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Stephen Johnson on Digital Photography
Reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher
Introduction
The author, Stephen Johnson is a
landscape photographer, designer and teacher. He is a world-recognized digital
photographer and pioneer. Many of his remarkable photographs are part of many
collections in world institutions. Many of his photos and world famous photos
from other photographers showcase the techniques and photographic topics.
Chapter 1 focuses with a great a
great introduction to several reasons for working with digital imagery. Specific
conceptual troubleshooting issues are elaborated upon while focusing upon real
problems. However with all the emphasis on perfectionistic photography
throughout the later parts of the book it was interesting how troubleshooting
techniques were placed here. Possibly this was done to focus on what can go
wrong to further demonstrate proper techniques but this section should most
likely have been placed elsewhere as in the appendix.
The 21 chapters have sections
relating to basics of digital photography, Film camera techniques vs. digital,
Practical approaches of the non film photographer, Techniques of the digital
darkroom , A photographer ªs digital journey, Photography, art and the future.
Among the most interesting parts of the book are a section on compositing and
faking of images (Chapter 19 : Photography and Truth - Imaging Ethics in the
Digital Age), highlighted using
photographs of space missions, Mt. St. Helens, and war related images. These
different perspectives give a fresh perspective on comparing and contrasting
historical and other techniques. What I liked is that photographic perspectives
related to me personally and could relate to others based on how old you are.
The authorÕs perspectives and photographs of him standing on the rim of the
crater of Mt. St. Helens compared to my experience as a teacher that was
allowed to helicopter into the crater and videotape and photograph the inside
of the crater. Other readers will relate to many other photos while others will
be amused or uplifted by the clarity and poignant qualities of the photographs.
Conclusion
This book is thoughtfully
produced and comprehensively written. The author has crafted a book which
covers many views of digital photography taken from a historical perspective as
photography has progressed through time. While it is guide, it is not an easy.
The troubleshooting perspectives, which I thought should go elsewhere, were
important and would help with beginning essentials. It is the additional views
and perspectives that this guide has in the rest of the book that a
photographer can use over time,
for producing better digital photographs. The bottom line it is not an
easy read. You will have to pause and reflect on the importance of digital
photography through the Òeyes Ò of the author. That is what makes a great read.
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