ISBN: 1-85284-356-X

Publisher: Cicerone 

Jon Sparks is a professional photographer and writer who specializes in landscape and outdoor subjects. His picture library includes images from New Zealand to Morocco and Pakistan.

Jon publishes Lake District cards and posters and is the author of Car-free Cumbria. He is currently working on preparing books about the Lancashire Cycleway and also on scrambling and climbing in the Lakes.

He is an Associate of the Royal Photographic Society and a member of the Outdoor Writers’ Guild.  Jon currently lives in Lancaster.

“What’s wrong with point and shoot?” a lot actually admits the author of this fantastic photography book which aims to give practical advice on integrating photographs with outdoor life.

He says that while it may sound like such a good idea it misses the one essential first step.

Photography may seem simple but you need Jon’s professional advice to really understand it better. Quite often people tend to buy cameras and never get the full potential out of them. There is so much more to a camera then the simple point and shoot method. For instance, did you know that to get a strong image especially for graphic subjects, a black and white contrast is just as effective as colour?

Jon explains more about photography and how to achieve the best shots. He covers what images and scenes can be like when photographed with a polarising filter. Impressive stuff, and you can learn how to have a try yourself!

Did you know that by placing a white handkerchief over the camera it can help soften the harsh light from a flashgun? Loads more advice and practical tips are included. You just need to snatch a moment to yourself and learn.

Did you also know that there is a big difference between zooming in (for instance on some trees) and actually moving closer to the scene?  Jon does show you what that difference is so you can really understand.

This guide comes in chapters from 1 to 7 with an appendix at the back of the book.

Chapter 3 is a good one to start with if you enjoy shooting landscapes, as I do . Chapter 5 is also interesting if you like the natural wild life and wish to learn about close-ups and the techniques.

There are some stunning photos in this section showing a laid-back New Zealand Fur Seal taken with a 200mm lens. Everything in this photograph is clear, even its long whiskers show up perfectly. Imagine being able to capture an image like this? You can if you take Jon’s guidance.

Many of the photographs in here feature the Lake District, which should please those of you who find themselves attracted to this beautiful place. We have snapshots of a forest with sunlight filtering through the branches and a simply stunning shot of a trickling stream with the foreboding hills above.

This booklet has over 100 colour photographs to illustrate the author’s points and of course, provide the reader with much inspiration.

I would advise anyone who has a passion for photography to go for this treasure.

Jon’s endless and invaluable advice is there to be snapped up!