I honestly have no idea why I got this book from the library, but I’m really glad I did! I think I must’ve put it on my to-read list a couple years ago, and once I finally got it, it languished in my library pile for ages. I’ve been taking pictures since I could pick up a camera – my mom, grandfather, and godfather are/were truly incredible photographers. I’ve been featured in two art galleries (#humblebrag) I have a little side business doing family photography, so it’s not like I need to know how to take a photograph.
I didn’t realize what a rut I was in until I read this book. It’s made up of 228 pictures the author has taken, and a page to a paragraph that’s kind of the moral of the story (e.g. keep shooting after you think you’re done, try a different angle, embrace artistic blur, etc.). There wasn’t a word of it I didn’t already know, but it really, really got my creativity flowing and got me wanting to pick up my camera more often. It’s a super accessible book, and one of the few photography books that I’d genuinely recommend for either an absolute beginner or a seasoned pro.
If you’re looking for an extensive how-to book on the technical aspects of photography, this book probably isn’t it, although it does cover the basics (and touches on a few advanced techniques). Personally, I think the best use of this book is just to read through when you might be stuck in a creative rut, whether it’s with your iphone camera or your Mark III. It’s actually a really awesome book, and as a photographer, George Lange has a really neat perspective.
Ohhhh, I think I’ll put this on the Christmas list for my youngest sister. She does photography for her non-profit, and I’ve heard her mention that she’s a little bored with some of her shots.