Perfect Exposure begins with a detailed chapter on why meters fail to achieve accurate exposure. This chapter serves as a valuable basis for understanding the pitfalls in metering that can occur. As always, Zuckerman's straightforward explanations are easy to understand, concise and to the point.

What I found unique to this book is that it covers all the metering tools that can aid photographers with their exposure problems. Zuckerman details how each modality of evaluating exposure can be used under the right circumstances to obtain the desired results. Few nature photography books go into the use of both handheld reflected meters and handheld incident light meters. The photographic examples he uses along with his explanation of how he metered the image are the key to understanding the exposure process.

The next two chapters cover finding middle tones in your image, so that proper exposure can be achieved and getting proper exposures in snow. Zuckerman covers finding middle tones thoroughly. For those that already know about the use of middle tone metering, it is a nice review with examples of difficult exposure situations. The chapter on metering snow offers two techniques: the use of an incident light meter and the use of a reflected light meter.

Backlighting can create some of the most pleasing images in your stock files. Proper exposure for these images can be difficult. The fourth chapter deals with this type lighting situation. If you have not taken advantage of the photographic opportunities that backlighting provides, you will after you see Zuckerman's images. And, after reading this chapter, you will be able to obtain the exposure you want for these type images!

My favorite chapter is on exposing for macro photography. The images are gorgeous, and the tips and techniques clearly explain how each photograph was taken. Zuckerman talks about exposing for backgrounds, subjects, and some tips on using flash with macro.

Also discussed are exposure problems with flash under numerous lighting situations, impossible metering situations, and exposing in extreme contrast. Each chapter explains the problems and contains photographic examples and the solution to each problem. Every image that is in this book is used to demonstrate a technique or educate the reader. In addition, they are also inspiring as they show the true talent Zuckerman has for capturing his subject on film. The images included covered subjects from nature, wildlife, travel, landscape and portraits.

Zuckerman has always been noted for his expert use of light. His previous books Capturing Drama in Nature Photography and Techniques in Natural Light Photography have shown us how effective and essential proper lighting is to creating a photograph. Perfect Exposure will insure that you have the knowledge to create your own dramatic images by educating the reader on the pitfalls of metering, the metering tools he needs, and how to use them to achieve the effect you want in your photograph. A photo library will not be complete without this book on its shelf.

Editor's Comment: Let us know what you think! Please email the Editor to let us know your thoughts.

Debbie Ferrell-Smith's interest in nature began many years ago while living in Missouri. There, where she spent much of her childhood at her grandparents' home, she learned a deep appreciation and respect for nature that has only grown through the years and continues to this day. Texas became her home in 1986. Shortly after moving she realized that this state offers an abundance of wildlife and her yearn to capture nature's beauty on film returned once again.

This past year Debbie had the opportunity to participate as Pre/Post Chair for the NANPA 9th Summit. Naturephotographers.net and Birdzilla.com are two sites where both her images and articles have been published. "I am proud to have been accepted at Profotos.com and to have my gallery displayed on their wonderful site." Her work is represented by one stock agency with images being sold for publication in both Canada and the United States. Photographers who have had the greatest influence on her work are Tom Vezo, Jim Zuckerman, Erwin and Peggy Bauer, Arthur Morris, and John Shaw to name just a few. Each of these pros offers a unique and well-defined style that has inspired and enriched her photographic experiences.

Debbie's charitable contributions include memberships with Audubon, Ducks Unlimited, and the ASPCA. Please take a few minutes and browse her website located at Debbie Ferrell-Smith Nature Photography - I think you will be pleasantly surprised!