Want to see some fantastic photography books? Read the brilliant Mel Brackstone's review here.

© Mel Brackstone 'Shipwrecked'. Available here.

Let me start by introducing Photographer Mel Brackstone to you.

Mel is exceptional.

If you don't believe me, you've got to believe the International Judges from the world renowned Journal of Contemporary Photography - Silvershotz.

They judged her work worthy of inclusion in the 2009 Silvershotz Annual. It's like one of the world's best photography magazines choosing their world's best photographers.

Not bad eh?

Mind you, have a look here and you'll see exactly what they were in awe of. This is Mel's personal site.

Should you wish to purchase her work (as I have) you can through that site.

Checking out her work you'll soon discover she has a split personality :) She does exquisite nudes and also sensational seascapes. Not a bad range!

She also loves a good read and generously allowed us to add her latest book review right here to the photography campus blog.

I hope to interview Mel here soon if she'll be so kind as to submit to my questions. In doing so you and I can get some insight into the woman behind the lens. In the meantime, let's get some insight in to her thoughts about the following photography books.

The Digital Female NUDE by Peter Adams

Peter’s book gave me a great deal of joy, since I’m only new to fine art nude. His blurb that ends with “Lighten up, and have fun with your camera!” was the best thing I’d read in a long time, especially when it comes from such a well known and respected photographer!

The chapters all give a great deal of information to those who are looking at learning about shooting nudes, with wonderful explanations on planning, equipment, lighting, composition amongst others. I found this book to be very inspiring, and useful for my own quest towards being a fine art nude photographer.

Nature Photography by Ralph Lee Hopkins (Digital Masters)

A fabulous handbook on everything you could possibly want to know about taking nature photos. The information and helpful facts are spread through every chapter, no matter what your nature needs are. As a competitor in various photography competitons, I find good nature images are the most difficult to do well, however with the facts and techniques supplied by Ralph they’re made that little bit easier. An outstanding addition to my library!

People Photography by Nancy Brown (Digital Masters)

Another beaut book with so very much to commend it! Nancy loves people, and it shows when she talks about how she organises her work day to make the most of the models and scenes. Inspiring book, and very much in my mind when I attempt to capture my people images! Such fantastic information and detail!

John Blakemore’s Black and White Photography Workshop

What an amazing book! I can’t even begin to understand how difficult it must be to get such fantastic results in the darkroom, however this book makes my heart sing when I see how much information it has to help me with my computer darkroom! Very inspiring book!

the making of great photographs by Eamonn Mc Cabe

One of those books I keep going back to, over and over. The explanation given on how each signature image was achieved, as well as the background information on the photographer and their history is invaluable in the way I learn. An important book for me, and a wonderful resource!

If you have a review or interview you want to share, drop us a line.  We'll credit you and link to your work of course. In the meantime, what would you like me to ask Mel? Put your suggestions here...