Evaluation:  
Conclusion: The Useful and Not-So-Useful
Review: First, let me point out a couple of things that surprised me when the book arrived, although if I had just thought about what the specs stated, this would not have been a surprise. This is a large and heavy book, 11.2 x 9.8 x 0.9 inches and weighs 4.2 pounds. I have no problem with that, but I did not expect it. It is published by Harry N. Abrams, where all the great (and large) art books come from. And last, when the title says "Macrophotography," it means it in the widest sense of that word. This is not simply a book on what we popularly would call close-up photography.
The point of the above is that the reader should prepare to see many sections on types of "micro" photography that may not interest them and (perhaps worse for many of us) many sections on specialized equipment that most of us would never assemble, much less pay for. Examples of this are a entire studio that you take into the field or a large aquarium-like tank that you take with you, along with some 29 gallons of clear water to fill it. I won't be doing that anytime soon. There are many, many other sections like this, sections with amazing equipment that you can't find, even if you could afford it. This kind of thing fills at least one half of the book. And last (and this is a matter of taste) many of the (very nice nature) close-ups used to illustrate this book are obviously using flash and from my perspective the flash is way too heavy in that regard. Of course, I prefer natural light or natural light with a flash fill. This for me was that most difficult aspect of the book.
On the more positive side, this is an incredible reference book, filled with inventions and ideas related to macrophotography that I will want to look at and study in the future. Perhaps the best part of the book for me was a short article on the love of nature and the passion for it that drives many of us out to welcome the sun each morning or to put it to bed each night - when the light is right. This author expresses this very well -- inspiring.
In the first (roughly) half of the book, the author goes over much of the material that most of us think of as `macro' photography, like diopters, extension tubes, and on, although not in any great detail, plus the mandatory endless formulae that almost none of us ever work out on a calculator now that digital cameras are what we use. What is missing for me from this work is more hands-on examples and worked problem situations that would show me how to become a better close-up photographer.
I am glad to have this book and will use it as a reference volume, but I won't be trading it for John Shaw's "Closeups in Nature" anytime soon.
Evaluation:
Conclusion: Beyond Belief
Review: Macro photograph is very hard to master. Even with the best of equipment, it requires command of your equipment, knowledge of your controls or lack of controls, continued practice, and especially, patience. Subject depth, wind, complexity of view, and lighting are difficult to manage.
Gilles is a master's master. The book's included artwork is magnificent. His photographs of (flying) insects are remarkable if not seemly impossible images. (His lighting / IR sensor equipment / technique are quite advanced, but within your reach if so inclined). His examples are biased more towards insects and amphibians in flight, above ground, below ground, and underwater as opposed to other possible subjects such as flowers, bark, rocks, ice, etc. The art, alone, is worth this book's purchase.
Most of his techniques he teaches you are straight forward, and really, quite basic once you understand the elements and your control over them, but you must have Gilles's patience. He provides technical data on all of his art. He excels in giving you the technical detail behind his methodology.
Few books in my photographic library compare in depth to this book. Many of Ansel's books are good comparisons for subject depth. In macro photography, I cherish all of Tony Sweet's books, especially the Fine Art Flower Photography, which cover both technique and composition theory. I like John Shaw's Closeups in Nature for subject matter coverage (broader orientation), and I learned a lot from it initially. However, Gilles excels over Shaw in his chosen sphere of subjects, personal skills, and book subject depth. I'm happy to have all of these books in my library.
Physically, Gilles Martin's book is a big 9 1/2" (w), 11 1/4" (h), and ~1" thick. Printing, paper, illustrations, color, and photographic quality are A+.
Evaluation:
Conclusion: Dissapointed
Review: Just received this book. He has nothing to say about Nikon bodies & equiptment. His formulas for magnification rates are dead wrong. Very outdated info. on Digital. Who cares or has the money to do microphotography. Uses very expensive equiptment that the average photographer cannot afford. We don't have access to National Geographics photography equipment. Very wordy and nonsensical information that you can get from any general photography book.
The quality of the photos and paper is very nice. But, John Shaws Closeups has much more and accurate information for the average photographer. There is also a new book that I just ordered that was just published and reccomended by Shutterbug for just $16. This book is being returned to Amazon.
Save your money. If you want some great pictures (which this book has) go to previous Natl. Geographic issues
Don't wate your money!!
Evaluation:
Conclusion: BASIC & TRULY BEAUTIFUL
Review: This book is captivating! When I first picked it up I just looked at all the photographs. Then I had to read how the photographs were taken. This is the book I dream of publishing with my own photographs one day. The reading and techniques are basic, but it is definitely a book for your photography book library. The pictures are AMAZING! They inspire me and they will inspire any photographer, beginner or professional.
Evaluation:
Conclusion: An inspiring book
Review: That the illustrations will be fascinating it was clear to me before I got the book. In addition, the enthusiasm of the author for the subject is quite contagious, so beware: if you buy this book, you will soon end up spending time behind your camera!
I also enjoyed the way the book presents both sophisticated and simple equipment, and has the good sense not to discourage you from going to take pictures with something that is not top of the line. On the contrary, many passages encourage you to experiment and improvise.
What I did care less for are a couple of math blunders (the explanation on the rounding of aperture values on page 102, f/8 is actually f/8 and not f/7.999) and inexact print of the DOF formula (on page 117).
I also enjoyed the loving and respectful attitude to nature and all living creatures.
Finally, there are lots and lots of tiny details about shooting in the field that I learned from the book.
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