"the Art of Photography" by Bruce Barnbaum

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Jan 04, 2011 Mike rated it it was astonishing

It's a bit upwards and downwards this book. I'd give it 6 stars (if I could) for the first 100 and last 50 pages, and two for everything inbetween. Excellent insightful writing on the "why" of photography in the skillful bits, specially the parts on capturing your emotional response to a scene rather than a realistic picture of the scene. Now I know why I just tin't take decent photos of some things, I'k just not interested in them enough to have whatsoever emotional response.

The middle chapters are concerened ent

It's a scrap up and downward this volume. I'd give information technology 6 stars (if I could) for the first 100 and last fifty pages, and ii for everything inbetween. Excellent insightful writing on the "why" of photography in the good $.25, especially the parts on capturing your emotional response to a scene rather than a realistic picture of the scene. Now I know why I merely tin can't take decent photos of some things, I'm simply not interested in them enough to have any emotional response.

The middle capacity are concerened entirely with the Zone System, moving-picture show delveloping and printing, and framing techniques. Other than as an historical aside, I constitute them of petty utilize as a solely digital photographer. I skimmed over 150 pages before getting back to the creative stuff. I'd already read through Ansel Adams' "The Negative" and "The Print", so I felt no need to get through another lesson in picking developing fluids.

I also found a lot of his photos were not to my tastes at all, especailly the abstracts, but that'due south not really the point of the volume.

I'grand still going to give it 5 stars because it'southward one of the best photography books I've e'er read on the artistic side of photography. If you actually shoot and develop film, information technology would be perfect!

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Apr 28, 2013 Michael Scott rated it information technology was amazing

I don't really know where to start this review. Bruce Barnbaum's The Art of Photography is a book about art, design, cocky-expression, and inventiveness. It's also about photography, from the technical aspects (both film and digital) to a discussion about photography myths. Overall, I learned much and constitute this book wonderful! Must-read if you are starting to dabble in artistic processes and/or are interested in photography. (For the former aspect, I will recommend it to all Ph.D. students under my I don't really know where to first this review. Bruce Barnbaum's The Art of Photography is a book near art, blueprint, cocky-expression, and creativity. It's as well about photography, from the technical aspects (both moving picture and digital) to a give-and-take well-nigh photography myths. Overall, I learned much and plant this book wonderful! Must-read if you are starting to fiddle in creative processes and/or are interested in photography. (For the former aspect, I will recommend it to all Ph.D. students under my guidance.)

In eighteen chapters, the book covers much ground. It first discusses photography as communication (Chapter 1); followed by the elements of limerick (increasingly technical, from the general discussion about composition in Chapter 2, to the presentation of light and color in Chapters 5 and 6, respectively). Then, the book explains the cadre of photographic technique, with filters and the zone arrangement (exposure) explained advisedly in Chapters vii through nine; Chapter 9, on the extended zone system, explains how to work in a high dynamic range with visible results and dispels the myth of merely 10 zones beingness available to the picture photographer. Chapter 10 presents the press process; information technology'southward rather technical. Chapter eleven introduces digital photography equally a complement to its motion-picture show analogue. Chapter 12 closes the circle of technical aspects of photography---later visualization, exposure, development, and printing---, with presentation (dry mounting and correcting mistakes in the mounted picture). After a summary of the nearly mutual faults of thinking about photography (Chapter 13), Chapters xiv through 18 present a contend about artistic integrity, meaning and limitations of photography as an art, and creativity and personal philosophy.

I enjoyed very much the assay of many things creative and technical regarding (pic) photography. Having started from digital, I tin finally empathise some of the things that differentiate the two approaches, and besides some of the unifying themes (similar the zone organisation vs channel histograms).

The discussion well-nigh art was, for me, exquisite. The formulation of a vision for each photo is a concept that is novel for me, only post-obit diverse fields of artistic interest and merging visualization with perfect execution are ideas that resonate with me. The explanations and discussions about these matters were cogent and delightful, even when I did not agree with the tone or even the argument.

I was very impressed with the word about the professional person limit imposed on creativity by obtuse editors, curators, and reviewers. Simply, these categories of professionals may severely limit the art (and published expression) of artists to "what sells" or to what each creative person has come to be known for. To alleviate this problem, Bruce suggests a broadening of the portfolio, either from the start, or whenever immune by the publisher's wishes; this approach could match the natural expressive and technical development of the creative person.

I found the part on inventiveness refreshing, if a bit trivial. Information technology's perseverance and a few related traits that, in the view of Bruce Barnbaum, enable creativity. No recipe (that's normal), but luck and hard piece of work and knowing what one wants (this besides contradicts with Chapter 17's accept on intuition).

There is a wealth of relevant references, particularly in what concerns great photographers---I picked the names of Ansel Adams, Diane Arbus, Eugene Atget, Bill Brandt, Alvarez Bravo, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Imogen Cunningham, Walker Evans, Ernst Haas, Yousuf Karsh, Andre Kertesz, Josef Koudelka, Mary Ellen Marker, Sebastiano Salgado, Joseph Sudek, Alfred Stieglitz, Paul Strand, Brett Weston, Edward Weston, and Minor White.

There are very few things I did not like in this book. Perhaps, at to the lowest degree in the first, the tone---Bruce talks disparagingly of beginners, people adhering to rules of composition, technically practiced people, pretty much anybody who does not take what Bruce considers to be a pure approach; yet, in Chapter 17, Bruce becomes man and admits than lack of command over the visualization of the image tin can exist useful. Another slightly negative aspect was the handling of digital photography, rather limited and in general considered less skillful; again, the view expressed in this volume varies, depending on the discipline to photograph, so perhaps digital is non so bad. Last, but not to the lowest degree, the conviction of the writer that great photography is always the event of respectful, caring, and in general feelings well-nigh the bailiwick of the photo was unsubstantiated; simplistically, I believe a good, artsy photography could be produced not only by luck by an amateur, particularly with the great advances of technology.

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I idea of writing review for this volume when I finish the initial chapters on "art side" of photography. I decided and so to wait till my initial gush of excitement absurd off.

Now that I have about finished all the chapters relevant to me, it'south merely apt to say that this ane is a archetype! Bruce'due south communication on "photographic seeing" is the about valuable one whatever budding amateur can become. Capacity on limerick, tones, contrast and colour are worth a reread.

Had to skip lot of content on developing and pr

I thought of writing review for this book when I finish the initial chapters on "fine art side" of photography. I decided then to wait till my initial gush of excitement cool off.

Now that I have near finished all the chapters relevant to me, information technology's only apt to say that this 1 is a classic! Bruce's communication on "photographic seeing" is the nigh valuable one any budding apprentice can become. Chapters on composition, tones, contrast and color are worth a reread.

Had to skip lot of content on developing and press techniques.

Highly recommended for serious aspirants. Skillful luck with your shots.

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December 17, 2012 Justin Price rated information technology really liked it

Shifts your thinking when it coming to photography. Some aspects of the book are hard to grasp, but worth re-reading. Help me understand technically why I like some photos and not others.

This is probably i of the best books I've read on Photography. His insights into individual artistic expression are unlike any I've ever heard - even in grad school! Read it. You won't exist able to put it downward. This is probably one of the all-time books I've read on Photography. His insights into individual artistic expression are unlike any I've ever heard - even in grad school! Read it. You won't be able to put information technology down. ...more

A painfully dry out and boring textbook on photography. I read as much equally I could and had to give upward.

Feb eleven, 2011 Leigh rated it liked information technology

The images are beautiful. The text is well-nigh useless. Biased towards b&w film photographers, much of the communication is pedantic and too cocked, even for sophisticated digital users. I mean, really. Who uses the Zone Arrangement anymore? At that place is some reference to histograms and other digital tools but the book remains primarily a reference tool for the darkroom creative person.

I'm giving information technology three stars just considering motion-picture show photographers will observe this a must have and like I said, the images are cute The residuum of

The images are cute. The text is most useless. Biased towards b&w picture photographers, much of the advice is pedantic and too cocked, even for sophisticated digital users. I mean, really. Who uses the Zone System anymore? There is some reference to histograms and other digital tools but the volume remains primarily a reference tool for the darkroom artist.

I'm giving it 3 stars only because moving picture photographers will find this a must have and similar I said, the images are beautiful The remainder of us volition observe something more relevant to mod photography.

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Aug fifteen, 2011 Deigh rated it liked it

This is not the blazon of volume that I think i tin sit down and read through. It is near similar a text or a reference that you would keep on your shelf and turn to from time to time for technical guidance and perhaps some inspiration. There is a big section on film and darkroom techniques that I skipped over. Worth having for sure.

Very squeamish book! The author focuses on few important aspects of photography. There are chapters nearly motivation, composition, analog and digital photography techniques, creativity and the relation of photography to other types of art. At the end the writer also gives few suggestions how to amend and think about photography.

Personally, I liked the nearly the chapters about what the author considers to be the motivation and the drive for making photography and what makes each photograph important,

Very nice book! The author focuses on few important aspects of photography. There are chapters about motivation, composition, analog and digital photography techniques, creativity and the relation of photography to other types of art. At the terminate the author likewise gives few suggestions how to improve and recall about photography.

Personally, I liked the most the chapters virtually what the writer considers to be the motivation and the drive for making photography and what makes each photograph important, worth taking and looking at. I remember this was the most special function about this book as I did not read much nearly that in the other books nearly photography that I read.

On the downside, the capacity in the middle, about analog and digital photography techniques, seemed a scrap long and probably for some, including me for analog photography techniques, outdated. I think the 2d author's book (Essence of Photography) focuses more on the motivation and what makes photographs bully and cuts out the very technical details.

I am giving five starts, because the book was really great in the chapters nigh the motivation, how to look at photography and the art in full general, something really unique, that I think needs to be read by somebody actually interested in photography.

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Jul 21, 2017 CURTIS NUGENT rated it actually liked it

Reading this volume is not a small job. I feel many "modern" (read "digital") photographers would get bored with a big portion of this book. A large part of this book is dedicated to the Zone System and dissimilar methods of development to include compensating development. Some of these methods will be unknown to digital-merely photographers. Luckily, for me, I still shoot a lot of picture and was able to follow much of the explanations. Nevertheless, this volume is not for beginners.
The last capacity discu Reading this volume is not a small task. I feel many "modern" (read "digital") photographers would become bored with a big portion of this book. A large part of this book is dedicated to the Zone Organization and unlike methods of evolution to include compensating development. Some of these methods will be unknown to digital-only photographers. Luckily, for me, I still shoot a lot of motion picture and was able to follow much of the explanations. However, this book is not for beginners.
The last chapters hash out how to notice your own personal fashion of photography. These chapters are worth the price of the book. Barnbaum dispenses wise thoughts to his photographic disciples hither.
In that location were a few times that Barnbaum stepped up on his political soapbox to expound on his environmental views. While very brief, I establish them out of place in a book on photography. Overall, a good read for serious photographers, perchance likewise complex for amateurs. ...more

Mar 14, 2021 Jean rated it it was ok

This volume had a lot of great information & photos. However, I read it comprehend to cover and probably should have used it more like a text book in small $.25 and pieces. Some sections were totally geared towards very technical film techniques and I probably should have skipped them. Many points were repeated in the volume, so missing non-applicable settings would be fine. The book had a lot of value but would exist improve read as a reference volume picking what interests you.

This volume is timeliness, at least the majority part of information technology. That's probably the 1 reason lots of people love this book.

The book is long and it can go slow pace at certain points, peculiarly in traditional photography chapters. But I highly recommend you to not skip these chapters completely. The author points out interesting facts which are still useful to know about.

This book is timeliness, at least the majority part of it. That'southward probably the one reason lots of people love this book.

The book is long and information technology tin get dull pace at certain points, especially in traditional photography chapters. But I highly recommend yous to not skip these chapters completely. The writer points out interesting facts which are still useful to know about.

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This book took me over a twelvemonth to read, and I'm not at all sure why. it was really repetitive. Too, it seemed unsure whether information technology wanted to exist about analog or digital photography, which meant skipping large sections because I don't even own an analog photographic camera anymore. Anyway, there was some good data, but the book could have been half as long and it would have been better. This volume took me over a year to read, and I'one thousand non at all sure why. it was actually repetitive. As well, it seemed unsure whether it wanted to be about analog or digital photography, which meant skipping large sections because I don't even ain 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. ...more

Recommended

I of the best books on photography I've ever read. Capacity virtually zone organisation/negative development/printing are pure brilliant. Highly recommend to anyone, no matter are you lot using film or not.

Aug fourteen, 2018 Ben Field rated it it was astonishing

Superb, very informative, very skillful examples, not pretentious but does elaborate effectually the fine art and not doing it by the book. Gave me lots of insights into how I tin improve. Would recommend to new and experienced photographers. Volition continue to use it as a reference guide too.

Sep 30, 2021 Andrew Rose rated it it was amazing

One of the best books I've ever read on the subject field of creativity and craft in photography. Barnbaum deftly explains the intricacies of light and compositional choices in a way that provides both the novice and more experienced photographer with page after page of helpful, original insights.

Mar 23, 2017 Kate Cornfoot rated it it was amazing

Holy moley. What a book! This is the best book on the art of photography I've read. E'er. Information technology was originally published in 1994 - and then the book is largely oriented around film photography - but it is completely relevant for digital photography. Mayhap fifty-fifty more than than modernistic books that are devoted entirely to digital. I feel like I learned more, and of a much higher quality, in reading this volume than I've learned in endless other books/classes/manufactures. Holy moley. What a volume! This is the best book on the fine art of photography I've read. E'er. Information technology was originally published in 1994 - and so the book is largely oriented around picture photography - only information technology is completely relevant for digital photography. Perhaps even more than modern books that are devoted entirely to digital. I feel like I learned more, and of a much college quality, in reading this book than I've learned in countless other books/classes/articles. ...more

This volume invokes Martin Luther Male monarch Jr at least twice in different chapters to brand a point about playing to one's strengths.

Aug 07, 2019 Brett rated it really liked it

(4.5) For full transparency, I only skimmed the centre chapters focused on film evolution, and the print. If they become more pertinent to my focus I will revisit them.

May 12, 2020 Jan rated it really liked it

A great book about photography. I really enjoyed Barnbaum'southward style of writing, his humble voice throughout the book made information technology feel similar a caring uncle passing on his knowledge. A great book about photography. I actually enjoyed Barnbaum's style of writing, his humble phonation throughout the book made information technology experience like a caring uncle passing on his cognition. ...more

Jul eighteen, 2020 coolwind rated information technology it was amazing

A very good book. I commencement to think photography as an fine art.

Sep 04, 2020 Vanessa Silva rated information technology information technology was astonishing

Best book on photography I've ever read. I can only recommend it. Best book on photography I've ever read. I can only recommend information technology. ...more

Nov 09, 2020 Tom rated information technology really liked it

Parts on the zone arrangement and developing and printing are extremely useful

And then much information here, a book to go along on your shelf and to return to.

Past far the best book on photography as an art, that I came across and so far. Readable and understandable, with some priceless advises to photographers of any skill level (although technical proficiency will certainly facilitate fulfilling your potential equally an artist).
While I don't necessarily concord with certain Bruce'due south views (due east.one thousand. his very firm opinion against the composition rules, while he obviously uses "rules", or better said "good composition practices" in majority of his photographs), it doesn By far the all-time book on photography as an art, that I came across so far. Readable and understandable, with some priceless advises to photographers of any skill level (although technical proficiency volition certainly facilitate fulfilling your potential as an artist).
While I don't necessarily agree with sure Bruce'due south views (e.grand. his very house stance against the composition rules, while he plain uses "rules", or amend said "good limerick practices" in majority of his photographs), information technology doesn't take anything away from the fact that this is an amazing book that volition aid brand nigh anyone who reads it a better photographer.
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Dec 15, 2012 Kai Pak rated it it was amazing

Those who admonish this book for not having the correct technical material or being outdated and too focused on B&W photography are missing the point. This book has little to exercise with technique and everything to practise with Barnbaum's artistic philosophy and what makes good photography--not merely what are the steps to capture a competent image.

I'm at the commencement of my journey of condign a more serious photographer and found the information independent in this book to exist truly insightful. I'm at the poi

Those who chide this volume for not having the right technical material or beingness outdated and too focused on B&Westward photography are missing the betoken. This book has little to do with technique and everything to do with Barnbaum'due south artistic philosophy and what makes good photography--not but what are the steps to capture a competent epitome.

I'm at the beginning of my journey of becoming a more serious photographer and found the information independent in this book to be truly insightful. I'm at the point in experience where I still struggle with technical details; but that kind of information is relatively plentiful. The Interwebs and libraries are abound in material describing techniques. Beingness able to get inside the head of a photographer who has mastered the medium every bit an artform is unique. Doesn't matter if yous're focused on digital or traditional print, I think what Barnbaum has to say here transcends all of that.

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Mar 04, 2014 Mattie rated it it was amazing

Really inspiring treatise on photography. While there's plenty of technical info, what really made this book then worth reading for me as an amateur photographer was it'south 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'due south experience and examples provide some really useful data and things to think about (and not think too much nearly) when I'm out shooting. Although his Really inspiring treatise on photography. While at that place'due south plenty of technical info, what actually made this book and so worth reading for me equally an amateur photographer was it'south focus (pun intended) on photographic seeing and using photography to capture a mood, an emotion, a awareness. Since I tend to be drawn to abstraction in my photos, Birnbaum'south experience and examples provide some actually useful data and things to think about (and not think too much most) when I'm out shooting. Although his focus is on pic, there are capacity on digital, and in any effect, 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. ...more

Jan 08, 2012 Seema rated information technology it was amazing

My first book to read in 2012 and in one case it got between my hands all I idea of is: Where were I from this volume all these years?
Bruce Barnbaum is an amazing photographer who has the ability to create a nifty visual advice with yous through his photography. This book goes in different chapters to help you decide where to start, how and why. I'd recomment it to every lensman whether it has been a calendar month since you got your camera and you want to learn the basics or you're been shooting fo My commencement book to read in 2012 and in one case it got between my easily all I thought of is: Where were I from this volume all these years?
Bruce Barnbaum is an amazing photographer who has the power to create a nifty visual advice with you through his photography. This book goes in different chapters to assistance you determine where to start, how and why. I'd recomment it to every photographer whether it has been a calendar month since you lot got your camera and you lot want to larn the basics or yous're been shooting for ten years and looking for new techniques and ideas. I'm sure no affair what experince y'all already have, this book will inspire you and add to y'all more. ...more

While there were a number of chapters that pertained to technical issues with block and white development and some regarding digital processing, that either were not pertinent to me or not of interest (I am a happy used of Photoshop and Lightroom but knew almost all the data presented), the rest of the book was very helpful. The author refutes formulaic approaches to composition, and works to get the reader to detect a personal interest and approach to photography.

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