Photography News | Issue 40 | absolutephoto.com
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Reviews
Architectural photography is a subject that is often overlooked with photographers veering towards landscapes, portraits, still life, action or other subjects. And therefore, books on the subject are few and far between. But if you want to capture the amazing variety of buildings that are out there to capture, telling as they do, the story of human achievement (and folly), a crash course on the subject is most useful. Ewing, an award-winning professional architectural photographer and tutor, certainly knows his stuff, and conveys it in an easily understandable way, and there’s plenty for newbies and more experienced shooters to pick up. As well as the expected run-through on what type of photo kit is of most benefit (geared heads and tilt-shift lenses are given plenty of coverage), there are nicely constructed sections on how different viewpoints can change the way we read a structure, and how contacting sites for access (even as an amateur) can pay off in getting a better angle. As the title suggests there’s also lots of good information on using and adapting to natural light, as well as approaches to shooting interiors where you need to balance ambient light with artificial illumination. At nearly £30, it’s a little expensive compared with some technique books, but it certainly doesn’t lack interest. FollowtheSun James Ewing, Focal Press, 188 pages £29.99
routledge.com
Evolutionof an Image Rick Sammon, Focal Press, 312 pages £21.99
Photographic tutor, workshop leader and author of more than 30 books, Rick Sammon is something of a photographic force of nature, and all that experience (both shooting and teaching) is nicely encompassed in Evolution of an Image . The book is all about the thought processes that go into making a successful photo, and illustrates the difference between random snapping and considered picture-taking. After a useful introduction defining the ingredients of successful images, such as filling the frame and how important patience can be, the book is split into subject-based sections, including portraits, wildlife, landscapes and so on. This means it’s more applicable to generalists (of which Rick is one), than specialists, but there’s definitely something for everyone and it’s good to learn from other disciplines. Each entry is organised in a consistent fashion, setting out the motivation for the shot, as well logistical information about the subject, location and lighting. Then it explains how the latter were dealt with and any problems overcome, giving lots of detail about exposure and tweaks to composition, via before and after pictures. Each entry finishes with processing advice and screens showing how Rick improves his images in Lightroom, so the book has a very complete feel.
It illustrates the difference between random snapping and considered picture-taking
routledge.com
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