Our beautiful planet features heavily in our picks of the recent books this month, both terestrially in amazing photos of New Zealand geological events, and, spectacularly, from space — see the world the way a Nasa astronaut sees it in astronaut Scott Kelly’s photos from his year on the International Space Station. Plus, still photos from David Attenborough’s Our Planet series, and tips for Instagram and iPhone photographers. Have a browse.
Flying high : the photography of Lloyd Homer / Nathan, Simon
“‘Disaster man’ Lloyd Homer photographed events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides around New Zealand for over 35 years. This book features a selection of spectacular colour aerial photohraphs, including high-altitude panoramas, from the GNS Science image library as well as many unique aerial photographs of New Zealand’s national parks and wilderness areas.” (Catalogue)
Infinite wonder : an astronaut’s photographs from a year in space / Kelly, Scott
“The first photo book by the Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly, who spent a record-breaking year in space. This is an awe-inspiring collection of the photos Scott took himself while on board the International Space Station, many of which have never been seen before. Through the photos Kelly took during his time in space, we can learn to see the world in a new way. This book will show you what it’s really like to be a Nasa astronaut.” (Catalogue)
Our Planet, Alastair Fothergill (ebook)
“With a foreword by Sir David Attenborough, breathtakingly beautiful still photography, and compelling text expanding on the remarkable TV stories, this companion book presents a whole new view of the place we call home. Featuring some of the world’s rarest creatures and previously unseen parts of the Earth — from deep oceans to remote forests to ice caps — Our Planet takes nature-lovers deep into the science of our natural world. This book captures in one concise narrative a fundamental message: what we do in the next twenty years will determine the future of not just the natural world but humanity itself.” (Overdrive description)
How to photograph absolutely everything / Ang, Tom
“This practical guide will teach you how to take the best possible photo in any situation imaginable with clear step-by-step guidance from expert photographer, Tom Ang. From still-life to sports photography, cityscapes and landscapes, and tackling children’s parties to capturing the magic of seasonal celebrations, How to Photograph Absolutely Everything is the essential guide to improving your digital photography skills and getting the most out of your camera.” (Catalogue)
Hashtag authentic : finding creativity and building a community on Instagram and beyond / Tasker, Sara
“Sara Tasker, Instagram-guru and social media influencer, shares her secrets for turning an interest in Instagram into a thriving business. Instagram is the fastest growing social media platform, with 400 million monthly active users worldwide, half of them under 25. While some of these people use the app as a personal tool, many also use it to build their creative business endeavours, from food and drink to fashion and lifestyle. Sara Tasker has tapped into this as an Instagram coach, an iPhoneographer and social media influencer. Her chronicle of authentic everyday life and her mindful Me and Orla blog has developed into a business in which she allows access to free insta-tips, alongside some hugely popular paid for e-courses for independent creatives.” (Catalogue)
The enthusiast’s guide to iPhone photography : 63 photographic principles you need to know / Duggan, Seán
“The Enthusiast’s Guide to iPhone Photography: 63 Photographic Principles You Need to Know teaches you what you need to know in order to shoot great images with your iPhone. Sean Duggan covers the iPhone’s basic and advanced camera controls, the apps you need most for shooting and processing your images, and the principles you need to know in order to capture and share great, creative, beautiful images with your mobile device. ” (Catalogue)