On Being a Photographer: A Practical Guide

This is written for lovers of photography. Not only does it discuss the romance of camera and film, it has good information, it is motivating and it reminds those of us who have developer, stop and fix in our veins why we fell in love with the art. Motivating, educational and a good read. Don't miss this one.

This book is a "must have" for anyone who is serious about becoming/being a photographer. The majority of the discussion relates to the creative process, with a small amount of discussion of equipment and technique. I bought my copy (third edition) direct from LensWork for US $12.95.

Upfront, I want to say that this is an OUTSTANDING book!Any self-help book makes assumptions about what hang-ups the reader is dealing with. It sometimes happens that a book is useless to a given reader, because he is so perfect he has already transcended the problems the authors deal with.But for me, the authors of "On Being a Photographer" precisely target the questions I have struggled with.Just to name a few (addressed in this book): 1) Yeah, subject IS more important than technique!2) Am I the only one to shoot reams of film and never quite get the perfect shot?3) Does luck has a lot to do with it? But can I make my own luck?4) Exactly HOW does a top photographer approach taking the single picture?(And much more!)Since this book has no photographs, it is very reasonably priced. It is not very long, but neither is the Constitution of the United States.Both authors spent some time in academia, and there is a certain amount of high-toned discussion, but they cut rapidly to the core principles. Stylistically, there is a bit of the mutual admiration society, but this serves the question and answer format that reinforces the classic points they make. I have found that the concise chapters aid easy rereading of specific topics in coffee shops or chores like jury duty. I will reread this book many times.Since this book has no photographs, it is very reasonably priced. It is not very long, but neither is the Constitution of the United States.David Hurd's core experience base was back in the classic days of Magnum, which may be a problem for some who may feel that nothing important happened before they were born some sixteen years ago. But a camera is still just a box, whether you are using a Leica M3 or a plasma camera in the thirty-watt range. And single images are as powerful as ever.This is a great book. Buy it. Read it. Read it again.

If I could only recommend one book about photography, this would be it. The book explains what it means to be a photographer. This is the book to read before you buy equipment (or more equipment). The book is a road map for developing into a photographer. The book will help you decide what to photograph. The equipment, technique and images will follow.

David Hurn and Bill Jay converse about the philosophy of photography. This, of course, says little about the book. The wit and wisdom held in the banter between these two provides an invaluable reference for any photographer. This is one book you will never regret buying.