Photographically Speaking: A Deeper Look at Creating Stronger Images (Voices That Matter)

Photographically Speaking: A Deeper Look at Creating Stronger Images (Voices That Matter) Review

When looking at a photograph, too often a conversation starts–and, unfortunately, ends–with a statement such as, “I like it.” The logical next question, “Why?”, often goes unasked and unanswered. As photographers, we frequently have difficulty speaking about images because, frankly, we don’t know how to think about them. And if we don’t know how to think about a photograph and its “visual language”– how an image is constructed, how it works, and why it works–then, when we’re behind the camera, are we really making images that best communicate our vision, our original intent? Vision–crucial as it is–is not the ultimate goal of photography; expression is the goal. And to best express ourselves, it is necessary to learn and use the grammar and vocabulary of the visual language.

Photographically Speakingis about learning photography’s visual language to better speak to why and how a photograph succeeds, and in turn to consciously use that visual language in the creation of our own photographs, making us stronger photographers who are able to fully express and communicate our vision. By breaking up the visual language into two main components–“elements” make up its vocabulary, and “decisions” are its grammar–David duChemin transforms what has traditionally been esoteric and difficult subject matter into an accessible and practical discussion that photographers can immediately use to improve their craft. Elements are the “words” of the image, what we place within the frame–lines, curves, light, color, contrast. Decisions are the choices we make in assembling those elements to best express and communicate our vision–the use of framing, perspective, point of view, balance, focus, exposure.

All content within the frame has meaning, and duChemin establishes that photographers must consciously and deliberately choose the elements that go within their frame and make the decisions about how that frame is constructed and presented. In the second half of the book, duChemin applies this methodology to his own craft, as he explores the visual language in 20 of his own images, discussing how the intentional choices of elements and decisions that went into their creation contribute to their success.

The Negative (Ansel Adams Photography, Book 2)

The Negative (Ansel Adams Photography, Book 2) Review

The early chapters are devoted to a discussion of light, film and exposure. What follows is a detailed discussion of the zone system, chapters on natural and artificial light and at the end is an extensive chapter on the darkroom and its equipment.

Digital Photography For Dummies®, Mini Edition

Digital Photography For Dummies®, Mini Edition Review

Choose the settings that make your digital photos better

Can't wait to see what you and your digital camera can do? Packed with examples of what you can accomplish, this book gives you the inside scoop on camera features, setting up shots, downloading your photos, and a whole lot more!

Open the book and find:

• Basic camera settings and digital photo file formats

• When to use your camera's flash

• Tips for composing good pictures

• How to transfer photos from your camera to your computer

• How automatic scene modes simplify photo taking

Expressive Photography: The Shutter Sisters' Guide to Shooting from the Heart

Expressive Photography: The Shutter Sisters' Guide to Shooting from the Heart Review

When a photograph captivates you and stirs your soul, you know it instinctively. You not only see the image, you feel it. But how do you capture shots like that with your own camera? How do you make your photographs worth the proverbial thousand words? From portraits to landscapes, still-lifes to documentary shots, Expressive Photography will not only show you why certain images sing, it will also teach you how to create your own compelling photographic images--one click at a time. Visually stunning and unique in its collaborative approach, this book brings the spirit of the immensely popular Shutter Sisters' blog to the printed page through the voice and photography of its founding members.

• Written by the immensely popular Shutter Sisters, Blogger's Choice Award nominees for best blog
• Themed chapters containing the voices of several photographers give artistic insights into any shooting opportunity
• Evocative imagery that captures the emotion of the moment
• Compositional tips and recommendations throughout

Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera

Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera Review

Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera Feature

• ISBN13: 9780817439392
• Condition: New
• Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!

With more than 350,000 copies sold, Understanding Exposure has demystified the complex concepts of exposure for countless photographers. Now updated with current technologies, more than one hundred new images, and an all-new chapter, this new edition will inspire you more than ever to free yourself from “auto” and create the pictures you truly want.

In his trademark easy-to-understand style, author Bryan Peterson explains the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, including how to achieve successful exposures in seemingly difficult situations. You’ll learn:

• Which aperture gives you the greatest contrast and sharpness, and when to use it 
• Which apertures guarantee the background remains an out-of-focus tone 
• Which one aperture—when combined with the right lens—creates an area of sharpness from three feet to infinity 
• How to creatively use shutter speed to either freeze an action or imply motion 
• Where to take a meter reading when shooting a sunset, snow, or a city at dusk

With new information on white balance, flash, HDR, and more, this updated classic will inspire you to stop guessing and take control of your settings for better photos anytime, anywhere, and with any camera.

The Book of Photography: The History, the Technique, the Art, the Future

The Book of Photography: The History, the Technique, the Art, the Future Review

Since its invention in 1839, photography has come to change not only the way we view the world, but the world itself. Every field—medicine, astronomy, journalism, art, geography, history—has been revolutionized by photography.

Now, spanning more than 166 years of photographic history and the work of more than 250 photographers, this comprehensive and global volume explores every aspect of photography-the newest inventions, revolutionary past, ever-changing technical and aesthetic developments, and the personal stories and styles of photographers worldwide. Illustrated with photographs from around the world, The Book of Photography is a beautiful and easy-to-use reference. Timelines summarize major milestones, while sidebars tell the human and technological stories behind them. Organized by subject, the book includes chapters on: Still Life, Cityscape, Architecture, Portraiture, Exploration, Ethnography, Wildlife, Photojournalism and Documents of Social Concern, Fashion and Advertising, plus a biographical dictionary of the major photographers, institutions, and key historical figures.

The authoritative book for those who want to increase their understanding and appreciation of photography, The Book of Photography is a wealth of knowledge to be treasured.

The Digital Photography Book, Volume 3

The Digital Photography Book, Volume 3 Review

Scott Kelby, author of The Digital Photography Book, volume 1 (the world’s best-selling digital photography book of all time), is back with a follow-up to his volume 2 smash best seller, with an entirely new book that picks up right where he left off. It’s even more of that “Ah ha—so that’s how they do it,” straight-to-the-point, skip-the-techno-jargon stuff you can really use today to make your shots even better.

This book truly has a brilliant premise, and here’s how Scott describes it: “If you and I were out on a shoot and you asked me, ‘Hey Scott, I want the light for this portrait to look really soft and flattering. How far back should I put this softbox?’ I wouldn’t give you a lecture about lighting ratios, or flash modifiers. In real life, I’d just turn to you and say, ‘Move it in as close to your subject as you possibly can, without it actually showing up in the shot.’ Well, that’s what this book is all about: you and I out shooting where I answer questions, give you advice, and share the secrets I’ve learned, just like I would with a friend—without all the technical explanations and techie photo speak.”

Each page covers a single concept on how to make your photography better. Every time you turn the page, you’ll learn another pro setting, tool, or trick to transform your work from snapshots into gallery prints. If you’re tired of taking shots that look “okay,” and if you’re tired of looking in photography magazines and thinking, “Why don’t my shots look like that?” then this is the book for you.

This isn’t a book of theory—full of confusing jargon and detailed concepts. This is a book on which button to push, which setting to use, and when to use it. With nearly 200 more of the most closely guarded photographic “tricks of the trade,” this book gets you shooting dramatically better-looking, sharper, more colorful, more professional-looking photos every time.