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02/25/2008 01:29:02 PM · #1 |
Anyone read this book yet? It's by Joe McNally.
I am reading it now, some ppl rave about it but I'm not one of them. I'm sure Joe is a damned good photographer (one of the best in the world maybe according to some?) and I'm sure he's a good teacher. But the book is too full of fancy schmancy stuff that is more suited for really experienced photographers (or other pros) to read. Too much lingo. Too much overanalysis. Maybe it's a book that talks about life in his professional world. How he sees things with HIS eyes and HIS thoughts. It feels like he's trying too hard to make things sound over complicated so it makes you think "wow, this guy is a true pro. Only he could ever do something like that."
But i guess I'm too noob-ish to really get the book. I was hoping ppl here would give me their opinions on the book, maybe I'm missing the whole point of it. It's probably more of a "this is how I see it" rather than a teaching book.
I prefer book like Scott Kelby's Digital photography 1 and 2. Simpler, to the point,along with some humor. Also really liked Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Exposure".
Message edited by author 2008-02-25 13:32:06. |
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02/25/2008 02:00:44 PM · #2 |
| i haven't read it, but i'm surprised to hear your review ... i've heard nothing but raves so far |
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02/25/2008 02:42:45 PM · #3 |
Every book has its audience. Not everyone will identify with one person's view...i.o.w. it just might not be the book for you at this time. Your reaction to it reminds me of my feelings about "Ways of Seeing" by John Berger. Couldn't stand the tone or sentiment...but that was 20 years ago and I've held onto the copy just to have an opportunity to approach it again with fresh eyes.
BTW, I like the promotional video on YouTube: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xpxA7pyBSs |
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02/25/2008 03:18:44 PM · #4 |
You don't like him, I don't like Scott Kelby. Everyone learns differently and all books are not for everyone.
I like Freeman Paterson. Photography and the Art of Seeing is an excellent book as are others he has written or co-written with Andre Gallant.
Message edited by author 2008-02-25 15:19:34.
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03/13/2008 04:54:09 PM · #5 |
I thought the book was amazing, but I can see how a beginner would be thrown off by it. If you don't have a decent working knowledge of off camera lighting, pretty well every page will bring a new "WTF??"
Many of the concepts and ideas he presents in the book are sooo simple to execute, like using a large white sheet placed over a doorframe as a giant softbox, while others are infinitely more complex (how many of us are ever going to light the top of the empire state building?), but the idea behind them remains the same: get your flash(es) off your camera, and start making light work on your schedule, not the other way around.
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03/13/2008 05:49:59 PM · #6 |
| I love it, I'm learning a hell of a lot about lighting from it. |
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03/14/2008 09:31:14 AM · #7 |
Ordered it a few days ago through Amazon and am waiting eagerly to crack it open.
Message edited by author 2008-03-14 09:31:32.
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03/14/2008 09:44:46 AM · #8 |
I am mixed on it.... Yeah, there is some lighting info that is interesting but LSM is a far better book for learning IMO. Some of the stories are great but I think if you are looking to learn lighting it's not the book. It's sort of a mix between a yarn, coffee table & learning book and does neither 100%.
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03/14/2008 09:50:02 AM · #9 |
Here is what I heard from his introduction at YouTube... He has a HUGE love and passion for photography... period. Nothing more.
Message edited by author 2008-03-14 09:55:37. |
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