The Art of Photography: An Approach to Personal Expression (Paperback)

by Bruce Barnbaum (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Enjoy an exceptional presentation of photography, revised and enlarged and promising to reach new audiences through a wider distribution medium than previously. The meat of this title lies in its logical, thorough explanations of the photographic process which blends fine art with clear examples throughout, including technical as well as artistic and philosophical insights. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 234 pages
• Publisher: Kendall Hunt Pub Co; 2 edition (May 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787263168
• ISBN-13: 978-0787263164
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,515,434 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent mix of technical and artistic information, February 11, 1999

By	Woodworker (Stratford, CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Photography: An Approach to Personal Expression (Paperback)

Kudos to Mr. Barnbaum, not only for his artistic excellence, but also for his ability to communicate his thoughts and ideas in a clear and interesting manner. "The Art of Photography" is written in a very personal style, and is a wonderful mix of technical and artistic information. Although the technical details about the Zone system and darkroom techniques are certainly directed toward the serious, advanced photographer, the discussions about composition, visualization, and creativity should be of interest to photographers at all levels of ability and experience. Most importantly, Mr. Barnbaum shares his thoughts about the purpose of photography: to communicate a feeling or message to the viewer and to elicit a response. This theme is reiterated throughout the book and is frequently compared to similar concepts in other art forms. I've read a number of very good books on photography, but this one is now at the top of my list. If you are serious about photography and are looking for a stimulating book, this is the one!

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good book for the advanced b&w photographer, August 16, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: The Art of Photography: An Approach to Personal Expression (Paperback)

Barnbaum is a serious black and white photographer, and this is a personal book in which he describes how he uses his own sense of aesthetic to "break" the rules of the Zone System. A good book for the advanced b&w photographer, this book provides a view of the way in which one photographer finds his own vision. It is less about technique and more about art than most photography books. My only quibble is that the reproductions in the book could have been of a higher quality.

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My instructor: "Wish I'd had it when I was starting out.", September 24, 2000

By	Bryan (USA) - See all my reviews

I am a serious photography student, albiet a green one. My instructor has been a photographer for 50 years and once ran the biggest portrait studio in Niagra Falls, NY. He has studied with Mr. Picker (BTW, the fore mentioned is rather discredited by both Mr. Burnbaum and my instructor, so if you are a "dry down" sycophant move on now.) He likens Mr. Burnbaum to the caliber of Mr. Adams: both being masters of the media. I was also truely blessed to see both Mr. Burnbaum himself and his work at an exibition here in Oklahoma. His prints are truely stunning. His book is equally so. I can't say I know a whole lot about photography -- it is a vast and imposing subject -- but I know quality when I see it, and I know more about photography after reading "The Art of Photography". My opinion isn't that important, but I value my instructor's and I think that I can safely say it's a must read for any photographic artist -- B&W, color, small, medium, or large format.