Everyone has a digital camera these days and, as prices come down, we have cameras far more sophisticated than was possible just a few years ago. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to take close-ups pictures of plants. Fortunately, help is at hand in the form of a splendid new book from master photographer Alan Detrick.

Macro Photography for Gardeners and Nature Lovers focuses in tightly on close-up photography of plants and also covers animal and insect life. It’s turns out to be two books in one.

The book progresses logically from choosing equipment to thoughts on how to look at plants and compose images. This is followed by analysis of the digital image itself to dealing with the images once they’re in the camera and on the computer. As an in-demand leader of digital photography workshops, the choice of what to discuss and the clarity of the explanations has been honed by listening to and answering the concerns of many participants. It’s logical, it’s clear.

Interspersed through this, right through the book, are individual images, or series of images, coupled with commentaries in which the author describes his thinking in creating each image and also gives details of the camera, lens, shutter speed and aperture for each one. I have to say that I started by going through all these one by one and, in particular, I found his thoughts on the composition of the image refreshing and enlightening. Of course, you can always change the composition of a digital image by cropping later – but think how much time you save by getting it right first time.

As so many people move up from simple point-and-shoot to digital single lens reflex cameras, the whole practice of photography changes - you don’t just point and shoot, you think and shoot. This book will help you develop your thinking on all aspects of digital macro photography.

Needless to say, the pictures are superb. And there's still time to order a copy before the holidays.

Macro Photography for Gardeners and Nature Lovers by Alan Detrick is published in North America by Timber Press at $27.95. Order it from amazon.com here.

Macro Photography for Gardeners and Nature Lovers by Alan Detrick is published in Britain by Timber Press at £17.99. Order it from amazon.co.uk here.

Read more about photographic ideas and techniques on Alan Detrick's blog.