National Geographic Books Getting Your Shot Takes Readers on Aignment to Shoot Like a Pro

WASHINGTON (May 4, 2015)-For anyone who has ever dreamed of becoming a National Geographic photographer, a new book may bring them one step closer. GETTING YOUR SHOT: Stunning Photos, How-To Tips, and Endless Inspiration From the Pros (National Geographic Books; ISBN: 978-1-4262-1534-6 (paperback); May 5, 2015; $19.95) is a comprehensive guide to capturing the kind of inspirational imagery for which National Geographic is renowned. Illustrated with more than 200 breathtaking images from National Geographic's thriving photo community, Your Shot, the book includes practical tips and creative advice to motivate and nurture the visual storyteller in all of us.

GETTING YOUR SHOT features an introduction from acclaimed National Geographic photographer Lynn Johnson, who sees photography as a portal into the world. Johnson is one of many photographers who have provided assignments and guidance to the Your Shot community. With so many breathtaking images curated from this group over the past nine years, National Geographic decided to create a book. Aimed at photographers of all levels, GETTING YOUR SHOT is the ultimate how-to book for learning how to capture the perfect shot.

The book opens with the fundamentals of photography, covering everything from the features of a digital camera to photography gear to techniques for composition, lighting, focus, exposure and more.

Ready to start shooting? Just as in a National Geographic photo workshop, National Geographic photo editors and photographers step into the role of teacher with an in-depth photo assignment section spanning a wide array of themes, including self-portraits; spontaneous adventure; representing a daydream; foodscapes; landscapes; and how to visualize love. Each of the 17 photo assignments starts with guidance and tips from a National Geographic photo editor or photographer and is illustrated with evocative images from Your Shot photographers. All of the images are accompanied by commentary from National Geographic experts. Some have sidebars that provide tips; others have the photographer's story as a sidebar.

The book also includes a glossary of photography terms and a section titled The Photographer's Notebook, which provides detailed information about each image, including camera model, focal length, shutter speed and aperture.

GETTING YOUR SHOT is geared toward both novices wanting to broaden their knowledge and photo aficionados. It doesn't really matter how expensive your camera is - DSLR or smartphone - or whether you call yourself a pro, hobbyist or a beginner, writes Johnson in her introduction. We are addicted to looking through that miniscule window to witness the wide world to the privilege of documenting a moment, to the sense of purpose that lifts us above the everyday.

About Your Shot

Your Shot began in 2006 as a way for aspiring photographers to get published in the pages of National Geographic magazine Today, the Your Shot photo community comprises more than a half-million members from 196 countries, who tell stories through photography. The Your Shot mission is to tell stories collaboratively through big, bold photography and expert curation. The community is open to photographers of all levels - from beginners to professionals. National Geographic photo editors and photographers regularly select their favorite Your Shot images for publication online and in National Geographic magazine.

About National Geographic Books

National Geographic Books creates and distributes print and digital works that inspire, entertain, teach and give readers access to a world of discovery - and possibility. Each year, we publish more than 150 new books for adults, families and children on a wide range of nonfiction subjects, from animals to travel, cartography to history, fun facts to moving stories. National Geographic books are available in 38 languages and more than 60 countries and in countless bookstores, mass-market outlets, schools, libraries and specialty retailers throughout the world.

LINK:	http://press.nationalgeographic.com/2015/05/04/getting-your-shot-book/...
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