Customer Reviews

The Joy Of Photography

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is remarkably superior to most books about the basics of photography. The book begins with the vision of the photographer. The entire first section is devoted to presenting outstanding images by great photographers and explaining why they are great. The book does not begin as most do with the question of what camera to buy. It places its emphasis on creating great images, which IMHO is exactly right. The camera does not create the pictures. The vision of the photographer does. The book then goes on to explain the technical aspects of the craft (cameras, lenses, film etc.) in simple, clear and well written prose with good photos. I highly recommend this book.

As a lover of photography, I've never gone wrong with this book. Whether you're a beginner who wants to learn the basics, or a serious shutterbug who's in need of the occasional reference, this one has to be in your Library. Best of all, "The Joy of Photography" is not a book that demands to be understood on its own terms. It's as thorough, informative and technically detailed as you need it to be, or light enough to jump around to get whatever you want from it. However you may want to use this book, it's a valuable resource.

I have advanced beyond this book, but it was a very integral part in my learning of photography. It is a great resource to use while learning the basics, to be able to question how to shoot a particular subject and so forth. Also deals with the basics of film, camera, lens etc. although I find it quite outdated (as this has progressed so rapidly over the years).

I read this book when it first came out. It is excellent in terms of content and presentation. It contains the basics of photography in an easy to understand format. It is a good prep for "More Joy of Photography"

I found the book the Joy of photography and great startig place for anyone just getting into photography.

This book does go slow and does not cover alot of things but it is a very go starting point

This book is packed full of great, easy to follow tips from how to develop an eye for what the final result of the photograph will be, to what kind of equipment is useful for obtaining the desired results. It is ideal for beginners, as the language is not overly technical without explanations, and the photographs are amazing.

The J of P has great referencing for beginner's, intermediates, or those who take shooting casually and need to brush up occasionally. The comprehensive index makes it easy to find information on a technical topic, or matter of technique. Simple explanations, examples, and common-sense tips will help your pictures mean more to you. This will also help you "see what you saw and felt when you took that shot." One can learn from the endless pointers on techniques, equipment, methods, and manual settings for the best results, as well as some philosophical insights into what different types of photography is intended to bring about.

There is good referencing and historical notes on photography as well. Where did the photography term "candid" come from? Erich Salomon, an early photojournalist, who so enthusiastically wanted to capture the true and natural human condition, he hid his cameras in hollowed-out books. The authors note quite correctly, that keeping a low-profile, shooting frequently and rapidly, brings the best chances of getting a successful candid--because very few shots actually will capture those moments that typify everyday life.

Some photo history tid-bits mention for example, that in 1878 Eadweard Muybridge won a famous bet. He wanted to prove that all four of a trotting horse's hooves are off the ground at one time. His picture proved him right.

Some photographers' works and their techniques explained in the the J of P include: Annie Leibovitz, Joyce Tenneson, and one of my favorites for unique shots of natural wonder and travel photography, Galen Rowell. The chronology of photojournalism, pioneered by Dorothea Lange, is also covered.

The authors note that as you take more pictures of what feels good and right to you, you will start to develop your own unique style that is yours. It's a style that you and others will be able to recognize. Photos, are a part of you: your likes, perceptions, and beliefs about what is worth immortalizing. This takes place on a subconscious level as well as a cognizant one. You can't always quantify it; that's the beauty of it.

Digital is steadily making it's way to dominate photography. But still, For the 35 mm this book contains hundreds of tips, techniques and practical advice, expressed plainly, that will make all the difference in your photos. From the serious minded to the casual shooter, to someone who pops off their point and shoot. We all wants the photos to represent what we felt when you snapped the shot.

Photography today is forever chinging with the advent of everything digital. But to create good images you still need knowledtge that comes from experience, questions and most of all BOOKS. The "Joy of Photography" books are two of the best books I have in my own library for aspiring photographers. The text is easy to read and not too technical as to scare anyone off as a beginner. The book explains shutter speeds and 'F' stops and what changing them does. There is a lot to know in photography if you have the passion to do so.. This book touches as many subjects and accompany the text with a multitude of beautiful pictures giving you ideas on creating your own..I bought the first edition when it first came out and recently loaned it to a friend who I sold a Pentax SLR to and I have since bought this revised copy. Amateur and Pro alike can learn something from this book or use it to 'touch up' in a few areas...Although the digital age is here, film photography is not going away anytime soon. Brian K Johnson.

there are two negative reviews for this book. two negative reviews from reviewers who havent a clue about photography. the concepts covered in this book are just as beneficial to the photographer now as they were to the daguerotype user. technology doesnt change the fact that a large F stop narrows your depth of field, that a longer focal length narrrows your field of view, that filters effect the outcome, how flash works, etc.

if you are a beginner, amateur, advanced amateur, or professional, you will find this book very helpful and informative. it covers the vast majority of technique the average photographer will ever use.

I know this was written in the 1970s, but the application of this book is still current with today's photography industry. Most pros have this book in their library, including me. The Joy of Photography is a remarkable book with great information to use and practice. I recommend this to anyone interested in photography at any level with any type of photography equipment.