ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY
Adventure Photography: Capturing the World of Outdoor Sports
by Michael Clark
Adventure Photography: Capturing the World of Outdoor Sports is out of print but it is still available on Amazon.com.
In early 2009, I wrote a how-to book on adventure sports photography. The title of the book is Digital Masters: Adventure Photography and it is part of a series of photography books being published by Lark Books, a division of Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. The book details the ins and outs of creating top-notch adventure sports images. As far as I can tell there are no other books out there that even come close to covering as much ground as this book does. In fact, there are few if any books that specifically talk about photographing adventure sports at all.
I have basically downloaded everything I have learned about shooting adventure sports as a full-time pro for over 15 years into this book. For those of you that are wondering, the book does not get into any of my digital processing techniques. Because my Lightroom workflow e-book has become so popular and is much more detailed we decided to concentrate on photography in this book and not get caught up with digital processing. Some of the topics covered in the book include: equipment, outdoor gear, adventure photography fundamentals (light, autofocus, histograms, exposure, composition, remote camera work), artificial lighting, how I approach and shoot each of the main adventure sports, portraiture and lifestyle photography as well as what it takes to be a pro. The book also includes interviews with photographer Corey Rich and National Geographic Adventure photo editor Sabine Meyer - and a whole lot more.
To get a taste of what is in the book, the publisher has allowed me to create a PDF document with several double-truck spreads from the book. Download the sample PDF here.
Description from Lark Books:
This beautifully produced guide by Michael Clark is the newest entry in the Digital Masters series, as well as the first book on a fast-growing photographic genre: shooting today's popular extreme outdoor sports, from mountain biking and ice climbing to surfing, kayaking, and more. Clark is one of the world’s most respected adventure photographers, and he offers sage advice—gained from years of hard-earned experience—on equipment, techniques, and the specific skills required to get in on the action. Learn to capture fast-moving subjects and deal with harsh conditions and horrible weather—even when you’re hanging from ropes and riggings in a squall. Of special interest is the Portraiture and Lifestyle chapter, which covers increasingly in-demand techniques.
Reader Reviews of Digital Masters: Adventure Photography
"I just got done reading Michael's excellent new book, and he has done a fantastic job. Not only does he talk about the tools and techniques for getting great shots in various adventure sports (climbing, kayaking, etc), but he details his approach, how he plans to get the shots he needs, and how he reacts when things change - and they change a lot in the activities Michael shoots. However, the best he saves for last in the final three chapters - all very unique and incredibly valuable. The first section is all about "adventure portraiture", something I have not seen before and he talks about how to take a great portrait in less than ideal circumstances. In the last two chapters, Michael shares his tips, knowledge and recommendations for aspiring photographers who want to turn pro. He has some fantastic information, and great references, and the final two interviews (with Corey Rich and Sabine Meyer) should help any person who wants to turn pro. Michael shares all of his knowledge, tips, tricks to help and inspire folks who may want to pursue their dreams, and he lets them know not only can it be done (with a TON of hard work), but shows how it might be done. All in all, highly recommended." - Paul Beiser
"As a younger outdoor shooter this book is a great resource for me. It's really awesome to have all the info in a single place. After reading the book and getting some time in, I think the information here is enough to get any hard-working and creative photographer up to speed with any of the professional shooters out there. Ultimately, buying this book doesn't make bad light good, but it gives you the information to go ahead and put in the work, knowing that if you follow the methods Michael describes you'll come away with an end product that you - and hopefully your clients - can be proud of. I'm a cinematographer by trade and even though this book is geared more towards the stills set, I still find it 90% applicable to what I'm doing in the outdoors." - Charles Fryberger
"Just finished this adventure photography book by Michael Clark. He's a great photographer and also a very pragmatic writer and teacher. The book is well-written, well-illustrated, and contains a TON of information. This is a great publication for the money. Can't wait to put some of his ideas to use. If you're serious about outdoor photographer, whether or not you want to make a dime at it, this book is a must." - Curtis Brandt
"I just received your Adventure Photography book. Stunning!" - Broderick Stearns "Loving the new book!" - Andrew Luter
"Great book. If you photography anything that moves ... buy it. And if you don't photograph anything that moves - buy it - and you will. That simple. That good. Well, OK, not that simple. Buy the book first, simple comes later." - David
"If adventure photography is what interests you then this is a great book to start with. I was tempted to give this book four stars because the wide range of topics meant that each topic could only be covered to a limited depth. After thinking it over I realized that there are so many practical tips and techniques discussed in the core subject of adventure photography that it really deserved five stars. As the author himself says, there are many topics discussed which warrant reading additional books (and taking classes/workshops) to master the wide field of expertise necessary to be an adventure photographer. For instance, the book discusses the author's climbing techniques, lighting, portraiture, the use of Lightroom, the business of photography and many other aspects of this quest for creating the imagery that he does. Each of these topics demands additional study and it would have been unfair to expect this book to cover these topics in depth (the book would then have become a ten volume series). While the limited depth that certain topics get can be made up by reading other fine works on those subjects, the author gives many practical and specific tips and techniques for photographing specific adventure sports that you probably won't easily find elsewhere. Considering the wide range of topics covered and specifically the adventure photography specific knowledge discussed, this book is a worthwhile read for those looking to enter the field of adventure photography." - Michael Brochstein
"This was a great introduction to the world of adventure photography. Unlike other authors, Clark doesn't presume that you're up on all the pro lingo. He breaks everything down into easy to understand lessons. It actually felt like I was looking over his shoulder as he worked, it was that clear and accessible. There were three aspects to the book that were particularly good:
1) Early on, there is a two-page spread of all of Clark's equipment, laid out and identified. It really brings home what kind of equipment is necessary to be a pro adventure photographer (and also allows you to figure out what you think is necessary for your own needs).
2) Clark's description of the hyperfocal distance is the first time I've truly been able to understand that concept. In fact, it was so good that I've realized I need to buy another lens to fully utilize it!
3) Clark is exceptionally honest about what equipment he brings to shoot the various sports he specializes in, and as such I am now confident that I know what I need to get started in the niche I've chosen (backpacking and fly fishing)." - Foster