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Eyewitness Companions
Photography
Written by world-renowned photographer, writer, and broadcaster Tom Ang, Photography lavishly celebrates the most iconic photographs and photographers of the past 200 years. Tracing the history of photography from its origins in the 1800s to the digital age, The Definitive Visual History is the only book of its kind to give a comprehensive account of the people, the photographs, and the technologies that have shaped the history of photography. From the first black-and-white photography to photojournalism and contemporary street photography, Photography celebrates the most iconic photographs and profiles 50 of the most famous photographers, with special features on Pulitzer Prize-winners and thematic timelines on portrait, war, advertising, and fashion photography. Dissecting classics such as Daguerre's Boulevard de Temple, Stieglitz's The Steerage, Rosenthal's Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, and McCurry's Afghan Girl, this amazing reference not only showcases incredible photographs, but tells their stories, in-depth, and is a must-have for anyone who appreciates the beauty of photography.
- GenresPhotographyNonfiction
344 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2005
4 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Tom Ang
120 books51 followersPhotographer, author, traveler and academic. An early pioneer in digital photography, I have written over 30 books on photography as well as on video. This work was recognised by the award of the HIPA Content Producer Award in 2019. I also won the Thomas Cook award for best Illustrated Travel Book for my coverage of the Marco Polo Expedition.
I was senior lecturer in photographic practice at the University of Westminster for over 12 years (1991–2004) and created the MA Photographic Journalism course. For over 10 years I photographed in Central Asia, traveling in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. I led a Know How Fund project that helped equip a radio studio for radio students and which reformed the journalism curriculum for the Kyrgyz Russian Slavonic University in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
I have written over thirty books on photography and video including Digital Photography Masterclass (now 3rd edition), Fundamentals of Photography,Tao of Photography, Digital Photographer’s Handbook (now 7th edition), Picture Editing (2nd edition), Eyewitness Companion: Photography, and Digital Video Handbook, How to Photograph Absolutely Everything.
I presented the BBC series ‘A Digital Picture of Britain’, first transmitted in 2005 on BBC4. A second series, entitled 'Britain in Pictures' was transmitted in 2007. I also presented an 8-part TV series for CNA (Channel News Asia) in Singapore which was broadcast in August 2009. This took a Bronze at the New York Film and TV Festival the following year.
I have served on juries of Hamdan International Photography Award, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, World Photography Award, Czech Press Photo.
I am a Sony NZ Digital Imaging Ambassador.
I was senior lecturer in photographic practice at the University of Westminster for over 12 years (1991–2004) and created the MA Photographic Journalism course. For over 10 years I photographed in Central Asia, traveling in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. I led a Know How Fund project that helped equip a radio studio for radio students and which reformed the journalism curriculum for the Kyrgyz Russian Slavonic University in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
I have written over thirty books on photography and video including Digital Photography Masterclass (now 3rd edition), Fundamentals of Photography,Tao of Photography, Digital Photographer’s Handbook (now 7th edition), Picture Editing (2nd edition), Eyewitness Companion: Photography, and Digital Video Handbook, How to Photograph Absolutely Everything.
I presented the BBC series ‘A Digital Picture of Britain’, first transmitted in 2005 on BBC4. A second series, entitled 'Britain in Pictures' was transmitted in 2007. I also presented an 8-part TV series for CNA (Channel News Asia) in Singapore which was broadcast in August 2009. This took a Bronze at the New York Film and TV Festival the following year.
I have served on juries of Hamdan International Photography Award, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, World Photography Award, Czech Press Photo.
I am a Sony NZ Digital Imaging Ambassador.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 21, 2009
Let me confess. . . . I am not a photographer. I will occasionally use someone else's camera to take a picture on their behalf. But I don't do many shots on my own for myself. I actually bought this book for someone else in the family, but could not resist picking it up and taking a look, since I do enjoy this series (Eyewitness Companions). And, boy, did I enjoy taking a peek inside this volume.
The book begins by noting that, literally, photography means "writing with light," a rather apropos term, given what a picture can say. Tom Ang's introduction goes on to note that (Page 12): To contemplate the true extent of [photography's:] social reach and cultural impact is awe-inspiring."
The first substantive part of the book is probably my favorite--mainly because it focuses on great photographers rather than more "technical" issues. Here, we are introduced to Ansel Adams, Diane Arbus (The picture is not included here, but take a look in one of her collections with that famous picture of Ozzie and Harriet! It's unbelievable), Andre Kertesz, Annie Leibovitz (all those photos of hers focusing on rock and roll!), Alfred Stieglitz, and so on. And Margaret Bourke-White sitting on the Chrysler Building taking a photo still takes my breath away! Very brief consideration of each, but for a nonexpert, it's enjoyable to get a sense of the person and an example or two of their art. There follows a history of photography, from camera obscura to digital technology, which I also find fascinating.
Then, on to more technical issues. Real pros will not find this terribly useful, but for amateurs and "wanna-bes," this would probably prove helpful. Among issues discussed: tools of photography, working with digital images, the elements of photography, taking successful photos, and so on.
Again, for the person who wants a general introduction to photography, to place photography in context, this is a good start.
The book begins by noting that, literally, photography means "writing with light," a rather apropos term, given what a picture can say. Tom Ang's introduction goes on to note that (Page 12): To contemplate the true extent of [photography's:] social reach and cultural impact is awe-inspiring."
The first substantive part of the book is probably my favorite--mainly because it focuses on great photographers rather than more "technical" issues. Here, we are introduced to Ansel Adams, Diane Arbus (The picture is not included here, but take a look in one of her collections with that famous picture of Ozzie and Harriet! It's unbelievable), Andre Kertesz, Annie Leibovitz (all those photos of hers focusing on rock and roll!), Alfred Stieglitz, and so on. And Margaret Bourke-White sitting on the Chrysler Building taking a photo still takes my breath away! Very brief consideration of each, but for a nonexpert, it's enjoyable to get a sense of the person and an example or two of their art. There follows a history of photography, from camera obscura to digital technology, which I also find fascinating.
Then, on to more technical issues. Real pros will not find this terribly useful, but for amateurs and "wanna-bes," this would probably prove helpful. Among issues discussed: tools of photography, working with digital images, the elements of photography, taking successful photos, and so on.
Again, for the person who wants a general introduction to photography, to place photography in context, this is a good start.
Displaying 1 of 1 review