Best Features:
My first impression was that this is just another book trying to tell us how to take better photographs, including super pictures, all taken with top of the range camera systems that cannot fail to give great results. Not so. Instead I found that the book was laid out into chapters each to its own content and not conflicting on the previous ones.

The first chapter talked about the different types of photographic equipment available from professional equipment to the off-the-shelf stuff, giving us hope of capturing that special photo of our favourite pet with affordable equipment.

Another section gave an insight to animal behaviour, giving indications to watch for in our pets whilst setting them up for a poesy photo, is the animal happy? is it nervous? and more important is it aggressive?

As most of us are dog owners we should all know how to read their k9 moods if only by it’s tail movement, but as we know things can change your dog's mood in a second, i.e. sudden flash of the camera etc. One funny comment by the author is so true, 'if a dog is wagging it’s tail while trying to bite – does that mean it is enjoying scaring the living daylights out of you.

The Action Shots section is particularly good. It explained how to freeze a moving object using a panning motion. I especially like the fact that he's honest and admits that is a lot of it is  'trial and error.' Don't expect to get it right first time.  (Another good reason for digital.  You can view your results immediately.) Action is all down to timing and practice.

All chapters are well explained and written in understandable short sentences, I feel that this is good as it stops you losing interest because you are totally confused.  Each section is explained in plain English and in my opinion reliable and informative.

The final section is very important as it suggests because it shows how to frame and present your finished photos. There is no point in taking all those nice shots of your pets and then just hiding them away in a box under the stairs. Be proud of them. Display them and show them off.

Worst Features:
I would really say that I did not fine any bad points with the book. The size is a little difficult to fit into the bookshelf but that is only trivial thing. It is a good guide to How to Photograph Pets.

Presentation, design & format:
The photographs are excellent and complementary to the chapters contents.

Overall Rating: 8/10

Price: £19.95 plus £2.50 post and packing in UK and £3.50 for overseas customers.

Value for Money:  If you want a book to give you a good guide of how to take photos of your pets, then this is for you. If you want a book with nice photos of domestic animals to look at, then buy it either for yourself or as a excellent present. It is good value.

Castle Place, 166 High Street,
Lewes, East Sussex BN7 1XU
Email: pub@the gmcgroup.com

About the Author
Nick Ridley's busy working life combines his passion for animals and photography as he works full-time as an inspector for a well-respected national animal welfare charity and, in his spare time, as a professional photographer.

Although born in North London, his love for the countryside soon developed and so did his keen interest in working dogs whether they be agility, sheep or gundogs. In 2000 he set up an event photography business and on weekends he can be found practising what he preaches around the agility circuit.

Nick lives in Buckinghamshire with his wife, two teen-age daughters and various furry creatures.

Alan has been a member of the Upanova Tigers AC since it began. 'It's the best,' he says.

In June 2001, Alan went into Senior with Jazz. His got his second dog Soul (Just Moore Blues) in 1999 specifically for agility and started to trained him for it from the start . The results have been there for all to see. They won into Senior within the first year of competing and qualified for two finals 2002 Novice Grand National as well as the Adams Derby. After winning the Pedigree Novice Grand Notional Final,  Soul has since become an Advanced dog.

Alan has started judging and he has been  involved in organising agility shows. He is also a trained Domestic Obedience Dog Trainer.

In case it isn't obvious, he loves agility!

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