I don't often review books, but I do know a gem when I see one. Joe McNally's "The Moment It Clicks" is clearly one of them.

This book is filled with two-page stories. On one page is a full-size photograph -- and typically these are tremendous photojournalism or studio shots by McNally, who is one of the great photographers working today. On the other side is a short explanation by McNally of how he made the image.

the moment it clicksSo this book is not only entertaining, but has instructional value for photographers at every level. Also, it's very funny in places.

For example, in describing a beautiful shot of a space shuttle launch, McNally tells us how early in his career he placed a number of Nikons in a swamp close to the launch pad in order to capture the event remotely. Unfortunately, five of the cameras were destroyed by a heavy rainstorm, and he recounts a call with Al Schneider, who was then managing photo equipment for Time Life:

The cameras were in a garbage can in my shower at the Days Inn, being flushed with fresh water, when I called. Al chuckled. "I got the perfect solution for ya, kid," he said. My heart skipped a hopeful beat. "Yeah," he went on. "Deeper water."

The whole book is like that. Great stuff. Salty stories. Fantastic photos. This one's a keeper.

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