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National Geographic Photo Basics: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Great Photography

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Description

For digital camera and smartphone users, a complete how-to guide written by a renowned National Geographic photographer. Learn the essentials of taking great pictures, from lighting, focus, and framing to specialties like infrared and astrophotography. This entertaining book from beloved National Geographic photographer and Photo Ark founder Joel Sartore shows aspiring photographers how to take great pictures, from framing and F-stops to editing and archiving. Whether you're using a phone or a DSLR camera, you'll learn fundamentals that you'll put to work every day. Chapter by chapter, Sartore explains the basics, from choosing a camera and gear to understanding focus, exposure, composition, and lighting. Using examples from his own work, he applies key rules of photography to family, pet, travel, nature, and street photos. Throughout the book you'll find pro tips, quick assignments, and behind-the-lens stories of great photographs, with targeted advice on using your smartphone camera. Fun and informative, this practical book will be your gateway to taking great pictures. With tips from a pro, your photos will look the best they can. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ National Geographic


Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 12, 2019


Edition ‏ : ‎ Illustrated


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 256 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1426219709


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 02


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.85 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.6 x 0.67 x 9.72 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #14,128 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #4 in Photography Reference (Books) #1,409 in Reference (Books)


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If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Monday, Aug 3

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Worth it !
Format: Spiral-bound
Just finished reading the book. I am a beginner into the hobby. Anyone starting out in photography would benefit from this book. It starts with the basics and ends with photo editing. Great companion for anyone starting out or wants to learn more. I got the Spiral bound version, and I am glad I did. Would make a nice coffee table book for those into the hobby. In addition, I am taking photography 1,2 &3 at the local community college. This book offers great backup and information on what we are learning in class. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2026 by trip68

  • Truly wonderful guidebook.
Format: Paperback
This is truly excellent! It provides significant assistance to those who are new to photography. It is certainly a worthwhile purchase.
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2026 by HmLx

  • Great book for anyone interested in bettering their photography skills. Great book for anyone interested in bettering their photography skills.
Format: Spiral-bound
I was so happy to receive this book before the estimated date! Great book, full of useful information for a person looking to take better photographs; it goes over everything from the basics to more advanced techniques. The author is a wonderful photographer! The spiral binding makes it very easy to use. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2026 Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2026 by Eileen Wormser

  • Helps improve photos
Format: Paperback
Good book, the only downside is the author goes on a few stream of consciousness rants when providing ideas. Some may like it though. Overall a helpful book.
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2026 by JW

  • Great picture book
Format: Paperback
Beautiful pictures! Fun gift for kids and adults
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2026 by Rebecca Kelleher

  • Tips for photography
Format: Paperback
Great tips and ideas for shots. Positioning of subjects. Lighting and camera suggestions.
Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2025 by Tammy Hovancak

  • Basic photography book
Format: Paperback
Interesting book. However, it is very basic. There are few technical references in the book but photography techniques are covered well.
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2025 by Daniel R. Vargas

  • Got it for my sister's 15th birthday
Format: Paperback
lots of illustrations and great for any level of expertise. My sister doesn't like to read, but she spent hours with this book, looking at the photos and then ended up reading a lot of the text too :) I also enjoy reading it, as an entry level photographer it gets my creativity turned on
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2025 by Amazon Customer

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