Wide ranging and comprehensive, this book covers everything from traditional pastoral scenes to urban and industrial landscapes. There is sound technical information on cameras, film and lenses, plus plenty of practical advice on lighting, composition and perspective.

The most spectacular sight is not necessarily the most photogenic, Bower reminds us, and makes his point with subtle views of his local countryside, England's Lake District, or remote places in the American West. Quaint Scottish and Bavarian castles, with the whiff of decay, also attract his lens, but less important than subject matter is Bower's explanation of the scene's variable factors--particularly, as always, light. Like most pros, Bower disdains the fad for autofocus cameras and directs his experienced advice at the dedicated hobbyist. That person will always wish to experiment with the variety of camera bodies, lens types, exposure times, and filters, so to those who habituate public libraries before heading to the outdoors goes this practical, pretty album.