Understand
Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Revised
Edition)
Reviewed
by Dr. Eric Flescher
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Author: Bryan Peterson
Amphoto
Books
770
Broadway , NY, NY 1003
http://www.watsonguptill.com
Released: August 2004 (Revised edition)
Pages: 160
$25
USA
ISBN-10:
0817463003
ISBN-13:
978-081746300
Novice/Intermediate/Advanced |
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|
Strengths: Beautiful color photos. Not a tutorial type
book. This book is not a “pocket guide” but a “full meal deal.” It takes time
to read and “ digest.” But it is a very worthwhile to help you improve your
photographic skills.
Weaknesses: Only 160 pages, but is packed with information. |
Introduction
I
had read information about the author (of this book) and his focus on
photography and the difficulties of using exposure. The essence of it struck a
cord with me. I wanted to get this book and discover further about the author’s
insights.
I
have taken photographs for many years, under many different situation with the
main objective being to advance my skills and capture better photos. Since the
author had beautiful award winning photos, I wanted to know further about his
methods concerning explaining relationships of aperture, shutter speed and
film/ digital speed (ISO/ASA) which he considered the cornerstone of making
(his ) magnificent photos. Called the “photographer’s triangle,” the main idea
is to perfect this “trifecta (three fold)” of methods (aperture, shutter
speeds, and ISO/ASA). I was hoping that I would find fresh beneficial ideas
that might benefit myself as well as other photographers, and I was glad I did.
This
book is only 160 pages, but is loaded with information within the six chapters
and the index. Don’t expect a series of tutorials for relaying the
information. What this book offers is a set of insightful and easy to grasp
notions that expand your knowledge of photography, photographic methods and the
ideas which involve creating photograph in general.
The
way the author writes is a like an “unfolding story.” The ideas and methods
actually intertwine and integrate along the way. Each idea has at least one of
the author’s superb photos that immediately “pops out at you.” He weaves his
ideas and explains how the final product created this award winning photo.
Basic information is included along with the final exposure and additional
information. Several times the focus also includes how the photo were initially
created and then gradually transformed into a “better photo” and why. One or
more photos show the “before and after” effects.
This
book is not only enlightening but extremely instructive. Along the way to
reading this beautiful books, there is information concerning polarizing
filters, double and multiple exposures. Instead of reading this book as a speed
reading course, you “digest it slowly “ and “think about what is being said.”
In this day in age, where speed is everything, this is a welcome read.
Conclusion
This
book is not a “pocket guide” but a “full meal deal.” This definitely is a book
that you “slowly digest.” If you desire to learn about photography and take
your time learning, this is a great book from an award winning photographer.
While it might take a little time to finish the book , most will learn from the
author’s methods and his ideas.
The
best way to learn from this book is to read the information, think about the
photos and then how it might relate to your photos that you have taken in the
past or want to take in the future. Whether you are just starting your
photographic endeavors or advanced photographer, the author will give you
something to think about, learn and construct your photos to a better level.