Customer Reviews

Visual Poetry: A Creative Guide for Making Engaging Digital Photographs

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Visual Poetry: A Creative Guide for Making Engaging Digital Photographs is a book written by Chris Orwig, an instructor of prestigious photography school. The approach of this book is workshop style, meaning that Chris will give you tips and tricks in the chapter, then followed by assignment and reference.

The interesting part of the book is when Chris relate literature (especially poetry) to photography. He argues that photography could be a great medium to express or convey a message or story.

In addition, this book discussed many kinds of photography from portrait, wedding, sports, and travel. However i feel that the discussion in each chapter is too general.

This book is geared towards someone who is already have pretty strong basic photography knowledge such as exposure, composition, equipments, but need an inspiration and a push in the back to try out new things.

For beginners, you might be disappointed because there is practically no instruction on how to get those kind of photos. There is no technical information (lens used, focal length, aperture/shutter speed) on each photographs in the book as well.

Summary
I just finished my first of what I suspect will be many reads through this book. I'm initially struck by both the richness and approachability of the content. It's also incredibly inspiring while remaining realistic and practical. The author drew me in with his intimate style, personal accounts, authenticity, and humility while avoiding fluff, filler, and cheese. I will be recommending this to my pro photographer friends, my point-and-shoot friends, and the others in between. To my pro friends, I would expect this book to rekindle the passion that was once the reason they started shooting seriously. To the others, I believe this could be the book that will provide that extra something needed to take photos that truly capture. This book challenged me as a creative person and photographer, but also as a father, spouse, traveler, and friend.

Inspiration
I had been anticipating this book for a while as I'm familiar with Chris's work and [...] tutorials, but he has exceeded my expectations. I started perusing the introduction and before I knew it, I found myself in Chapter 4 only to look up and see my camera beckon me from its resting place. This book has reminded me that I'm a creative person daily tempted by uniformity and routine. I'm also reminded that creativity needs to be fought for, invested in, and daily cultivated. The author provides very practical methods and tips to foster and maintain a creative spark. I can honestly say that I'll wake up tomorrow with a polished lens through which to view the world.

Technicalities
It seems Orwig takes somewhat of a minimalist approach to photography. The yuppie and boomer gear fiends tattooed with Nikon logos may miss the value here. He doesn't go into great lengths as to what's in the cookie. He doesn't spend chapters discussing how one type of flour is better due to its molecular composition and the wheat harvest techniques. He instead lights a fire in you to bake with utter abandonment. The emphasis is on vision, risk, perspective, experience, and such, not on shutter speeds and megapixels. That's not to say he doesn't get technical. Every subject, whether it be family portraits or travel, has specific comments on gear. He even goes into certain brands and models. But instead of going on with a comparison of lens noise, he puts the focus on practical tips such as packing power bars for sunrise shoots or how to be incognito when shooting "underground". He regards gear as tools of the craft, not the object of the craft itself. This really resonates with me and gets my focus off what I have (distracting) or don't have (limiting). It reminds me that photos are taken by people, not cameras.

Practicalities
There is nothing more deflating for me than being inspired to do something, but not knowing how to get started. One of the greatest strengths of this book is that the many workshops get you out there putting your new found inspiration to work. There is also a network in place to share results with others. Having first only read the book, I now look forward to journeying through it.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book for anyone looking to capture more of life. I think it is especially valuable for those looking to increase the wow factor in their photos, whether amateur or seasoned pro.

There is no doubt that the author loves both his photography and his teaching. The book draws on both to ignite the enthusiasm and creative energies of readers in their pursuit of more fulfilling and engaging photographic work. Anecdotes from his own experiences and those of photographers of his acquaintance that fill the pages are used to excite and enable the reader to enter a more exciting and creative world of photography, as are the references to the books and websites of dozens and dozens of accomplished photo-artists in all the major genre. What is not in evidence is analysis of what distinguishes images that succeed in engaging the energies of viewers and in transforming their ways of seeing. Beyond a paragraph here and there devoted to these matters and the answer that interviews with "guest speakers" reported on what makes a good photograph, there is little guidance on what it is that makes some images sing and other hum. It is energizing to read of the author's bursts of growth as a photographer. It would have been more useful to the reader had he in addition devoted his talents to clarifying just how the reader can become a better critic of his own work.

Visual Poetry just came in the mail and I was eager to open it and see what the hype was on Chris Orwig. I am familiar with his ability to inspire others to be more creative and deep through his tutorials but was unsure of reading a book and being able to learn through that means.
I have to say it is so exciting to have this book! I am just devouring it. I would say I am a creative person, but with so much on my plate, that part of me can be pushed aside. After reading a couple chapters this morning, I was compelled to paint. I saw and felt things around me differently. I know it is a book on photography, but it really invigorated me on so many levels. I loved the section titled "Favorite Color" where he writes about his daughter and her questioning Chris's mother about what her favorite color is. She replied, "Oh that depends," she said. "In the spring I just love green, pink, and yellow and all those Easter egg colors. Remember the color of those faint yellow marshmellow candies? I love that color. But then, in the summer how can you not love the bright yellow of the sun? And of course there is the fall... Oh, in the fall my favorite colors are those strong earth tones; the reds, pumpkin oranges, and . . . " And the conversation continues. Chris Orwig really inspired me to increase the variety on my palate. I feel like my photos lately have been bland and needing some sort of change. Oddly, that is why I felt compelled to do something I don't normally do- paint. I can't wait to give this book to friends as gifts. AND, I am excited to read and reread this book.

Photography has been my hobby for over 30 years. The switch to digital from film was like someone opened a door and said "run with it." No more worry about cost of developing. But every once and awhile you hit a snag and need a kick in the butt. That is what this book will do for you. The first chapter is a tad slow, but plow through. Once you get to the meat of the book, it is inspiring, informative and a whole lot of fun. The author has set this up in a workshop mode, so you have the option of taking his assignments and posting your work to the website. Or not. Whatever you do, you will walk away with a new outlook on how to take photographs. I highly recommend this book for all photographers.

Visual Poetry: A Creative Guide for Making Engaging Digital Photographs
The first thing a reader of Visual Poetry will notice is that, unlike most photography books--which are about photographic how-tos--this volume is much more about photographic whys. To be sure, there all the how-tos any photographer could want, but they are primarily in support of the real theme of Visual Poetry: asking the photographer to get in touch with, not only the subjects of his or her images, but also, the reasons behind why the images are worth taking.
Author, Chris Orwig, besides being an excellent photographer, is also a philosopher of photography. This duality is evident in Chris' approach to this book, dividing each chapter--whether it be about "Learning to See," "Action and the Great Outdoors" or "The Path to Becoming a Professional"--into the following sections:
* Inspiration
* Practical Tips
* Gear at a Glance
* Workshop Assignments
* Guest Speakers
Chris asks photographers to become involved in each image they make: to make conscious decisions about--among other things--what to include, what to leave out, whether to make an image subject obvious or abstract and which lens to use to best accomplish a picture's intent. And to help the reader along, he provides practical, guided exercises (Workshops) to get the reader up out of his or her chair and trying out new techniques.
For me, an added bonus to Visual Poetry was the author's inclusion of cameo lectures by other well-known photographers, such as, Joyce Tenneson, Steve McCurry and Douglas Kirkland. They share both personal anecdotes and photographic approaches that help further encourage the reader to learn new skills.
Chris' book is not a quick read, but neither is it intended to be read straight through, cover to cover. Rather, its goal is, Workshop by Workshop, to get the reader behind the camera and actually creating his or her own visual poetry.

I have been shooting film and digital for 3 decades and read many technical books on Photography. I know how to take a photograph, and I know what a good photograph is. However, I found my self with a gap between knowing and actually doing.

I noticed this gap filling when I spend a week with an accomplished photographer couple years ago. It was not the rules and techniques that I witnessed, it was the wisdom and simplicity of his approach. This book is filled of wisdom and simplicity.

If you LOVE photography, read it. If photography is a chore and you need a no frills manual (use this aperture, this lens, that speed, frame with rule of thirds, etc) look else where. If you are comfortable with camera setting and compositional rules but something is missing, read this book.

If you are not comfortable with the technical stuff, then you may not appreciate this book. It happen to be a perfect fit in my photographic development.

I'm buying a second copy now to give as a gift. Designed as a take-home photography workshop, this book captures both Orwig's voice & artistry. Reading it you feel as if the author is in the armchair next to you, sharing stories and insights. The book has a cohesive engaging flow with plenty of substance but isn't overly structured or dry like a textbook. It's eclectic, disarming style might put-off some type A personalities but taking the opportunity to relax & tune-in, those folks might discover what's missing in their art!
To be honest, while I was captivated by the title Visual Poetry, I was also worried if it could live up to the name. For me, poetry is sacred. I contemplated the parallels before I started reading and was delighted by Orwig's discussion of these elements. One that stands out most for me is vulnerability. In truly creating the masterpiece of your life, a vulnerability or nakedness is required of the artist (photographer or poet). Orwig invites the reader to become more honest & authentic and less cluttered & disguised. In pursuing the art of simplicity, he makes the critical distinction between reductionism and reducing, or as he makes the analogy: distilling, concentrating, intensifying. You can see that Orwig practices what he preaches, not only in the gorgeous images he produces but in his authorship of this "workshop". Instead of only emphasizing techniques and principles, he gives you exercises that challenge the power of your self-expression, creativity and commitment. The iconic guest lecturers that stop by to chat at the end of each chapter are like the portraits Orwig creates, with the eyes sharp as tacks so you can glimpse their souls.
Obviously I'm a fan of this book, as a poet, lover of beauty and fellow adventurer. In his introduction Orwig says this book is about "becoming...authentic, alive, vibrant, unfettered, and renewed". Maybe, if you're jaded, that sounds cliche or like an inspirational poster. But, after indulging in Visual Poetry, you'll want to share it with every artistic soul you know, not wondering why Amazon keeps suggesting self-help books. In this frantic world, I think Orwig is right that there isn't a soul who doesn't need to be recharged.

I have found this book quite unusual. The structure of the book is not apparent. It feels like a ton of very short essays collected together. I liked the book but it always felt a little tentative. Why is Chris talking about this now? In this sequence? Definitely Chris is an inspired guy. A passionate guy. Its impressive that he continues with that animated enthusiasm. If you've seen his videos, you'll know what I mean.

The thing that struck me was that while I found Chris inspiring, I found very few of the photographs of his in the book engaging or compelling. I did find 99% of the photographs of his "guest speakers" very engaging however. I am not sure why this is. Chris is obviously an accomplished craftsmen, teaching at a prestigious photo school and with a nice client list. Perhaps it was the presentation of the image in the book. Some of the same photos on [...] and his tutorials look better there than in the book. The photos in the book seem quite plain. I have noticed this before in some of Chris' tutorials - especially an engagement shoot he has used as example many times. This is not a criticism really. I am just having a hard time understanding why it is.

I will go back and read it again however. I purchased David DuChemin's Vision Mongers at the same time and that definitely got read more quickly and pulled me in more.

I look forward to going back and getting more out the book and hopefully appreciating his photographs more the second time around.

Review by Thorsten (Vancouver InDesign User Group member)

This is a great book, it refreshes, it makes you smile and it will help you enjoy photography! His images and examples have character, have a big story to tell and you can find yourself behind part of them. It is very easy to read and Chris makes it even easier by having small chapters, small paragraphs, so you can start and finish when ever you want to.

Its also very funny, if you just go through the book and look at the images reading the headers, like "Let Go", "Barbie", "Flash"etc.. in one chapter. In the same chapter, he is making it very simple for the reader to understand your equipment. He explains why you should use a zoom, makro, fish-eye, and other lens and gives great examples. Very easy to understand. He makes me go out and try similar images. "What Exposure?" is the next question and again, I was not able to stop reading!

Chris does not just focus on one part of photography, but he talks about all sorts of photography. This is a great book for me to have, something that I will read a few more times over the years, something that never gets old.