Reader Poll – I Need Your Advice

The survey is now closed – thank you!

So, I need your advice.

I’m looking for my next project or two and I have a ton of ideas. However, it would really help if I had a better idea of what kind of gear you shoot and what topics you were the most interested in.

Most of the topics below are self-explaintory, however, I want to explain the Field Techniques book in more detail since it’s kind of a new approach and may not be precisely what you think it is. This book would feature an image (a mix of wildlife and landscapes), and the story behind how I captured it along with the actual settings and gear used. PLUS (and more importantly) it would cover why I did what I did along with any special tricks or techniques I used to capture the photo. My idea for this book is that it would be like a virtual one-on-one workshop for each image.

So, here you go. You have to vote for each one separately. Thanks for helping and although I can’t promise what I’ll be working on in the coming months, your guidance will help me make the decision. 

What camera system do you use (or, if you use more than one, which one do you use the most)?
Which book / video topics are you the most interested in? (Pick 3)
For post processing, do you prefer videos or books / articles?
Of the following, which two are you the most interested in?
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Robert Jones
Robert Jones
7 years ago

Steve,
Are you aware of any kind of clearing house or published list of those who conduct photo workshops? I just got burned by one I picked off line and would like to look for those who have been recommended by a knowledgeable person. I know that may be impossible but gotta ask. The joker that burned me just up and cancelled my reservation and refunded my money but I was out airfare changes and insurance cost.
Hey, I like you NIkon AF book, read the whole thing!
Robert

Jeff Cameron
7 years ago

Steve, I have pretty much purchased all your books and if you have something I have not bought yet I will. I have found you to be a kind of mentor. I appreciate your style and patience.

I’ll be studying your Lightroom studies next (if you have some. LOL).

Jan Wagner
Jan Wagner
7 years ago

Hi Steve, I shoot with Nikon professional bodies. While I appreciate your eBook about the Nikon autofocusing systrm, where I have by far the most trouble, and subsequent time consuming delays in my shooting while I make adjustments after “chipping,” is with the Nikon auto exposure system. It seems like no matter which of the three exposure settings (spot, central area or overall scene) that I choose, too often I still have to quickly dial in an exposure change using the exposure compensation dial. Would you either write an eBook or do a video about this very important subject? Thank… Read more »

John Steadman
John Steadman
7 years ago

Dear Steve. Have just purchased your book, the secrets to the Nikon auto focus system, and are not half way through the book yet. But what I have read so far it is first class, the way you explain the different settings and detail you go into are excellent. It is by far the best guide I have to help me using the Nikon D810. I have always used Nikon Cameras. I shoot a few landscapes. 1940’s events, steam trains and buildings etc. Your wildlife images are superb so crisp and sharp the best I have seen. Thank you Steve,… Read more »

Stacy
Stacy
7 years ago

Hi Steve: Thank you for the extraordinarily rich content you provide. I would love to see more on the Canon system, particularly the AF with the advances in the past few years. Indeed, the same could be said of Sony with the (e.g., the A9). I imagine you are thought of as a Nikon-guy – so your audience (and answers to your survey) are skewed to Nikon simply because you have many more Nikon-user readers – but I am 100% sure your approach to teaching through your videos and books would be wildly appreciated by both Canon (i.e., me), and… Read more »

Frank Ciccone
Frank Ciccone
7 years ago

Hi Steve, Your the best photography instructor in the field. Your videos are always full of useful info and your conversational style is like having your very knowledgeable best friend give you pointers and how to instruction over a cup of coffee. There were great tips in your video about the little known features of Nikon’s autofocus system and I immediately went to my trusty Nikon D800E and set it up for several of them. I have purchased both your e-books, Secrets to Stunning Wildlife Photography” and the Secrets to the Nikon Autofocus System, and have found that your great… Read more »

Mark Conde
7 years ago

Steve,
Thanks for all the helpful tips and tutorials. I have your ebook on wildlife photography, and I always watch your you tube posts. The best thing about your stuff is knowing that all your suggestions are thoroughly field-tested.
One suggestion that might be worth doing a tutorial on would be ways to add extra lighting lighting to landscape shots. I personally have a few tricks for using a speedlight to add foreground light to my landscapes – but I’ve always suspected there’s plenty more I could do to bring some controlled light onto my scene.

Phil
Phil
7 years ago

Hi Steve,

I had a thought for your survey that might be helpful as you decide your next project. Personally, I would be interested in purchasing books on your list that aren’t in my top three topics and I suspect that many others might feel the same way. It might be useful to ask those responding to the survey a second question, would they be likely to purchase a book on each of the topics in your list topic. Even topics that are not in the top three might still sell well.

francine
francine
7 years ago

After reading your E book I started to use Manual Auto ISO. when I looked at the picture on the back of the camera it was great, but after looking on the computer pictures that were at ISO 3200 (highest i had set for) had way to much noise for my liking. I saw you mentioned Topaz to fix. I have Cloud photoshop which I use. I would love it if you can do a short video on the best way to fix noise on a picture for both photoshop and Topaz to see if I need to invest in… Read more »

Ryan
Ryan
7 years ago

I am not at all surprised at the number of Nikon Camera users who voted in your poll here. Your main focus is technique with the Nikon camera. Although most of your instructions – video and books – are transferable between Nikon and Canon, to translate from one camera system to the other with every example and technique would seem watered down and unfocused. I would say that if you were to delve into another camera realm I would completely separate your channels (video and books) into Nikon and Canon to have each project focused on one or the other… Read more »

Rolf
Rolf
7 years ago
Reply to  Ryan

Hi Steve,

I know a lot of followers of your outstanding work in Germany.
As not all of them have the needed command of the (American) English language,
a German edition of your books would be great.
I can assure you, that you would have a big, big market in the German speaking countries.
to make your books a great success in all respects.

Kind regards
Rolf, Germany

Milt
Milt
7 years ago
Reply to  Rolf

Hi Steve,
Phil’s comment regarding how you process your images from raw to final is exactly what I’m looking for as well.

Phil
Phil
7 years ago

Hi Steve,

I have always been very interested in how you process your images to achieve such beautiful clarity and color. While this topic is not currently #1, I would like to ask if you could either produce a few videos of selected images (especially landscapes) and how you went from the raw image to the finished product. A book on the topic would be amazing but if that doesn’t happen some videos would be great.

Paul
Paul
7 years ago

I really appreciate your instructional videos, especially the ones which simplify some of the basic camera settings for the most basic functions. I enjoyed your 7 Best Nikon tricks video and have incorporated all of them into my settings. Time will tell whether I prefer a couple of them. I especially like your personal approach to the instruction which includes comments on what you like and what you actually do and why. For this reason the Field book you’re talking about sounds like a great idea and a sale to me. I am more into Landscape work these days but… Read more »

Ismael
Ismael
7 years ago
Reply to  Paul

I also incorporated most of 7 tricks into my D750 settings, and love the one of the ISO, however wodering how I will do video from now on???
Thanks in advance

Morgan
Morgan
7 years ago

I would like to see a book on exposure, Getting is dead right in the camera every time. I’ve been shooting for may years but refining my in camera Setting close to perfect most every time is my goal. I would like to be able to increase my quality of my photos but also reduce my time spent in Lightroom / Photoshop.

Barry Byrd
7 years ago

A video demonstration of Nikon tilt shift lenses for focus control in landscapes would be much appreciated:)

Steven
Steven
7 years ago

Getting through your wildlife book. Great suggestions and help. One thing I would suggest is a training video: Repeatable exercises (after set up) for altering the focus point on birds that are stationary, moving right, left, and towards you. I know it sounds odd, but that is the most difficult aspect I have to deal with.

Kevin
Kevin
7 years ago

Hi Steve,
Thanks for all the tech tips and your advice. This is really the first time that I have had the chance to give my opinion on contents of a future book (here in France its not the “done thing”), just shows how dedicated you are to wanting to help us “amateurs” out there. Since I discovered your site the quality of my photos have taken leaps ahead (dixit my wife!!!).
Keep up the good work and look forward to your future articles.
Kevin

Susan Jones
Susan Jones
7 years ago

Hi Steve, As I am 65 years old for me personally I would be interested in a beginners introduction on how to use your camera and what settings you need to use for a specific area as a starter point, i.e landscape, wildlife, sports. I find it at present difficult to choose a starting point and even though I have a very basic idea of what I should be doing, my photographs are disappointing. I think for me I need a check list (due to my old age lol)so I can do this as I go along for I tend… Read more »

Hannes
Hannes
7 years ago

Videos and Books are excellent, combination of video and a book is unbeatable ;-))
Thanks

Alan
Alan
7 years ago

Hi Steve,

I echo the above positive comments – I really appreciate your work. I’ve purchased some of your e-books, videos and have adopted some of your excellent tips and techniques. I really like your style – knowledgeable but you don’t take yourself too seriously. Keep up the great work ! Thanks again.

Alan

Brian
Brian
7 years ago

At last, understandable Nikon tutorials, well done Steve.
Many thanks,
Brian.

Tom Jones
Tom Jones
7 years ago

Steve, a video or article on using Live View would be useful. Post processing wildlife and BIF using Lightroom and the NIK Collection would also be helpful and unique in that most tutorials focus on landscapes or portraits. Appreciate your work. Tom

Tim Vaclavek
7 years ago

Interesting poll, I am mostly a wildlife guy (mammals) and I photograph birds when I can’t find something with fur on it. Anything thing that you decide to do will be of help to us.
Thanks for all of your hard work.
Tim Vaclavek

Larry Chism
Larry Chism
7 years ago

Steve,

Your book and videos are very enjoyable and helpful. One of my question is how to pre-scout a location or find a good location to scout for photography, nature, wildlife or landscape. I don’t really expect an answer from this comment, but your process in a new book might be a chapter.

Best Regards

Larry

David Offord
David Offord
7 years ago

Hi Steve, I live in England and I have been a photographer all my life, photographing cars for major car companies but since I retired I have taken up wildlife photography, I have always used Canon cameras and lenses, but recently I did purchase a Nikon with a big zoom lens but unfortunately the image quality was not up to my Canon lenses so it had to go back to the shop, anyway I would like you to do something with Topaz De Noise as this looks very interesting and I would love to learn more about it, hope that… Read more »

Georg
Georg
7 years ago

Hi
I very like your new book. I personally use D500 with the Nikon 500 fl and 1,4 teleconverter. I love the stuff. I learned from you how and why to use automatic ISO and last video tip how to set functions on Fn and F1 buttons. Great help.
Georg

Parag Salasakar
Parag Salasakar
7 years ago

Hi Steve,

I liked your both books ‘secrets. to wildlife… and The_Nikon_Autofocus_System. Both the books have helped me improving my photography skills.
Keep posting your videos and new books.

Many Thanks and Cheers!

Parag

eamon brennan
eamon brennan
7 years ago

hi steve,keep up the great work,love reading your articles.

Rolando
Rolando
7 years ago

Hi, I just bought yesterday your two e-books and started reading them. I find them fantastic, same as the video with the 7 tricks for Nikon shooters, 1st class tips at a budget price 🙂

Michael Nenes
Michael Nenes
7 years ago

Hi Steve, the excellent work you produce both in e-books and videos strongly reflects the passion and expertise you have in your field of photography. The knowledge you have provided me from your e-books and video’s has strengthened my passion in photography and always looking forward to new information you provide also in simple format for me to understand.

Keep up the excellent work

Regards Michael

Don Nauer
Don Nauer
7 years ago

Bought both your books and though I’ve not finished either, very very helpful. Your video methods of instruction are the best I’ve ever come across and have watched them several times over as they are fabulous. Your methods/sugestions are just great so keep them coming as they have helped me and others with skills. I use the Nikon D7200 and have over the years acquired various lenses that I find still satisfy my needs. Keep up the great work!

Mazen
Mazen
7 years ago

Steve Perry .. I’ve read most of the below comments, and the nicely written words, they love you Steve, they love your great work you put in their hands, and I’m one of them. your work is highly appreciated. thank you.

michael wellman
michael wellman
7 years ago

It was tough to pick just three topics to cover. Most are interesting to me. thanks for asking

Jim Greer
Jim Greer
7 years ago

Steve, love your book on Nikon Auto Focus Systems & Secrets To Stunning Wildlife Photography.

Barry McKee
Barry McKee
7 years ago

Spring migration is on! It is taking me a bit longer than expected to get through your 2 eBooks. I’d say I have a great excuse. Thanks for all the great tips!

Graeme
Graeme
7 years ago

As an addendum to my last post, do you by any chance use any of the Topaz Lab plug-ins? If so, I’d love to know which ones you find most useful.

Rob Cross
Rob Cross
7 years ago
Reply to  Graeme

Yes we use most of the Topaz plugins with CS6, but find Impressions, Clarity and Simplify are the most useful. Have just bought Glow so will be interested to see how that goes.

Marcel
Marcel
7 years ago
Reply to  Rob Cross

Amen, love that book !

Tom Jones
Tom Jones
7 years ago
Reply to  Steve Perry

Steve, If you could write or video about using NIK Collection for wildlife and landscape that would be very helpful. Using Lightroom for wildlife too. Most of the tutorials on Lightroom are directed at landscapes and portraits. Appreciate your work. Tom

Stephen Sheoskie
Stephen Sheoskie
7 years ago

I enjoy your down to earth explanation of Nikon auto focus systems.

Graeme
Graeme
7 years ago

Hi Steve Have both you ebooks and have got tremendous value from both. Unlike most photographers I know, I don’t use either Lightroom or Photoshop, so if you plan on a post-processing book I would love to see one that deals with the ‘why’s’ rather than the ‘how’s’. I struggle more with what I should do with a photo than with the detailed steps for doing it. I have an ebook on ‘Post-processing with Purpose’ by Rojas, but I find it very technical and difficult to read and understand. I reckon the same thing done with your style and wit… Read more »

Tom Emmel
Tom Emmel
7 years ago

Steve: The above comments say it all. Thank you for all your work. Looking forward to your next book or video. TJE

Peter Cleaver
Peter Cleaver
7 years ago

Thanks for the new book Steve, it’s a very useful addition to my library… keep up the good work.

Dianne
7 years ago

Your generosity and expertise are soooo very much appreciated!

Carol
Carol
7 years ago

Thanks for all your useful tips, and techniques.
Greatly appreciated.

Greg St John
Greg St John
7 years ago

Hi Steve
I purchased your Secrets To Stunning Wildlife Photography and Secrets To The Nikon Autofocus System books. Both books are well thought out and educational. I look forward to reading your emails and watching your videos. Thanks for your help, keep up the great work!

Mark Gulley
Mark Gulley
7 years ago

Your book “The Secrets to the Nikon Autofocus” is soooooooooooooooooo good.

Norm Lacroix
Norm Lacroix
7 years ago

Loved both ebooks look forward to the next

How do I find out when you do Photo Tours (field trips)

Norm

Frank
Frank
7 years ago

Keep the videos coming & keep up the great work

Bo Becher
Bo Becher
7 years ago

Thank for great books and advices

M3d750
M3d750
7 years ago
Reply to  Bo Becher

Steve as a photographic enthusiast I am interested in Lightroom, however, my goal is to get it right straight out of camera. I hope your training efforts steer me in that direction. Thanks for all you do and the way you present it.

Brenda Jacobs
7 years ago

Steve, I not only love your videos and tutorials but appreciate them as well. I don’t know how you find the time to do it all. I always learn something new from you. Thank you for taking the time to do all of these educational, inspirational tutorials. Keep em coming!!!!

Shutterbug
Shutterbug
7 years ago

Am vastly enjoying your ebooks, Steve. You are doing such a great service for photographers – especially Nikon afficionados – by revealing, in a simple and delightful tone, how the Nikon Auto-Focus system operates. I only hope that the folks at Nikon realize what an asset you are. If Nikon gear sales have been at all flagging, your Nikon AF ebook surely should turn that around. The great thing about your ebooks is that they can easily travel with the reader who can choose to read them from cover to cover or pick and choose which chapter(s) to read and… Read more »

Terry
Terry
7 years ago

Steve, I’m enjoying the Nikon AF book. I would really like an in depth treatment of manual exposure.

Woody Green
7 years ago

Hi Steve,

One thing I always enjoy is the story behind a shot, or the details of a trip. Things like how you spotted wildlife and set up the shot, how you selected a spot for a landscape, how you took advantage of the weather or got the shot despite the weather, etc.I think we’ve all nearly fallen off a cliff, sunk calf deep in mud, frozen our fingers off, etc to get the shot. It’s interesting/inspiring to hear or read these kinds of accounts.