On Being a Photographer has become one of the most popular books ever written with practical advice for photographers.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
50 of 53 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Upfront, I want to say that this is an OUTSTANDING book!
Any self-help book makes assumptions about what hang-ups the reader is dealing with. It sometimes happens that a book is useless to a given reader, because he is so perfect he has already transcended the problems the authors deal with.
But for me, the authors of "On Being a Photographer" precisely target the questions I have struggled with.
Just to name a few (addressed in this book):
1) Yeah, subject IS more important than technique!
2) Am I the only one to shoot reams of film and never quite get the perfect shot?
3) Does luck has a lot to do with it? But can I make my own luck?
4) Exactly HOW does a top photographer approach taking the single picture?
(And much more!)
Since this book has no photographs, it is very reasonably priced. It is not very long, but neither is the Constitution of the United States.
Both authors spent some time in academia, and there is a certain amount of high-toned discussion, but they cut rapidly to the core principles. Stylistically, there is a bit of the mutual admiration society, but this serves the question and answer format that reinforces the classic points they make. I have found that the concise chapters aid easy rereading of specific topics in coffee shops or chores like jury duty. I will reread this book many times.
Since this book has no photographs, it is very reasonably priced. It is not very long, but neither is the Constitution of the United States.
David Hurd's core experience base was back in the classic days of Magnum, which may be a problem for some who may feel that nothing important happened before they were born some sixteen years ago. But a camera is still just a box, whether you are using a Leica M3 or a plasma camera in the thirty-watt range. And single images are as powerful as ever.
This is a great book. Buy it. Read it. Read it again.
32 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
If I could only recommend one book about photography, this would be it. The book explains what it means to be a photographer. This is the book to read before you buy equipment (or more equipment). The book is a road map for developing into a photographer. The book will help you decide what to photograph. The equipment, technique and images will follow.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is written for lovers of photography. Not only does it discuss the romance of camera and film, it has good information, it is motivating and it reminds those of us who have developer, stop and fix in our veins why we fell in love with the art.
Motivating, educational and a good read. Don't miss this one.
Motivating, educational and a good read. Don't miss this one.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good book
Like sitting and listening to photographers have an interesting conservation. Not a great read but a good read. I appreciate it for what it is though.
Published 1 month ago by Stephan A. Pendarvis
5.0 out of 5 stars
On Being a Photographer
I was surprised with this book. Friends at my Camera Club recommended that I read this - and now I see why. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Katherine A. Ziemer
5.0 out of 5 stars
A book every photographer should read!
Pull out your highlighter, there's lot's of good information and insight that every photographer who is interested in photojournalism or making photo essays can learn from.
Published on June 4, 2010 by A. Bellemare
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Helpful - Easy to Read
When I bought this book I didn't realize how it would actually be exciting to read! I mean, I love photography, but usually reading about boring photo-jargon can get old; however,... Read more
Published on December 16, 2008 by Butter
5.0 out of 5 stars
For the aspiring pro from the top
The introduction is long but sets up the credibility of the two main people and their background. Basically two professionals at the very highest level of the game discuss some... Read more
Published on October 30, 2007 by J. Hall
1.0 out of 5 stars
Vanity publishing
I was immensely disappointed by this book. It seemed to promise so much depth and insight. It is structured as a conversation/interview between two knowledgeable photographers; but... Read more
Published on May 13, 2007 by Under Exposed
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Must Have" Book
This book is a "must have" for anyone who is serious about becoming/being a photographer. The majority of the discussion relates to the creative process, with a small... Read more
Published on June 12, 2004 by Richard Drdul
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Book Can Be Purchased Brand New For $12.95 From LensWork
Why is JetstreamBooks selling it used for $25.00???? Buy it brand new from LensWork Publishing for $12.95 plus $4 shipping and handling. Go to www.lenswork.com. Read more
Published on October 9, 2003 by gordon-warren cattle company
2.0 out of 5 stars
BORING
If your idea of "photographic wisdom" is listening in on a couple of old farts pontificating and patting each other on the back while talking of days gone by and photos... Read more
Published on April 20, 2002
5.0 out of 5 stars
A concise guide to the philosophy of photography
David Hurn and Bill Jay converse about the philosophy of photography. This, of course, says little about the book. Read more
Published on January 11, 1999
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