Working the Light: A Photography Masterclass (Light & Land series) [Paperback]

Eddie Ephraums (Author), Joe Cornish (Author), Charlie Waite (Author), David Ward (Author)

Book Description

Series: Light & Land series | Publication Date: September 1, 2006

Charlie Waite, Joe Cornish, and David Ward are among Britain’s best known and most respected landscape photographers. In this book, they join forces to present a unique masterclass combining stunning imagery, inspiring commentary, and practical advice. The book is divided into three sections—Wilderness, Inhabited, and Inner-landscapes—and, alongside a portfolio of their latest work, each writes knowledgeably and insightfully about the genre for which they are known. It is an invaluable compendium of collective wisdom and experience for aspiring and experienced photographers. Charlie Waite’s previous books include The Making of Landscape Photographs, Joe Cornish is the author of Light and the Art of Landscape Photography, and David Ward’s most recent book is Landscape Within.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Aurum Press (September 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1902538463
• ISBN-13: 978-1902538464
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 9.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #654,838 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I look at this book, and I wonder ..., September 13, 2007

By 

David Brant (Minneapolis, MN United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Working the Light: A Photography Masterclass (Light & Land series) (Paperback)

I wonder if I am ready for this sort of "master class". The photographs inside are almost intimidating in their beauty and artistry.

I have years of experience with attempting to create photos like these, and I will say that the patience of the artists is well-displayed in the photographs.

I found the text to be informative and thought-provoking, and although I am a little intimidated, I am also greatly inspired by the detail and instruction given.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Hardly a Master Class, November 20, 2009

By 

H. C. Heyerdahl "norway-photos" (Norway) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Working the Light: A Photography Masterclass (Light & Land series) (Paperback)

I have reviewed this book reflecting it's claim to be a landscape master class, and as such it falls way off it's mark. The main fault of the book is that the comments and explanations are without reference to any theory or principals that the reader can become acquainted with and apply in his own images. However, if you are satisfied with a collection of beautiful images it more or less serves fits the bill.

The book is divided into three parts with one for each master photographer. Each section starts with a presentation and some background on how he came to be a landscape photographer. Nice as an introduction, but I really expected more than this. Accompanying the introductions is a small selection of some 4 photographs with some notes on practicalities for managing to capture the image. However, with few exceptions they are not referenced in the text - so why are exactly these photographs included? They are really nice, but what I am expected to learn from looking at these images instead of some other images is unclear to me. Both JC and CW write about images that have inspired them, but you will not find them in the book (I know, Google..). A potentially interesting feature is the inclusion of some images that they claim don't make it. However the images are relatively small and accompanied by a brief explanation containing what appears to be some thoughts passing at the time of writing.

After each photographer's introduction follows a portfolio of images from contributing (amateur?) photographers. The portfolio contains several quite stunning images and ends with a brief commentary on each image by the master photographers. Unfortunately there is little in the comments that will advance you in your own photography. One of the better comments (p 55):

"JC: If Ansel Adams had been a color photographer he would have shot this. It has a soaring, almost Wagnerian quality. There's not much to add. CW: The very bottom is left out of focus, but who cares. One could argue that it's a bit tight on the top; some more sky might have helped - perhaps not. I like that you don't se the source of the light. It is a marvelous picture. DW: Yes, I particularly like the compressed perspective as well."

Really, in my opinion several photo sites do better than this. Other comments contain information such as to use your hand to eliminate flare, or that the photographer handled the subject well since he did not burn out the highlights of some running water. Hardly master class material.

Finally, preceding the commentaries is a page where the master photographers comment on each others images. Actually, on first reading I failed to appreciate that this wasn't written by the photographer himself. So much for critics.

Nice images that may serve as inspiration, but don't expect much to further your photography. I suggest you take a look at : Landscape Beyond: A Journey into Photography.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring Photography and Instruction, November 5, 2007

By 

Rakesh Malik (Silver Spring, MD USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Working the Light: A Photography Masterclass (Light & Land series) (Paperback)

As a previous reviewer mentioned, it's intimidating to see such incredible photography, especially if you're an aspiring photographer (as I am).

However, I find the beauty of the photography here to be inspirational, and the critiques provided are very informative. I highly recommend reading this book if you're an aspiring nature photographer.