I bought this book last night:
Masterclass in Photography
by: Michael & Julien Busselle
I picked this up at my local Barnes and Noble for $12.48. I haven't been all the way through it yet, but I can recommend this for anyone who wants to learn a little. The book primarily consists of photographs taken by this couple. Each photograph is accompanied by a brief idea behind WHY the photo was made, a critique/comment from the other person, and then some camera information behind the shot as well.
The opening statement in the book grabbed my attention quickly:
"One of the main things that distinguishes a photographer from a person who takes photographs is that a photographer has (or develops) the ability to look beyond the actual subject and to see the visual qualities that will produce a striking image. It is the photographer's ability to recognize the existence, or lack, of certain vital ingredients that makes the difference between a snapshot and a good photograph.
The qualities that make a good photograph are shape, form, texture, pattern, perspective, and color. They can exist in a scene or a subject that is, in itself, uninteresting and even unimportant, but the presence of just one of these elements is often enough to create a striking image. Conversely, an interesting, or even beautiful, scene or subject can be so lacking in these qualities that a photograph of it will not be aesthetically pleasing or satisfying."
When you think about this statement, you may begin to see why some photos around here are more appealing than others. As I started reading in this book last night, I noticed some direct discussion about these 'elements' in the photographs within the book.
For the money, I would suggest picking up a copy of this and at least browsing the work.
Message edited by author 2006-05-30 00:14:41.
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