Holt, as you might recall, is a very productive\u2014and very successful\u2014photographer who has provided stunning photographs for a long list of garden book. In several instances, he is listed with the writer, indicating the value of his photographic contributions.<\/p>\n
Holt is also an active educator, offering workshops on garden photography for both beginning and advanced photographers. The e-books in His PhotoBotanic Garden Photography Workshop extend his in-person educational offerings.<\/p>\n
The second book in this series, \u201cThink Like a Camera,\u201d includes six lessons on rules for composing photographs. These lessons are more specific than the first book\u2019s more general ideas for the artistry of composing images, which involve positioning the camera in three dimensions, and framing the image that you want to capture.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThink Like a Camera\u201d complements the third book in the series, \u201cThink Like a Gardener.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n According to Holt\u2019s preview notes, thinking like a gardener involves \u201chow to find the story to tell when you are overwhelmed by the possibilities\u2026and how to find your own voice as a garden photographer.\u201d<\/p>\n Here are brief notes on each of the chapters of \u201cThink Like a Camera.\u201d<\/p>\n Framing<\/strong>: This chapter addresses forced perspective, i.e., directing the viewer\u2019s attention, and juxtaposition of elements, in which the photographer uses objects within the scene to support the direction of attention.<\/p>\n Focal Points<\/strong>: Here, the photographer chooses a plant, a garden structure or some other object to feature in the photograph. Presumably, every photograph should lead the viewer\u2019s eye to a deliberately chosen focal point.<\/p>\n Leading Lines<\/strong>: The photographer should see fences, walls, streams, rows of plants, hedges, or pathways as lines within the overall composition of a photograph, and use those lines to strengthen the overall composition.<\/p>\n Points of View<\/strong>: In this chapter, Holt discusses the rationale for positioning the camera in three dimensions to create a desired composition. Like all techniques for image composition, deciding on a physical point of view could require study, experimentation or just a flash of insight.<\/p>\n Space and Shape<\/strong>: When composing an image, the photographer views the scene as the camera does, in two dimensions, studies the spaces and shapes within the scene, and arranges them within the composition. Negative spaces, which can be distinct blocks of muted color or texture, or simply darkness, can be important elements of the composition.<\/p>\n Details and Vignettes<\/strong>: Close in, tightly composed photographs can convey more intimacy than wide-angle shots, and the rules of composition can be used to improve such photographs. (Another book in the series addresses extreme close-ups and macro photography, both of which require special equipment and techniques.)<\/p>\n Each chapter includes exemplary photographs that illuminate the content of the lesson, and ends with Holt\u2019s invitation to take a break and take your camera into a garden to practice the lessons of the chapter.<\/p>\n If you are already pleased with your garden photography, you do not need Holt\u2019s advice. But if you would like to be proud of your garden photos, these books will inspire and guide your shutter work.<\/p>\n The\u00a0four e-books in Saxon Holt\u2019s PhotoBotanic Garden Photography Workshop are available on his website, Photobotonic.com<\/a>. The fourth book is scheduled for release in October 2015. Here are images of the four books in the series:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" About five months ago, in this column, I reviewed \u201cGood Garden Photography,\u201d which is the first e-book in Saxon Holt\u2019s PhotoBotanic Garden Photography Workshop. To re-read that column, click Garden Photography. Holt, as you might recall, is a very productive\u2014and … Continue reading ![\"Screen](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ongardening.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/Screen-Shot-2015-08-07-at-9.49.26-PM.png?resize=300%2C221\")
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