictures. Not only does the book have great features for drawing the "picture reader" in but it also is an excellent source of overall great information.

          What I found most interesting and shocking was how much information and knowledge goes into something like a tripod.  I guess I just never sat down and thought of it as much more than a few simple legs.  Obviously that is not the case.  When picking out a tripod there are many things that must come into consideration.  The book speaks of considering everything from size to adjusting speed when selecting your tripod.  You want the best thing to fit you and research is a must when it comes to picking out any of your photography tools.   Overall the book, Nature Photography by Tim Fitzharris, has left me pleasantly surprised and wanting to read and learn more within the photography field.

Zach Mazur

Zach Mazur: A Recent History

              I was recently introduced to photographer Zach Mazur and instantly fell in love with this photo along with many other shots of his.  He does an excellent job of capturing nature in ways that I think many people would just pass over. What instantly drew me to this photo was the fact that it is nearly impossible to just glance at the picture.  There is a sense of wonder and mystery in the picture that makes you question everything about it. Whether it is the glistening sun peaking through the dreary clouds or the seemingly never ending broken path, your eye wants to continue studying the photo.  I believe this makes an excellent photo and is an aspect that Zach Mazur does very well and many photographers strive to achieve. 
              Zach speaks of his technique to achieving this type of photography on his website http://www.wsu.edu/~photozam/index.html.  He states that it is all about studying all aspects of the picture.  You want to not only look at it in the present but to study its possible history and all characteristics that go along with it.  It is about developing a scene that will draw your observer in while keeping the natural appeal that we all love and are drawn to.  Overall Zach Mazur has many details that I love to see in photography but he also creates a different view that really made him stand out against the rest.