While taking inspiration
from the world around me, I also love to delve into a good book about
photography to get a sense of what else is out there, and discover what
inspires other photographers to produce their individual work.
The benefits are obvious.
The more widely read a person, the more likely they are to produce an
interesting story. It’s often the case that I find myself wandering the streets
just waiting for that Kodak moment, but in order to grow as a photographer it’s
important to read about the work of others and find out how they obtain and
express that all important picture.
Over the past few months I
have been paying particular attention to a couple of authors who have really
inspired my thought process as a photographer, as well as my technique in the
field. I would like to share with you a few of my personal favourites in the
hope that you, too, may enjoy these books and take from them a greater sense of
understanding of your own photography.
The
Hot Shoe Diaries by Joe McNally
Joe McNally is an authority
when it comes to finding that perfect moment in photography. Having worked for
National Geographic, Time, Life and Sports Illustrated, this man knows what
he’s talking about. His book puts a lot of emphasis on the manipulation of
light in photography, an element which eludes many searching to enter the realm
of professional photographer.
With more than 30 years
experience in the industry, McNally gives photographers an in-depth lesson on
the importance of light, and more importantly, teaches the reader how to
manipulate their medium in order to control, direct and even create light in
their surroundings. Joe McNally goes into detail about his own experiences
behind the lens using his unique voice to blend humour with sincerity while at
all times being immensely enjoyable to read.
The
Moment It Clicks: Photography Tips from One of the World’s Top Shooters by
Joe McNally
Another one from acclaimed
photographer Joe McNally, this book is a completely different tone to the last.
Combining the elements of his trade with help manual type instruction, readers
get the best of both worlds in McNally’s ‘study book from a friend’ type
approach to this photography book.
Joe guides reader through a
comprehensive training process while at the same time offering an unrivalled
insight into the top tips and tricks of the trade he learned throughout his
intimidating career as a professional photographer for some of the world’s most
popular publications.
The book provides
beautifully glossy spreads from McNally’s top photography locations, and
teaches readers about the technique and equipment needed for a specific shot,
along with first class instruction on how to recreate the image yourself. This
book is truly inspiring and great tuition all in one.
Within
The Frame: A Journey of Photographic Vision by
David DuChemin
What I really enjoyed about
this particular book in comparison with the Joe McNally works is its journey
back to the conception of an idea behind a photograph. Instead, David
DuChemin’s book is largely concerned with how to express the initial though
process behind the image and relate the emotions of the image to the onlooker.
DuChemin’s passion for
photography is astonishing and evident in his book, which inspires readers with
the same desire to produce images equally as conceptual by following the
musings of the author.
DuChemin writes explicitly
about his vision and the power with which he endeavours to capture and deliver
a specific emotion, culture or environment. He inspires budding photographers
with the same passion and instructs them on how to find their own style, as
well as showing them how to best tell their own story through photography.
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