If you've ever been wondering how photographers get those great nature shots, landscapes and bird photos, wonder no more. One of these books is bound to satisfy your curiosity.

Creative Nature and Outdoor Photography
by Brenda Tharp, Amphoto Books

Written for amateur photographers, the goal of this book is to help readers take better nature and outdoor photos. Without a lot of intimidating technical language, this book makes a great primer for beginners and refresher for more advanced users, covering everything from photo basics such as light and depth of field, to tips on lenses and filters, and more aesthetic concerns such as composition. Ms. Tharp is especially concerned that we take 'dynamic' photos, photos that say something. She is also concerned that some of us may be abusing our wide angle lens, thereby succumbing to clutter in our composition. Acting as coach and guidebook, this book wins on both counts. Ms. Tharp's photos illustrate in profusion, nicely demonstrating her points and providing ample inspiration for budding nature photographers.

The Art of Bird Photography: The Complete Guide to Professional Field Techniques
by Arthur Morris, Amphoto Books

As the title suggests, this book is targeted at experienced photographers looking to expand their skills--and take better bird photos. Much of the book deals with technical details of equipment, lenses, apertures and other essentials of the craft. For someone who wants to know exactly how a particular photo was taken, this book offers a wealth of material. Interspersed with the engineering of it all are plenty of practical anecdotes and hints on how to get up close and personal with birds. His tips: get as close to the bird as possible, staying as low to the ground as you can. Make sure you have the right equipment. Go where the birds are, and be patient. That and about $5,000 worth of equipment not to mention countless hours of waiting in bird blinds is all there is to it! But I jest. The Art of Bird Photography is a thorough and well-written guide to a very specialized art, and will especially interest advanced photographers. Nicely illustrated with the author's photos, including many stunning shore birds.

Light and The Art of Landscape Photography
by Joe Cornish, Amphoto Books

As this book amply illustrates, the distinguishing feature of a great landscape photo is great light. Light and The Art of Landscape Photography is illustrated with over 50 gorgeous, atmospheric photos from a variety of Avalonically scenic spots in England and elsewhere. The format is interesting: each larger photo is shot in optimal conditions, dripping with light. These featured photos are accompanied by smaller, less perfect inset photos showing similar scenes under less fortunate conditions. The contrast is amazing, to say the least, and gives a new appreciation for the effect of light. The text is brief and enjoyable throughout, but not the least burdened with technical detail--in fact, there is no technical detail whatsoever. But that is not the point. As a source for inspiration, this book should enchant photographers and casual browsers alike.