Demonstrates how to use shapes, patterns, colors, textures, and motion in nature photographs, describes the creative process, and offers tips on becoming a professional photographer

"Little known within [Horst's] body of work ... is a set of 'photographic patterns', made by the photographer in the mid-1940s. Created from an unusual series of close-up photographs of botanical specimens, these photographic collages were intended for use in such commercial fields as textiles, wallpaper, plastics, ceramics, glass, bookbinding and jewellery. While nine of these collages were reproduced in Horst's Patterns from Nature (1949), the majority - rediscovered only recently - have gone unseen for decades. Written by photographic curator Martin Barnes, [this] brings together every known and complete example of these extraordinary works ... Beginning with a brief examination of Horst's life and career, the book explores the fascinating story behind the patterns' creation, investigating along the way the cultural and historical context in which Horst was working and the painstaking processes by which he brought the patterns into being"--Publisher's description.

The acclaimed science writer “curates a visually striking, riotously colorful photographic display…of physical patterns in the natural world” (Publishers Weekly, starred review). Though at first glance the natural world may appear overwhelming in its diversity and complexity, there are regularities running through it, from the hexagons of a honeycomb to the spirals of a seashell and the branching veins of a leaf. Revealing the order at the foundation of the seemingly chaotic natural world, Patterns in Nature explores not only the math and science but also the beauty and artistry behind nature’s awe-inspiring designs. Unlike the patterns we create, natural patterns are formed spontaneously from the forces that act in the physical world. Very often the same types of pattern and form—such as spirals, stripes, branches, and fractals—recur in places that seem to have nothing in common, as when the markings of a zebra mimic the ripples in windblown sand. But many of these patterns can be described using the same mathematical and physical principles, giving a surprising unity to the kaleidoscope of the natural world. Richly illustrated with 250 color photographs and anchored by accessible and insightful chapters by esteemed science writer Philip Ball, Patterns in Nature reveals the organization at work in vast and ancient forests, powerful rivers, massing clouds, and coastlines carved out by the sea. By exploring similarities such as the branches of a tree and those of a river network, this spectacular visual tour conveys the wonder, beauty, and richness of natural pattern formation.

With 102 spectacular full-color photos, this fascinating "field guide" explores the world's natural disorder.

Take a breathtaking plunge into the colorful world of the Coral Triangle, the waters that cradle Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste. One of the world’s most mature reef networks, home to 30 percent of all the world’s coral, this magnificent marine expanse boasts the highest diversity of coral and fish species on the planet. Underwater photographer Chris Leidy beautifully captures a vision of this wonderland through his lens and conveys the inherent complexities of each singular, fleeting scene, illustrating the vital magic of the Coral Triangle.

How to take close up photos of natural objects, revealing the beautiful patterns within.

The author's photographs illustrate increasing levels of complexity in composing photographs and reflect his belief that the whole is manifest in the part. The book covers the use of shapes and lines, colour, texture and motion, together with the business of selling nature photographs.