Composition Photo Workshop

Today's digital cameras are programmed so "anyone" can take well exposed pictures of most anything. But "exceptional" photos require good composition - and composition, contrary to what many books seem obsessed with, isn't just the "rule-of-thirds" and avoiding distracting backgrounds. This book covers much more - with clear explanations and illustrations, and a photo assignment exercise at the end of each chapter to actually train that brain - with a website to post the results. Ever wondered why you like some photos so much more than others? Just the insights into how light and different colors affect balance and mood explains a lot. Topics beyond the usuals of subject placement and leading lines and framing include: perspective and how our eyes see; depth of field and how to control it with focal length, F-stop and ISO and why; shutter speed - to stop motion or blur and when; light - quality vs. time of day and direction and intensity; color - its science and control and balance; black and white; portraits - framing and posing; and improving travel, still-life and macro photography. All topics are so clearly explained and illustrated that the brain behind the camera, if willing, can be trained to make a difference.

A very good book for the serious novice and realy fun to read. Books on Photography are essential for the beginer.I found most of them have at least one or two new things to teach. They can't replace the classroom but for the money they are a great deal. Don't expect to become a great photog just because of a book. You will always find something that you can try to put to practice. Highly recomended. Practice practice practice and Have Fun.

I was quite impressed with this book. I've been very actively taking digital photos for 4 years now and am reaching for the intermediate level of proficiency. The first reason I would recommend this book is that it went far beyond the "Rule of Thirds" and leading lines on into color, framing, lighting, placement, etc., etc. There's a wealth of good information and ideas supported by beautifully composed photo examples. Secondly,staying in keeping with the "Workshop" portion of the book's title, at the end of every chapter is an assignment the reader can embark on to REALLY learn what he/she has just read. The assignments are highly creative and fun. And finally, taking this learning experience yet one step further, the reader is directed to send the results of the assignments to a website where other readers are sharing as well. A great deal can be learned from looking at their submissions and reading reviews. I also discovered other links in this website that take you into a very exciting world of sharing and learning more about digital photography. This book is a keeper!

As a photography educator for over 20 years, I have been looking for a book on composition that is not a technical monologue, but a guide that will lead the emerging photographer toward better image making. Too many books speak in overly analytical terms when trying to describe good composition. It is extremely difficult to apply overly strict theories in the field while shooting. This book feels like you are out on a day trip shooting with the author/photographer. It is filled with great ideas, but also when and where to use them. The reader is given practical information to answer the real life questions of photography. The `workshop' aspect of the book provides the reader with assignments designed to test and expand upon the techniques they read in the book. These assignments answer the age-old photography question...what should I shoot next? It encourages the reader to get out and shoot. In addition, the ability to use the publisher's website to upload images created from the assignments and then receive feedback, is invaluable. This book really fits the subheading of `Develop your Talent'. I am currently recommending this book to all my students, whether beginning or advanced.

The author uses clear language and excellent photographic examples to open your eyes to what makes a good composition. For years, I kept buying more and more expensive cameras hoping they help me take better pictures. What I really needed was to understand what makes good composition. This book reads easily and the pictures make it a pleasant learning experience. But the most striking result of reading this book is amazement at how much there was right in front of your eyes and you did not know or paid attention to that can make difference between a snapshot and a great picture.