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Shortcut to Better Photos: 4 Books That Can Improve Your Photography!

Shortcut to Better Photos: 4 Books That Can Improve Your Photography!

June 30, 2014
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My family and I love going to the book store about once a month to peruse the latest offerings, check out magazines, have a coffee or hot chocolate and find something to take home. Of course you can usually find me in one of three places: the Periodicals, books on Photography Art (and Art in general), and books on Digital/Film Photography. I sometimes venture over to the fiction books; I actually just read the “Divergent” series – not bad. Anyways, if you haven't noticed already, there are plenty of books that boast rave reviews on the cover, yet you're left with more questions than answers by the time you finish. Here are some of my favorite books that I found had a positive impact on my photography so that you don't have to waste your time (and money!) on books that fell short.
"This is Strobist info: Your Setup Guide to Flash Photography" by Dustin Diaz, from Peachpit Press 2012.

I love to do flash photography, and this book is credited for making me get out and try to learn flash photography. I set out to master flash by first reading the book, then going to a class with Local Photo Classes, and finally trying to recreate some of the photos in his book. "This is Strobist info: Your Setup Guide to Flash Photography" starts out with a listing of minimal gear, and then he proceeds to show a photograph he made, along with a lighting diagram of how the shot was set up. For the first time I was thrilled to go, “Oh I should start with this light 3 feet away and maybe 1/8th power…” It was really exciting to take what I learned, read his photographic lighting diagram in his book, and be able to put it into practice.
Photographing Shadow and Light: Inside the Dramatic Lighting Techniques and Creative Vision of Portrait Photographer Joey L” by Joey Lawrence, from Amphoto 2012.

Joey L takes us through a variety of his portraits and projects and goes into some basic and complex detail about his shots in his book. He also provides the “why” behind his thinking and his photos. Sure some are commercial, but many of the photos in his book are from his personal projects. It gives a nice insight to his delivery and how he made the shots happen.
"Photography Q&A Real Questions. Real Answers" by Zach Arias, published by New Riders 2013.

The next book is one I hesitate to mention, as some people won’t find it very useful, and others might not. This book is fairly recent and much of the content is derived from his blog site. Zach Arias is a well-known photographer from Atlanta, Georgia and built his career in photographing many musical artists. He also is very well known for his “One Light” lighting course. He’s a very outspoken person and is pretty blunt when it comes to bad photographic advice and education. What’s pretty refreshing about the book to me is that they really are real world questions he is answering about technique, gear, the business, how to get started, being a second shooter, and more… Now it’s not a book to take as gospel. One should read it, see if it applies, and then look for more education to improve on the situation.
"Gregory Heisler 50 Portraits Stories and Techniques from a Photographer's Photographer." by Gregory Heisler, from Amphoto Books 2013.

The last book I have read, and one you must have in your collection, is "Gregory Heisler 50 Portraits Stories and Techniques from a Photographer's Photographer." Gregory Heisler has produced a number of magazine cover portraits for Time Magazine, and I believe more than anyone ever has. He’s photographed Muhammad Ali, Julia Roberts, Danny DeVito, and President Bush. What is really intriguing about this book is the story that goes behind each photograph and each is followed by “Thoughts and Techniques.” His photographs a emotional and tell a story while being intriguing to view, and the behind the scenes commentary is wonderful.
I am looking forward to my birthday, and I am hoping that the family has taken my hints and written them down. The next book I want to sit down with and enjoy is one of the books on Vivian Maier. Either Vivian Maier Street Photographer or Vivian Maier Self Portraits . Take a few minutes and list your favorite books in the comment section. Enjoy!
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