Stunning Wildlife Photography, Undisciplined Storytelling

Aug 26, 2010

by PointedPundit
posted in Shutterbugs

Rating:

For someone with as much photographic talent as Andy Rouse, I was shocked by his lack of editing skills.

Concepts of Nature is an inspiration for those aspiring to wildlife photography. The photographs illustrate what can be achieved with skill, patience and an eye for the dramatic. Rouse gets close his subjects. Lions, elephants in Africa, penguins in Antarctica and birds in flight: the resulting shots reveal a passion for the light. His portraits create a sense of awe and wonder. They tell a story; they depict a scene.

Unfortunately the copy that accompanies the photographs lacks editing. Numerous spelling and grammatical errors detract from the book's impact. If I were rating the book on its verse alone, it would rate a "1" or a "2."

It is divided into three parts. First, "Visions," photographs, that Rouse believes feels are the landmarks of his career. Next, in "Expression," he illustrates the techniques that enable him to create themed portfolios devoted to a single species or ecosystem. Finally, in "Inspiration," he turns to the work of other wildlife, photographers who have inspired and influenced him.

If you aspire to capturing striking wildlife photographs, this is a book you have to view. Just don't plan to read it. The unedited copy fails to do justice to Andy Rouse's prodigious photographic eye.

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About the reviewer

Craig L. Howe (PointedPundit)
Ranked #10

I count among my worst faults an insatiable appetite for knowledge and meeting people. It was only natural that I gravitated toward journalism. Since 1987 as the Principal Consultant … more