Synopses & Reviews
Every photographer, from weekend enthusiast to professional, can learn by studying the "greats". In Why Photographs Work, author/photographer George Barr analyzes 52 striking images by some of the world's top photographers. Accompanying Barr's analysis of each image is an explanation by the photographer describing the circumstances of making the image, including not only the how, but also the why. Also included is each photographer's biography, a reference to his or her websites and publications, and brief technical descriptions of the equipment used in making each image.
With guidance from Barr, we learn to decipher that certain intangible "something" that makes an image go beyond the ordinary. As we gain an understanding of and appreciation for the elements that make an image truly great, we are bound to improve our own images as well.
Included are images by: Charles Cramer, Bruce Barnbaum, Harald Mante, Dan Burkholder, Nick Brandt, Hans Strand, Roman Loranc, Huntington Witherill, Susan Burnstine, Ryuijie, Beth Moon, Phil Borges, Shaun O'Boyle, David Ward, Michael Levin, Michael Reichmann, Michael Kenna, Cole Thompson, George Jerkovich, Bengt Ekelberg, Sandra Davis, Brian Kosoff, Joe Lipka, Gordon Lewis, Lawrence Chrismas, Craig Richards, and many more.
Synopsis
This book is for the photographer who strives to achieve a higher level of results in their work. Take Your Photography to the Next Level is based on a series of essays originally featured on the popular Luminous Landscape website. Barr tackles some of the rarely discussed, yet essential aspects of successful photography. Here is where photographers will learn what is required in order to grow in their creativity and to gain a deeper understanding of their craft.
With a foreward by Michael Reichmann.
Topics include:
- Creativity
- Dealing with disappointment
- Developing an "eye"
- Making stronger images
- What photographs well
- Where to go looking for the best photographic subjects
- How to approach subject material
- A great image is just around the corner
- Dealing with failure
- Mind games
- Becoming a self-aware photographer
- Framing, cropping, & manipulating prints to create mood and transmit your message
Synopsis
One of the most promising ways to improve as a photographer is through the use of serial photography - a method that author Harald Mante has used and taught throughout his career.
In Serial Photography: Using Themed Images to Improve Your Photographic Skills, Mante explains how to focus your photographic work on themes, objects, shapes, colors, and moods, rather than randomly searching for that one great shot. After putting his methods into practice, you will soon notice that you are able to train yourself to look at things in new and exciting ways. And by continuously adding new images to your collections, you will improve the quality of your photographic work.
In this beautifully illustrated book, Mante presents many of his own photographic series and gives thorough explanations of the concepts behind each series, providing motivation for readers to pursue their own serial projects. Serial Photography can be used as a guide or textbook by both amateur and professional photographers, as well as by students.
About the Author
George Barr is a photographer living in Calgary, Canada. Serious about photography since age 12, working initially with a WWII Zeiss Ikonta in a basement-bathroom "darkroom", he has progressed through medium format, 4X5, and now digital SLR's. He earns his living as a family doctor with a special interest in psychiatry but his primary passion has always been the fine art print.
Major milestones include learning to make quality prints from Fred Picker, learning to really "see" photographs from Hubert Hohn of the Edmonton Art Gallery, looking at Edward Weston prints bare, attending workshops, working with galleries, and being published.
George has had his images published in the magazines Black and White Photography, Black and White, Focus, Lenswork, and Outdoor Photography.
By the time George closed his darkroom, he was making very high quality prints and carried on this quality with digital cameras and inkjet printing, producing some of the finest inkjet prints made, surprising many traditional 4X5 photographers with the level of quality.
Throughout his life George has been a teacher of medical students & residents, patients, and fellow photographers. A writer of understandable patient newsletters and handouts, it was a short step to writing essays on photography. George has bravely tackled the challenging subjects of aesthetics, seeing, and composing in a style that is clear, practical, and applicable to many.