Scan barcode
mattiec's review
5.0
Really inspiring treatise on photography. While there's plenty of technical info, what really made this book so worth reading for me as an amateur photographer was it's focus (pun intended) on photographic seeing and using photography to capture a mood, an emotion, a sensation. Since I tend to be drawn to abstraction in my photos, Birnbaum's experience and examples provide some really useful information and things to think about (and not think too much about) when I'm out shooting. Although his focus is on film, there are chapters on digital, and in any event, the approach to expression is universal, they type of camera just provides some parameters of how you can make the expression tangible. Finally, his photographs are gorgeous.
qdpb's review
1.0
This book invokes Martin Luther King Jr at least twice in different chapters to make a point about playing to one’s strengths.
brett's review
4.0
(4.5) For full transparency, I only skimmed the centre chapters focused on film development, and the print. If they become more pertinent to my focus I will revisit them.
zhelana's review
3.0
This book took me over a year to read, and I'm not at all sure why. it was really repetitive. Also, it seemed unsure whether it wanted to be about analog or digital photography, which meant skipping large sections because I don't even own an analog camera anymore. Anyway, there was some good information, but the book could have been half as long and it would have been better.
distressedtortoise's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
4.5
A comprehensive guide to fine-art photography, from abstract artistic concepts to instructions for processing film and making prints.
The 2nd edition contains additional chapters on digital photography and editing.
It reads like a textbook, but with the author’s opinions included as well (which I actually like since he always clearly states which parts opinion vs. fact).
The author is great at explaining the mechanism behind each concept/topic, but I wish there were more diagrams in some sections that have long, wordy explanations.
There’s probably something in this book for a photographer at any level (assuming they have some basic knowledge already).
Just keep in mind that each topic is approached in a way specific to fine-art photography, and the discussion/advise is not always applicable other genres.
The 2nd edition contains additional chapters on digital photography and editing.
It reads like a textbook, but with the author’s opinions included as well (which I actually like since he always clearly states which parts opinion vs. fact).
The author is great at explaining the mechanism behind each concept/topic, but I wish there were more diagrams in some sections that have long, wordy explanations.
There’s probably something in this book for a photographer at any level (assuming they have some basic knowledge already).
Just keep in mind that each topic is approached in a way specific to fine-art photography, and the discussion/advise is not always applicable other genres.
go_jan's review
4.0
A great book about photography. I really enjoyed Barnbaum's style of writing, his humble voice throughout the book made it feel like a caring uncle passing on his knowledge.