35mm. Panorama

In an articulate narrative and more than 160 color and black-and-white pictures, Hicks aptly illustrates his theme: the 35mm camera can produce excellent landscapes. Through his efforts on this book, Hicks claims he achieved self-realization and artistic growth, overcoming a desire to imitate Ansel Adams (""I was so blinded with hero-worship . . . . ). A London-based freelance photographer and writer, Hicks explains how to master camera, film, accessories (lenses, tripods, filters), metering and processing. The aim is to achieve a command of the equipment so that the picture-taking process becomes instinctive and the camera becomes ``transparent.'' Energy can then be focused on what a photographer needs to ``succeed aesthetically'': patience, quality of light, perspective, composition, and light and shade. The remainder of the book is devoted to valleys, mountains, plains, skies, water and urban landscapes. The book is instructional, well written and suitable for both the advanced amateur and the ambitious beginner. Better Homes and Gardens Crafts Club selection. (October 15)