The third book in Freeman Patterson's classic photography series teaches readers how to photograph
a full spectrum of natural subjects, from a moon over a winter landscape to a starfish in an
intertidal pool or a bird in flight. Freeman Patterson demystifies the techniques of
photographing nature, guiding readers to explore their relationship to the natural world and to
make fine images of their own.



CONTENTS

Preface

THINKING ABOUT NATURE
Relationships between natural things
Nature in the city
Nature in your home

PHOTOGRAPHING NATURE
Photographic approaches
Documentary photographs
Interpretive photographs

PHOTOGRAPHING NATURAL ELEMENTS AND HABITATS
The sun and the atmosphere
Photographing the sun and the daytime sky
Bright sun · Sunrises and sunsets · Rainbows · Sea fog and morning mists · Clouds
Photographing the sky at night
Lightning · The moon · Stars · Aurora borealis
or aurora australis
Photographing invisible things
Heat · Wind
Water and natural processes
Photographing water
Rain · Water drops · Bodies of water ·
Waterfalls
Photographing snow and ice
Snow · Falling snow · Frost Ice
Soil and the natural landscape
Photographing soil
Seeing the natural landscape
Making landscape photographs
Capturing the colour of the landscape

PHOTOGRAPHING PLANTS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS
Making pictures of plants
Documenting plants · Interpretive pictures of plants
Photographing on a damp day in the woods
My equipment · First impressions · Making
close-ups

PHOTOGRAPHING ANIMALS AND THEIR BEHAVIOUR
Mammals
Making pictures of mammals
Photographing small mammals in habitat
Large mammals in habitat · Other techniques and equipment
Birds
Photographing the activities of birds
Social behaviour · Maintenance behaviour
Photographing from a bird blind
Insects
Photographing insects in the field · Insects in captivity
Amphibians and reptiles
Amphibians · Reptiles
Fish and other water creatures
Making underwater pictures from above water From under water

THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF NATURAL THINGS

CHECK LISTS
Preparing for a field trip
Planning a one-day field trip
Minimum photographic equipment · Other equipment
Planning a long trip
Preparations · Travelling · Photographing
Choosing equipment
Basic equipment
Camera · Lenses · Tripod · Other · Film
Equipment for specific situations
Landscape and habitat shots · Close-ups · Mammals, amphibians, reptiles Birds · Under
water · Field trips
Filters
Filters for colour · Filters for black-and-white · Other filters
Caring for equipment
to protect your camera and lens against... · If your camera and lens become...
Electronic flash
What to look for · Determining exposure · Exposure chart for close-ups · Other equpment

About the author

REVIEWS

"...Freeman Patterson has come up with another exciting book in Photography of Natural Things.
Emphasizing that 'in nature, nothing exists in isolation', Patterson presents a complete approach
to capturing natural elements through the camera lens." ... Fredericton Daily Gleaner

"Freeman Patterson's latest book - his third - is worth its price for the luscious, full-color
photographs alone. However, those who enjoy the pictures without reading the text will miss a great deal."... Saskatoon Star Phoenix

"An easily understood book that provides as much inspiration as it does technical
instruction." ... Toronto Sunday Sun

"Patterson shares his vast knowledge of photography freely, clearly and interestingly." ...
Hamilton Spectator