Photographic Composition
by Mark Scanlon, Tom Grill
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Book Summary Information
Author: Mark Scanlon, Tom GrillEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1990-05-01
ISBN: 0817454276
Number of pages: 144
Publisher: Amphoto Books
Book Reviews of Photographic Composition
Book Review: Perhaps this book is meant for beginners?
Summary: 3 Stars
As a serious hobbyist with no formal training, I was a bit concerned about how much I could really learn from this book. My experience comes primarily from reading text books, how to books, and from hands on experience. I already compose my shots and have had some training on composition with an online class I took a few years back. I frequently shoot images with my Digital SLR as posted on lbphoto.net and want to improve my compositional skills.
I debated purchasing this book for about a year. The reviews worth considering seem to take opposite view points adding to my uncertainty. Leaving me to wonder what I would gain from reading this book, I left it listed on my wish list. When I received this book as a birthday gift, there was no question that I wanted to read it.
Like most of the Amphoto books I have seen or read, this book stays true to the standard formula. The topics are written in an uncomplicated manner and well organized. Inspiring color and black and white images are paired with each topic to help educate the reader.
Understanding composition is an important difference between a so-so picture and a great shot. The language of composition is explained with five main categories; Expressing Ideas, Graphic Controls, Photographic Controls, Color Controls, and Total Control. The topics within these categories touch on the basic associated principles.
Graphic Controls discusses the rule of thirds, lines, shapes, pattern, and the golden rectangle. While I understand the basic concept of the golden rectangle, this book failed to clearly explain the idea. I can see where people would easily be confused by the provided explanation.
Photographic Controls and Color Controls discuss topics that controlled with the camera or filters. Some topics are clearly universal for both film and digital shooters. Other topics are written exclusively for using film, although adaptable for knowledgeable digital photographers.
Total Control discusses the use of concepts and themes. It hardly takes this book to decide on and shoot multiple images based on a predetermined subject. The themes section may inspire a photographer to shoot a theme though.
This book attempts to translate the meaning of image details without attempting to teach how to photographically achieve the elements discussed. Most of the topics do not need further discussion and can easily be figured out. Others like "High Key/Low Key" will require the know how or another source of learning to obtain the desired results.
Every so often the pictures associated to a topic serve as poor examples, often adding nothing more than confusion. I found the discussion of using the color purple or magenta compared to the pink tinted landing jet image to be one of these cases. I can tell what the authors were intending to teach, but the image just doesn't support the topic very well. To me purple is a royal or power color while pink relates to sweet little girls.
After reading "Photographic Composition" I can say this book will affect the way I think before I shoot. In that respect, I have to say the book achieved part of its goal. However, the book fails to give any in-depth revelations. For that the book fails to achieve its entire goal.
If you have mastered composition, this book is not for you. If you already have a basic understanding of photo composition, this book may or may not be a big help. However, if you are a beginner who barely, if at all, considers composition when taking a picture, this may be the book for you.
PROS:
Well organized in-depth range of topics.
CONS:
Occasionally the pictures serve as poor examples.
Several topics written for film cameras, needs to be updated for digital cameras.
Summary of Photographic Composition
Effective image design, a key ingredient in successful photographs, is a skill that any serious photographer must learn and master. In Photographic Composition, award-winning photographers Tom Grill and Mark Scanlon demonstrate a modern, clear, and easily understandable approach to composing great photographs. Combining straightforward text with instructive yet compelling images, they succeed in making composition not only learnable but enjoyable. This book can help all photographers gain more control over the design and productionof their pictures.Reference Books
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