There is a lot more to photography than simply picking up a camera, pointing it toward something, and tripping the shutter. Achieving a great photograph requires thought and preparation, an understanding of the photographic process, and a firm grasp of how light and composition affect a photo. There must be personal involvement and personal expression. There must be experimentation, with the recognition that only a small percentage of experiments end successfully. In this book, best-selling author and world-renowned photographer and teacher Bruce Barnbaum explores these seldom-discussed issues by drawing upon his personal experiences and observations from more than 40 years of photographing and teaching. In addition to photographs, Bruce also uses painting, music, and writing, as well as the sciences and even business, to provide pertinent examples of creative thinking. These examples serve as stepping-stones that will lead you to your own heightened ability to see and be creative. Creativity is a topic that is almost wholly ignored in formal education because most instructors think that it cannot be taught or learned. To the contrary, Bruce has proven that photographic seeing and creativity can be taught, learned, and improved. This book expands on the ideas that are central to Bruce's method of teaching photography, which he has used in workshops for the past 41 years. Included in the book are in-depth discussions on the following topics: Defining your own unique rhythm and approach as a photographer How to translate the scene in front of you to the final photograph The differences and similarities between how an amateur and a professional approach photography The differences between realism and abstraction, and the possibilities and limitations of each Learning to expand your own seeing and creativity through classes, workshops, and associating with other photographers Why the rules of composition should be ignored How to follow your passion When to listen to the critics and when to ignore them The book is richly illustrated with over 90 photographs taken by Bruce as well as other photographers.Seeing and creativity are difficult to teach, but not impossible. This very different, perhaps groundbreaking book is sure to inspire photographers of all skill levels-from beginners to seasoned professionals-to think deeply about the issues involved in creating successful photographs.

Ansel Adams (1902-1984) produced some of the 20th century's most iconic photographic images and helped nurture the art of photography through his creative innovations and peerless technical mastery. The Camera--the first volume in Adams' celebrated series of books on photographic techniques--has taught generations of photographers how to harness the camera's artistic potential. This time-honored handbook distills the knowledge gained through a lifetime in photography and remains as vital today as when it was first published. Along with visualization, image management, Adams' famous Zone System, and other keys to photographic artistry, The Camera covers 35mm, medium-format, and large-format view cameras, while offering detailed advice on camera components such as lenses, shutters, and light meters. Beautifully illustrated with photographs as well as instructive line drawings, this classic manual belongs on every serious photographer's bookshelf. "Adams is a clear-thinking writer whose concepts cannot but help the serious photographer." - New York Times "A master-class kind of guide from an undisputed master." - Publishers Weekly Over 1 million copies sold.

Photography's prominence in the representation and experience of India in contemporary and historical times has not guaranteed it a position of sustained attention in research and scholarship. For a technology as all pervasive as photography, and a country as colossal as India, this scenario is somewhat of an anomaly. Photography in India explores elements of the past, present and future of photography in the context of India through speculation and reflection on photography as an artistic, documentary and everyday practice. The perspectives of writers, theorists, curators and artists are selectively brought to bear upon known as well as previously unseen photographic archives, together with changes in photographic practice that have been synchronous with contemporary India's rapid urban and rural transformation and the technological shift from chemistry and light to programming and algorithms. Essential reading for anyone interested in Indian photography, this book binds insights into a history of photography with its contemporary development, consolidating wide-ranging thinking on the topic and setting the agenda for future research.

Own composition, use composition, and make composition your own in your photographs! Of all the magical elixirs that make up a successful photograph, composition is perhaps the most fundamental, and at the same time the most elusive. What makes a composition good ? It s hard to define exactly, but we instinctively recognize good composition when we see it. There is an undeniable emotional response when a composition resonates with and complements the subject matter of an image. But traditional attempts to define good composition and to pass on rules for good compositional construction are often doomed to failure. The truth is, there are no hard and fast rules. Rules eliminate experimentation and spontaneity, which are crucial for creating compelling, dynamic, and exciting compositions. The best compositions contain an element of the unexpected. Expect the unexpected! is perhaps the only viable rule of composition. To create exciting compositions, you must have a willingness to embrace serendipity and change as part of your artistic practice. After all, composition is a process, not a result. In Composition & Photography, photographer and bestselling author Harold Davis teaches you how to perceive patterns and abstractions and incorporate them into your image-making process. If one of the goals of photography is to show viewers things that are new, or things they haven t seen before, or things they have seen many times but need to see anew, then it s with the thoughtful and considered use of composition that you do that. In this book, you ll learn how to reduce your subject matter to the fundamentals, and to show familiar subjects in unfamiliar, novel ways. Harold covers topics and themes such as: ? Lines and circles ? Rectangles ? Combinations ? Repetition ? Symmetry and asymmetry ? Abstraction ? Entering and exiting ? Vanishing points and perspective ? Emphasis ? Designing within a frame ? Creating order from chaos. Composition & Photography will help you find the tools and visual vocabulary to creatively design your photographs. Regardless of the genre and kind of photography you practice, you ll learn to create powerful compositions that incorporate structure and form into your work in ways that best support your images. Along the way, Harold shows and discusses his own work relating to each compositional element or theme he s exploring. And featured throughout the book are exercises about flexibility and process, designed to spur your creativity and help you begin an internal creative discussion.

As we begin to venture outside of lockdown, photographers of all skill levels will be eager to capture the world around them. In Decisive Moments, Andy Hall combines his photographic and teaching experience by putting together a thirty year retrospective collection of stunning images, each of which has a key learning feature for photographers to reflect on. Throughout, Hall will teach and inspire photographers of all abilities from beginners to experienced practitioners and will help them to identify photographic opportunities and make successful images consistently. The advice is applicable to users of all types of cameras from professional DSLRs to smartphones. This is a must-have book not only for photographers who want to achieve their full potential but for people who simply enjoy the visual world around them.

Basic Photographic Materials and Processes describes the three crucial stages of creating the perfect photograph-capture, processing and output-by providing a thorough technical investigation of modern, applied photographic technologies. This new edition has been fully revised and updated to explore digital image capture, processing and output. It covers a wide range of topics including: the scientific principles of measuring and recording light, the inner workings of digital cameras, image processing concepts, color management and photographic output to screen and print media. With these topics come in-depth discussions of extending dynamic range, image histograms, camera characterization, display capabilities, printer and paper technologies. It also includes applied exercises that provide the reader with a deeper understanding of the material through hands-on experiments and demonstrations, connecting theoretical concepts to real-world use. This comprehensive text provides photography students, educators and working professionals with the technical knowledge required to successfully create images and manage digital photographic assets. It is an essential resource for mastering the technical craft of photography.

Taking a new look at composition, the theme of his bestselling classic The Photographer's Eye, Michael Freeman now explores the visual mechanics of photography in its own native terms. Lushly illustrated with straight-to-the-point diagrams and graphic deconstructions, this new, digitally remastered edition speaks in that intuitive, visual, and instantaneous language in which photographers think and work. Each section is organized into discrete units that articulate a working method for communicating particular ideas and capturing certain subjects. Dive into beautiful images and explore how each compositional element is placed and arranged in relationship to each other. Examine the outtakes from each shoot to understand why one particular image succeeded, compared to those shot before and after. Track the viewer's eye as it moves throughout the photo to see the optical dynamics held within each frame. And most of all, internalize this graphic language so you can instantly recognise amazing and powerful shots as they appear in your own viewfinder.

Langford's Advanced Photography is the only advanced photography guide a serious student or aspiring professional will ever need. In this eighth edition, Efthimia Bilissi continues in the footsteps of Michael Langford by combining an unrivalled level of technical detail with a straightforward writing style while simultaneously bringing the text firmly in to the digital era. This book covers the entire photographic process from a technical standpoint - not only detailing the 'how' but also explaining the 'why' that is so often missing from photography texts. From the workings of cameras, lenses, digital imaging sensors and software to new hot topics such as HDR imaging, digital asset management, and even running your own photography business, everything a serious photographer could need to extend their art into professional realms is covered. The book also benefits from a full glossary, charts and inspirational full color images throughout, with summaries and projects at the end of each chapter to reinforce the theory.

Have you ever wanted to summon magical powers? Appear in a graphic novel? Or control the weather and seasons? There's a whole world of opportunity out there for creating fun photomontages, powerful panoramas, and dynamic distortions. How to Cheat in Photoshop Elements 12 starts you at the basics of photomontage with selection techniques, layers and transformations; leading up to full-length projects for creating magazine covers, fantasy scenes, poster artwork and much, much more. This book also features: A dedicated website where you can download images and tutorial videos that show you how to expand, develop, and master top techniques. Full color images, a glossary of terms, useful keyboard shortcuts, and a detailed index that will help you locate that fantastic technique in a flash.

Zen Camera is an unprecedented photography practice that guides you to the creativity at your fingertips, calling for nothing more than your vision and any camera, even the one embedded in your phone. David Ulrich draws on the principles of Zen practice as well as forty years of teaching photography to offer six profound lessons for developing your self-expression. Doing for photography what The Artist’s Way and Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain did for their respective crafts, Zen Camera encourages you to build a visual journaling practice called your Daily Record in which photography can become a path of self-discovery. Beautifully illustrated with 83 photographs, its insights into the nature of seeing, art, and personal growth allow you to create photographs that are beautiful, meaningful, and uniquely your own. You’ll ultimately learn to change the way you interact with technology—transforming it into a way to uncover your innate power of attention and mindfulness, to see creatively, and to live authentically.

Digital SLR cameras have made it easier than ever before to photograph the night sky. Whether you're a beginner, nature photographer, or serious astronomer, this is the definitive handbook to capturing the heavens. Starting with simple projects for beginners such as cameras on tripods, it then moves onto more advanced projects including telescope photography and methods of astronomical research. With 80% revised and updated material, this new edition covers nightscapes, eclipses, using cameras with sky trackers and telescopes, and tools for identifying celestial objects and investigating them scientifically. Image processing is discussed in detail, with worked examples from three popular software packages - Nebulosity, Maxlm DL, and PixInsight. Rather than taking a recipe-book approach, Covington explains how your equipment works as well as offering advice on many practical considerations, such as choice of set-up and the testing of lenses, making this a comprehensive guide for anyone involved in astrophotography.

Leverage the photo taking power of your iPhone with desktop and iOS apps to capture, retouch, manipulate, organize, and sell your photography. This book shows you how to edit photos using Adobe mobile apps and other apps, integrate Adobe mobile apps with desktop applications, such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, and finally sell those photos online. Developing Professional iPhone Photography provides a practical guide to creating a professional photography portfolio with your iPhone and features iPhonoegraphy examples from professional photographers to showcase what can be done. You can then share your workflow with your desktop programs, such as Adobe Photoshop Mix, Photoshop Fix, and Lightroom apps iPhone camera and photography capabilities have dramatically improved to a professional level and mobile and desktop software have come right along with them. Now it's not only possible to take worthwhile photos on your phone but also to edit and develop them to a professional level. What You'll Learn Use Adobe Mobile and Apple apps for retouching and photo manipulation Transform your iPhone into a piece of your professional workflow Market and sell photos directly from your iPhone Who This Book Is For Photographers and other iPhone owners who want to make the most of the editing and capturing the power of their iOS devices

'If you've just bought your first camera...this inspiring book is just what you need' - Black and White Photography While digital cameras and smartphones have made photography more accessible than ever, knowing exactly how to take skilful, stunning photos isn't so straightforward. In this essential book for every amateur photographer, photography writer Ben Hawkins uses his extensive experience to deliver a unique modular system of learning. Covering all of the key genres, a range of diverse projects will teach every essential skill, technique and technical competency, while also offering inspiration and delivering beautiful images for your first portfolio. - Master every skill, technique and camera setting essential for great photography. - Learn at your own pace through a difficulty-rated modular system that increases in challenge as your competency grows. - Get to grips with every genre of photography from landscapes to portraits and nature to reportage.

How to Rule at Photography features 50 bite-size tips and tricks to help you improve your photo skills with your phone's camera. Creating brilliant photos with your phone isn't as hard as you might think, and the easy-to-follow advice in this book goes way beyondselfie help. Let these deceptively simple tips help you unleash your inner creativity and upgrade your social media feed as you start snapping great shots using only your phone. You'll not only learn actionable tips to make your photos better-you'll learn how to develop your own personal style along the way. * Simple and effective instructional content * Features tips for amateur documentarians and aspiring social media influencers * Advice on how to pose for a portrait, get the best lighting, and edit images like a pro using nothing but your smartphone This book is the perfect easy-breezy volume for the person who wants to up their phone photography game. Part of the How to Rule series, a collection of tiny how-to books you can take anywhere to improve your creative skills. * A perfect gift for aspiring and hobbyist photographers, art students, Instagram addicts, and selfie takers * Makes smartphone photography easy, approachable, and super fun * Great for readers who enjoyed How to Create Stunning Digital Photography by Tony Northrup, The Beginner's Photography Guide by Chris Gatcum, and BetterPhoto Basics by Jim Miotke

In The Art of Astrophotography, astronomer and Popular Astronomy columnist Ian Morison provides the essential foundations of how to produce beautiful astronomical images. Every type of astroimaging is covered, from images of the Moon and planets, to the constellations, star clusters and nebulae within our Milky Way Galaxy and the faint light of distant galaxies. He achieves this through a series of worked examples and short project walk-throughs, detailing the equipment needed - starting with just a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera and tripod, and increasing in complexity as the book progresses - followed by the way to best capture the images and then how, step by step, these may be processed and enhanced to provide results that can rival those seen in astronomical magazines and books. Whether you are just getting into astrophotography or are already deeply involved, Morison's advice will help you capture and create enticing astronomical images.

The Moon boasts an unexpected variety of landscapes - including volcanic features, sinuous valleys and ghost craters - which are readily visible from Earth. This practical guide explains and demonstrates how you can capture impressive images of our nearest neighbour in space using a variety of different techniques. As the first guide to be dedicated to modern lunar imaging, this volume offers an in-depth and illustrated approach to common optics, the essentials of digital images, imaging devices, and image processing software. Even in light-polluted areas, the countless features and finest details of the Moon can be captured by following the instructions in this comprehensive and accessible guide. Covering equipment ranging from smartphones and DSLRs to specialist planetary cameras, whether you are a novice without a telescope, an amateur developing your skills in imaging, or an experienced astrophotographer, you will benefit from the hints, insights and expertise within.

This no-nonsense, highly affordable, and inspiring guide walks photographers new to Photoshop through the end to end Photoshop workflow. Starting from the moment you download your images off your memory card, photographer Corey Hilz guides you through importing and organizing your photos in Bridge, demonstrating how to give each photo ratings and keywords to make searching through your photos a snap. He then details the basics of editing photos in both Camera Raw and Photoshop, including how to correct exposure, make color and tonal adjustments, retouch flaws and imperfections, and much more. He finishes the book with next steps: how to print that prized final image, upload it to social networking sites, and create a slideshow or web gallery. Packed with gorgeous images, helpful screenshots, and quality advice to teach the new or beginning user the fundamentals of the software, this guide is compatible with any version of Photoshop.

Olympus launched the OM-D E-M5 Mark III camera with a specific purpose in mind: to create a Micro Four Thirds camera for advanced enthusiast and professional photographers who prefer a smaller, yet very powerful mirrorless camera. The E-M5 Mark III is a true system camera for those who demand the best in cameras, lenses, and image quality. Darrell Young and Jim Johnson's Mastering the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III explores the features and capabilities of the camera in a way that far surpasses the user's manual. It is designed to guide readers through the camera's features with step-by-step setting adjustments; color illustrations; and detailed how, when, and why explanations for each option. Every button, dial, switch, lever, and menu configuration setting is explored in a user-friendly manner, with suggestions for setup according to various shooting styles. The authors' friendly and informative writing style allows readers to easily follow directions while feeling as if a friend dropped in to share his knowledge. The learning experience for new E-M5 III users goes beyond just the camera itself and covers basic photography technique.

Color isn't 'just there' in photography, an ordinary fact of life. It's much more special and can be a subject and pursuit in its own right, because it triggers an emotional and aesthetic response like no other. Color is processed not in the eye, but in the mind, and that makes it personal. In this third book in the series, Michael Freeman talks about color in photography in a completely fresh, thoughtful and useful way, unlike any other book on the market. In recent years, photography-about-color has exploded as a shooting phenomenon, taking inspiration not just from the great colorist photographers like Outerbridge, Haas, Gruyaert, Leiter, Eggleston and Porter, but from the new freedom that modern sensors and processing software give. This book both celebrates and advises this new trend, drawing on Freeman's long experience editorially and professionally, spanning the two eras of film and digital color.

The definitive guide to photo editing using Photoshop and Affinity Post-production can make the difference between a good image and a great image, not to mention it's an essential process if you shoot in RAW to enjoy the most flexibility and control possible. This book will outline everything you need to know to gain a better understanding of how to apply darkroom style effects to your images using Adobe Photoshop and Affinity Photo. Through detailed background knowledge designed to make you familiar with the software and to build your confidence, you'll learn a wide range of skills and techniques through step-by-step case studies that will make learning an active experience. Not only will this be a valuable reference resource, it will also be your very own personal tutor giving you everything you need to edit your images like a pro. - Learn the essentials with a complete guide to every tool, filter and effect for both Adobe Photoshop and Affinity Photo - Get the most out of your RAW files with detailed instructions on processing your digital image - Master basic, intermediate, and advanced editing techniques with easy to follow step-bystep tutorials - Get the best quality images for display with a complete guide to home printing