The Photographer's Guide to Composition

This is an essential book for the photographer who is moving from the point-and-shoot snapper to the photography prosumer hobbyist. Most people can grab a camera, dial up "Auto", point, and press the button. This book will give you the information to help you consider how to take your photo considering composition and creativity. If you look at professional photographs and wonder "how can I do that?", this book will point you in the right direction. It is one of my foundation photography books and I consider it essental reading for the person wanting to take their photography up a level. I am still a long way of being considered semi-professional but I am closer and on way thanks to this book amongst others.

John Freeman's "Composition" is a solid basic guide to photographic composition. For me, an untrained amateur, this was the best introduction to the subject of composition I've had. I looked at four or five books before settling on this one; I chose it because it starts at the beginning of the subject and has many examples that clearly demonstrate each principle being discussed. The Photographer's Guide to Composition is divided into three sections: The Basics, Subjects and special techniques. The Basics begins with a discussion of the very core: how lighting, exposure and perspective influence composition. His discussion of point of view, and foreground and background, was particularly valuable for me. The second section pays special attention to how to address key types of subjects, such as portraits or buildings. Digital techniques are covered in a third section. Freeman has given careful consideration about how to address and illustrate each topic. There are multiple examples for each topic, but instead of being arbitrary, each example image is carefully calibrated to underscore the lesson in which it appears. I found those images very educational. In fact, I find myself frequently reviewing this book before I go to a location with my camera. Doing so helps me anticipate shots I may want to attempt. "Composition" is a solid text on the subject, and was very useful to me (as a completely untrained amateur). I think it would be useful also to more advanced amateurs, at the very least. The book is well written, well organized and well illustrated. It was worth every penny of what I paid, and I'd recommend it without reservation.

John Freeman has established a precedent for the Photographer's Guide books that will follow this publication. The book is well written, and expertly illustrated with good and bad examples of photo composition. The overall layout of the book is excellent, and there are certainly enough examples to hold your interest and improve your next photos. John explains the need for a grid lined viewfinder, and if you don't have one before you read this book, you will certainly have one on order shortly after you get into the book. The book is well written, shows knowledge of the subject, and would be of benefit to pro photographers as well as amateurs. It is worth buying, worth reading, and worth reviewing every now and again. I enjoy books written by photographers who know what they are talking about, and have clearly become a success in their field. This is a keeper.