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Extraordinary Everyday Photography: Awaken Your Vision to Create Stunning Images Wherever You Are
Through accessible discussions and exercises, readers learn to use composition, available light, color, and point of view to create stunning photographs in any environment.
Photographers are born travelers. They’ll go any distance to capture the right light, beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and people. But exotic locales aren’t necessary for interesting photographs. Wonderful images are hiding almost everywhere; you just need to know how to find them.
Extraordinary Everyday Photography will help you search beyond the surface to find the unexpected wherever you are, be it a downtown street, a local park, or your own front lawn. Authors Brenda Tharp and Jed Manwaring encourage amateur photographers to slow down, open their eyes, and respond to what they see to create compelling images that aren’t overworked. Inspiring photo examples from the authors, taken with DSLRs, compact digital cameras, and even iPhones, show that it is the photographer's eye and creative vision--not the gear--that make a great image.
Photographers are born travelers. They’ll go any distance to capture the right light, beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and people. But exotic locales aren’t necessary for interesting photographs. Wonderful images are hiding almost everywhere; you just need to know how to find them.
Extraordinary Everyday Photography will help you search beyond the surface to find the unexpected wherever you are, be it a downtown street, a local park, or your own front lawn. Authors Brenda Tharp and Jed Manwaring encourage amateur photographers to slow down, open their eyes, and respond to what they see to create compelling images that aren’t overworked. Inspiring photo examples from the authors, taken with DSLRs, compact digital cameras, and even iPhones, show that it is the photographer's eye and creative vision--not the gear--that make a great image.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
249 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 25, 2015
OK, it's a bit unusual to review a how-to type book in this community, but I thought that what the authors did was, dare I say, "extraordinary" (yup, nice title pun there) so it merited a review. I thought this book succeeded independently on three levels: (1) this is as attractive as any coffee table book you're going to find and - unlike most coffee table books, with homogeneous topics, this one contains something for everyone - it's visually stunning and impressive in range, and - by design - it's creative, with each individual photo being "conversation worthy"; (2) yes, yes, it's a helpful how-to book, it's chock-full of interesting instructions, and my guess is that most photographers (even with a high skill and experience level) will learn something, particularly if they're considering stepping out of their comfort zone (take your pick - travel, sports, portrait, wedding, etc.) and trying to broaden their horizons - [alas, if anything, this was where the book failed to earn that fifth star - I would have appreciated more specific insights into situational lens selection - the authors do a great job detailing which lens (and which setting) they used, but they too often fail to explain why they made those decisions); and (3) as a read-cover-to-cover book, the authors did a nice job, employing a personal, conversational, informal, yet informative narrative that caused me to treat this like leisure reading rather than something off the reference shelf (where you work from the index, rather than just read along for the pleasure of it)....
July 9, 2019
**This book is part of a personal challenge to read all the books in my parents house.**
This book also offers up a lot of useful tips and tricks (along with examples) on how to photograph everyday objects and sceneries in your own yard or town and how to utilize natural lighting, whether it be during the day, dusk, dawn, or nighttime.
The copy I have is actually my dad's book. My dad loves photography and has a decent sized collection of cameras. When I was in highschool, he taught me a few photography tricks, like how to take pictures at night and how to stitch together panoramic pictures on Photoshop.
See below the panoramic selfie I took back in 2013 for New Year's. Let's just say I took selfies/camwhoring to the next level 😏:
I'm pretty sure my dad learned those skills from reading this book, as this book does include step-by-step instructions on creating a panoramic image on Photoshop. Around the time when he bought/read this book and taught me how to take panoramic images, my dad also suddenly started visiting the tiny park across the street at odd hours of the day and would come back with wonderful photographs of leaves, caterpillars, snails and squirrels.
Here's one of the pictures he took that I quite like:
I'm almost certain that this book inspired him to look for beautiful things in our neighbourhood to photograph.
This book also offers up a lot of useful tips and tricks (along with examples) on how to photograph everyday objects and sceneries in your own yard or town and how to utilize natural lighting, whether it be during the day, dusk, dawn, or nighttime.
The copy I have is actually my dad's book. My dad loves photography and has a decent sized collection of cameras. When I was in highschool, he taught me a few photography tricks, like how to take pictures at night and how to stitch together panoramic pictures on Photoshop.
See below the panoramic selfie I took back in 2013 for New Year's. Let's just say I took selfies/camwhoring to the next level 😏:
I'm pretty sure my dad learned those skills from reading this book, as this book does include step-by-step instructions on creating a panoramic image on Photoshop. Around the time when he bought/read this book and taught me how to take panoramic images, my dad also suddenly started visiting the tiny park across the street at odd hours of the day and would come back with wonderful photographs of leaves, caterpillars, snails and squirrels.
Here's one of the pictures he took that I quite like:
I'm almost certain that this book inspired him to look for beautiful things in our neighbourhood to photograph.
October 24, 2015
I've got three cameras and tend to take a lot of pictures ... sometimes I get serious and try to take photographs. I always have my point-and-shoot camera in my bag.
I like reading books about photography because it sparks my interest to take photographs and I find it interesting to see what catches the eyes of professionals and how they do it.
This book has ten chapters:
* Finding fresh vision
* The moment of perception
* Discovering pictures where you live
* Expanding the creative process
* Capturing everyday moments
* Finding your point of view
* Creating strong compositions
* Exploring the light around you
* Photographing the dusk and dawn
* Photographing the night around you
This book isn't a technical how-to book. It is assumed you know how to adjust your aperture and shutter speed, etc. This book is get you thinking more creatively ... to step out of your box and see things differently. At the end of the chapters there are exercises. There are lots of colour pictures in the chapters illustrating what the authors were talking about along with the specs under them (the lens, aperture and shutter speed used). I thought the pictures were creative and gave me ideas ... as I said, it's good to see what professionals do. I tend to like taking pictures on angles and using framing.
I like reading books about photography because it sparks my interest to take photographs and I find it interesting to see what catches the eyes of professionals and how they do it.
This book has ten chapters:
* Finding fresh vision
* The moment of perception
* Discovering pictures where you live
* Expanding the creative process
* Capturing everyday moments
* Finding your point of view
* Creating strong compositions
* Exploring the light around you
* Photographing the dusk and dawn
* Photographing the night around you
This book isn't a technical how-to book. It is assumed you know how to adjust your aperture and shutter speed, etc. This book is get you thinking more creatively ... to step out of your box and see things differently. At the end of the chapters there are exercises. There are lots of colour pictures in the chapters illustrating what the authors were talking about along with the specs under them (the lens, aperture and shutter speed used). I thought the pictures were creative and gave me ideas ... as I said, it's good to see what professionals do. I tend to like taking pictures on angles and using framing.
July 30, 2017
I hated this book. Almost all of it was useless information or restated information. Oh, I should see beauty in all things? Oh, I should observe more? Okay, I'll do that. Wow. The authors went the thing in new age jargon, used three quarters of the book to stretch out sentences way past their expiration date, and made thousands of stylistic choices that I work,d consider unsavory. I would skim this but not pay anything for it. Yeah, some great pictures, but few. These are clearly Flickr photographers, and their style reflects it. It doesn't give the book much to work with. Such a boring read, glad it was so short.
August 16, 2013
Short and sweet. I like it that it doesn't dwell on the technical aspects because that would've put me to sleep real soon, instead it focuses on composition, vision, and emotion. It offers technical guidance when appropriate too, which is great. But mainly it's a good source of inspiration for new perspectives. The pretty photos help illustrate each point the authors are making and help them stick.
June 1, 2015
I really enjoyed stepping through this book over the course of a few months. It's okay to read it cover to cover in a week or so, but if you take the time to let each section inspire you, and practice the techniques, you'll become a better photographer. So much fun!
September 21, 2020
It's so basic, it could almost be a free e-book to promote the author's photography courses...but why give it away free when you can charge right?
Cannot recommend it.
Cannot recommend it.
March 27, 2025
A wonderful photography book with a lot of great visual examples. It's sure to be a great tool for growing photographers, but I found it focused just a bit too much on the basics for my needs.
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May 30, 2012Get inspired to discover the beautiful images around you
Photographers are born travelers. They’ll go any distance to capture the right light, beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and people. But exotic locales aren’t necessary for interesting photographs. Wonderful images are hiding almost everywhere; you just need to know how to find them.
Extraordinary Everyday Photography will help you search beyond the surface to find the unexpected wherever you are, be it a downtown street, a local park, or your own front lawn. Authors Brenda Tharp and Jed Manwaring encourage amateur photographers to slow down, open their eyes, and respond to what they see to create compelling images that aren’t overworked. Through accessible discussions and exercises, readers learn to use composition, available light, color, and point of view to create stunning photographs in any environment. Inspiring photo examples from the authors, taken with DSLRs, compact digital cameras, and even iPhones, show that it is the photographer's eye and creative vision--not the gear--that make a great image.
Photographers are born travelers. They’ll go any distance to capture the right light, beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and people. But exotic locales aren’t necessary for interesting photographs. Wonderful images are hiding almost everywhere; you just need to know how to find them.
Extraordinary Everyday Photography will help you search beyond the surface to find the unexpected wherever you are, be it a downtown street, a local park, or your own front lawn. Authors Brenda Tharp and Jed Manwaring encourage amateur photographers to slow down, open their eyes, and respond to what they see to create compelling images that aren’t overworked. Through accessible discussions and exercises, readers learn to use composition, available light, color, and point of view to create stunning photographs in any environment. Inspiring photo examples from the authors, taken with DSLRs, compact digital cameras, and even iPhones, show that it is the photographer's eye and creative vision--not the gear--that make a great image.
July 5, 2013
The ideas are not new. Read them in other photography books. The writing style is conversational, easy to understand. The book is targeted at newbies. The photos are not as impressive as other photography books I've read. May be it's the photography style of the authors that don't sit well with me. I don't like to see photographs of people showing only certain body parts without the face. eg. only hands and legs.
February 21, 2015
This is actually a good book for beginners. In fact, I'd rather see beginners read this book and use their point-and-shoot before reading books about the exposure triangle and the rule of thirds. For me, the most benefit that I got out of the book is that I was reminded that I know about getting creative enough, and I need to get out and shoot. Go away, winter!
February 19, 2018
This can be a useful book for a novice photographer - someone who just bought his/her first camera and wonders what to do next.
This book gives you a lot of low budget ideas that can be accomplished by a "weekend warrior" enthusiast photographer.
I enjoyed watching the authors' sample photos and got some photo project ideas for myself.
This book gives you a lot of low budget ideas that can be accomplished by a "weekend warrior" enthusiast photographer.
I enjoyed watching the authors' sample photos and got some photo project ideas for myself.
August 16, 2019
Hits the Photography Nail on the Head
Great advice and easy to understand. Exercises are also easy to do and very beneficial. It’s technical in plain speak. Love the idea of a photo play date.
Great advice and easy to understand. Exercises are also easy to do and very beneficial. It’s technical in plain speak. Love the idea of a photo play date.
February 18, 2021
Great tips and tricks for photography in general, but also for living in the moment and seeing it with new eyes.
Made me think of how someone told me once that if you think there's nothing to photograph, keep on looking.
Made me think of how someone told me once that if you think there's nothing to photograph, keep on looking.
September 5, 2012
Great book about finding interesting subject matter, inspiration & most important opening your eyes to the everyday moments that people tend to overlook to achieve great images.
February 12, 2019
I really enjoyed this guide to photography. No too detailed so a beginner could follow, but has enough detail to add to my knowledge. Excellent examples.
June 23, 2021
Extensive ideas on how
Great book with extensive ideas on how to improve your photography. This book has improved my photography. I am glad I purchased it.
Great book with extensive ideas on how to improve your photography. This book has improved my photography. I am glad I purchased it.
February 17, 2025
There are some great tips in here for taking better photos. I truly enjoyed reading through how some of the images were captured and the different thoughts the authors were thinking while choosing their composure. I was looking for a book on how to compose better images and this book is pretty descent.
As others have stated, there is some brand name dropping sprinkled throughout but it was for descriptive purposes explaining how they achieved specific effects in the image.
My only complaint was I really wish the authors stated where all the images were taken. If not the specific locale (sensitive subject for some photographers), the state/country and region would have been nice.
As others have stated, there is some brand name dropping sprinkled throughout but it was for descriptive purposes explaining how they achieved specific effects in the image.
My only complaint was I really wish the authors stated where all the images were taken. If not the specific locale (sensitive subject for some photographers), the state/country and region would have been nice.
August 22, 2023
Great for stimulating ideas.
I enjoyed the book. It does exactly what is
intended. It stimulates ideas. I now look at my daily world a little differently and have some new places to go due to this book.
I enjoyed the book. It does exactly what is
intended. It stimulates ideas. I now look at my daily world a little differently and have some new places to go due to this book.
May 20, 2020
Много заданий и практических советов, крутая книжка.
February 2, 2021
I picked up quite a few techniques in this very practical book.
February 12, 2021
2.49 stars.
Okay book. Too basic but without teaching any fundamental principles. Felt like the authors were sponsored by some of the apps and websites they were recommending.
Okay book. Too basic but without teaching any fundamental principles. Felt like the authors were sponsored by some of the apps and websites they were recommending.
January 2, 2015
Brenda Tharp and Jed Manwaring have written an easy to follow and beautifully illustrated how-to on photographing the world around us. You don't need to go on vacation to make photos. They are both fine photographers.
July 7, 2013
Some pretty pictures and great ideas. See especially page 42.
August 29, 2013
This was OK, but nothing really groundbreaking for me. I'm not sure what I was expecting. That said, it is a good book to skim through.
November 21, 2013
A book you finish, and then start over again to make sure you have the information so you can give the ideas a try.
April 27, 2015
Good for beginners or those with a point and shoot who want to improve their photography. If you have studied photography at all, this may not be the right book for you. It wasn't right for me.
May 31, 2014
some nice ideas but nothing groundbreaking.
March 30, 2014
A great book about creative photography based on the author/s experiences.
I personally like the featured creative photos on this book.
I personally like the featured creative photos on this book.
November 18, 2015
Definitely a good book to go through if you're wanting to improve your photography skills.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews