Larry Fink on Composition and Improvisation

The Photography Workshop Series

by Larry Fink, Lisa Kereszi (Introduction)

In this installment of The Photography Workshop Series, Larry Fink—well known for his layered pictures in social settings—explores composing photographs and improvising within a scene to create images with both feeling and meaning.

Aperture Foundation works with the world’s top photographers to distill their creative approaches to, teachings on, and insights into photography—offering the workshop experience in a book. Our goal is to inspire photographers at all levels who wish to improve their work, as well as readers interested in deepening their understanding of the art of photography.

Through words and photographs, in this volume Fink reveals insight into his own practice and discusses a wide range of creative issues, from connecting with the subject in front of the lens to shaping a vision that is authentic. Photographer Lisa Kereszi, a student of Larry Fink, provides the introduction.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction

127 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2014

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful book in the Apeture workshop series written by one of the great masters of photography that can be appreciated by beginner and experienced photographers alike. Rather than spend a lot of time going over the "rules" of photographic composition, Larry Fink takes the reader down the road of the mindset, perspective, and passion that will help the reader make good photographs and develop into a better photographer. The examples and advice are drawn directly from his many decades of experience both as a photographer and teacher. Some might say this makes the book better suited to more advanced photographers but I think that it's of just as much value to those who are new to photography. Highly recommended.

[Andrea Patruno · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is really nice, not only the photographers shows his picture to the reader, but he explained the situation in which he shot them, why he chose that scene and how he framed it. Very interesting book, even though I’m not a huge fan of Larry Fink’s work.

[Wilde Sky · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of photographs with brief descriptions.

A few of the images and sections of text were interesting but overall it didn't really grab me.

Reading time around one hour.

[Al]

This entry in the terrific series is gold. It really is an illustrated essay where Fink takes the reader through his work and elucidates what was going on, what he was thinking (or not thinking), and what issues did he deal with. For photographers, it's very worthwhile, almost like taking a crash course seminar with him. The quality of his voice is smart, quicksilver, wise, and fun, which are all things I find in his work. No shocker there.

[Dave Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read on documentary photography. He share his tips on composition with short explanations and visual images. A few suggestions: Move in close. Capture facial expressions. Capture gestures. Layer the image with foreground, mid-ground, and background detail. Seek to capture a moment that tells a story

[Dottie Suggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspiring book with great images and words of wisdom. it reaffirms my belief in myself taking pictures of emotional charged moments in life.

[Jabali Sawicki]

Beautiful book. Love this series from Aperture. Good stuff for beginning photographers. Can't wait for the next installment.