The Passionate Photographer: Ten Steps Toward Becoming Great

by Steve Simon

This is the eBook version of the printed book.Professional photographer, School of Visual Arts faculty member, and co-host of the popular "This Week in Photography" podcast Steve Simon shares 30 years of experience as he discusses the ten crucial elements every photographer needs to know and do in order to become truly great at their craft.For photographers who are ready to challenge themselves to take their craft to new heights, Steve Simon mentors through education, inspiration, practical tips and photographic concepts that are both immediately actionable and capable of being revisited time and again throughout your photographic journey. Simon discusses the often overlooked yet core concepts to becoming a great photographer, such as the simple importance of shooting a lot of pictures; learning how to work a scene and not give up too soon; taking evocative and compelling portraits; learning to see and take advantage of light; making the best edits and learning from each shoot; and more.For those who have gotten a feel for gear and settings, but are still not taking the pictures they want to take, Steve puts forth a wealth of ideas and creative solutions that every photographer can add their unique vision to. "The Passionate Photographer" draws out the personal vision of every reader, encouraging a unique way of looking at the world that we all possess but don't always have the confidence to pursue.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Art

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2010

Reviews

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

The record states that I started reading this book 4 years ago! And, disgracefully, that is true. I ambled my way through this book til I reached just under 50% through it then I moved countries from Singapore to New Zealand, welcomed my baby daughter then started a new job and finally picked up this book again. I forgot whatever I had read 3 years previously and re-read it from the start again recently.

Overall, It's an encouraging read, if not overly inspiring. I would recommend it to other photographers as an interesting overall plan for developing your photography.

[Dipra Lahiri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A highly skilled and veteran photographer, especially in photojournalism, takes us though what he has learned over decades. The most important takeaways for me: the importance of shooting as much as possible, careful analysis of the results, studying a variety of arts for inspiration, and the importance of setting aside time to work on learning.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very detailed in fact too detailed! Too many words for a hobby that is supposed to be fun and for the talented! Not my kind of book

[Rasha Yousif · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best investment you can make as a photographer whether you just bought your first camera or you are already on your way to becoming a full time photographer. I was lucky enough to attend Steve Simon’s the passionate photographer workshop in Dubai and reading this book I could relate to Steve’s stories and advices. The book is written in a very clear language (no complicated stuff here!). Steve walks the readers through the 10 steps to becoming a great photographer. It just makes sense to follow those 10 steps as an exercise to develop your style. I made so many notes and I intend to read this book again when I feel uninspired and be back on track!

[thirtytwobirds · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty good book. It's pretty heavily skewed toward photojournalism (there's large sections about shooting strangers, for example), but this isn't necessarily a bad thing even if that's not your style.

There's also some practical gems hidden here and there, like a way to manage autofocus that I tried and ended up sticking with because it works so well.

I took off one star because the book does sound start to sound dangerously close to a feel-good self-help book in parts. But there's still a lot of good stuff in it, so as long as you take it with a grain of salt you'll be fine.

[Gaston Lacombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great books for all photographers - beginners and not-so-beginners. Reviews things which for photographers are really quite basic, but that are often overlooked, set aside, forgotten or ignored. It helps to bring better perspective to who you are as a photographer and how you can get better at it, more psychologically than simply technically. A great tool for photographers going through "photographer's block", looking for ways to re-ignite the career and the passion.

[Sergey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Хорошая книга, очень хорошая, ибо дает четкие и, главное, действенные советы. Они правда чрезвычайно простые, но на самом-то деле секретов особо и нет - нужно просто много работать, пробовать, общаться и все получится :)

Полезность книги можно оценивать тем, что ты изменил в своей жизни - у меня множество изменений - работаю над собственным сайтом, начал постить в Twitter, начал больше фотографировать.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book I open up when I am feeling stuck, lazy, or complacent with my camera. It's a well-written, enthusiastic kick in the pants. I find it very refreshing to read a long-time photographer who, rather than grumbling about the age of digital photography killing the art and requiring no skill, thinks we are in a new golden age of the medium, as digital technology and availability expands experimentation and growth in photography.

[JW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I didn't pick up anything really new I did hear valid and useful information in a new way and from someone whose passion speaks to me. Simon knows his craft and knows how to relate passion and excellence to someone willing to receive it. For me, this book ranks with the Vision series by David DuChemin. It will certainly become dog-eared over time from reference.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had found this book 3 years ago when I started my college photog classes. I think it should be a "must read" for all first level digital photography courses.

One to be kept for future reference and inspiration.

[Pat Loughery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent text -focused on strategically and intentionally improving as a photographer. From technique, vision, business, education, and many other perspectives, I have a better idea of what I need to do in my photography work. This came along at the right time for me.

[Michael Tapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only a great photographer, but Steve Simon is also a great writer. This book shows you a way to chart a plan to becoming a stronger photographer. The book is geared to documentary photogs, but I think it's still really informative for pictorialists since the book is really about setting goals.

[Ceethreedom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read

I found myself in a big giant hole of a rut, photographically speaking, and this book was EXACTLY what I needed to pull myself out of it. Even if you're a seasoned pro, there is much to learn!

[Jabali Sawicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

One the best books on photography I've read. Clear, relevant, informative, practical, and inspiring. A lot of good gems in here for anybody thinking of taking their photography to the next level. Will definitely come back to this often.

[Benjamin Sendrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not an introduction to photography. It assumes you have mastered the basics and know how to operate your equipment. Simon lays out a plan for becoming a better, more artistic photographer. If that is want you want, this book is outstanding.

[Leslie Godwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the idea of creating a photography project. I think that will be a big help.
Some of the references of other photographers are a little weird for my taste.
Overall, excellent book.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm totally inspired. Basic message - get out and shoot pictures to learn technically and discovery your photographic passion. Tomorrow I'll make a list of photo projects.