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More Than a Rock: Essays on Art, Creativity, Photography, Nature, and Life
Ostensibly about landscape photography, More Than a Rock is a passionate and personal book about creativity and expression. In this series of essays, photographer and teacher Guy Tal shares his thoughts and experiences as an artist who seeks to express more in his images than the mere appearance of the subject portrayed. Tal makes an argument to consider creative landscape photography—expressing something of the photographer's conception through the use of natural aesthetics—as a form of visual art that is distinct from the mere representation of beautiful natural scenes.Tal covers topics such as the art of photography, approaches to landscape photography, and the experiences of a working photographic artist. His essays also include reflections on nature and man’s place in it, living a meaningful life, and living as an artist in today’s world. The book is decidedly non-technical and focuses on philosophy, nature, and visual expression. It was written for those photographers with a passion and interest in creative photography. Anyone who is pursuing their work as art, is in need of inspiration, or is interested in the writings of a full-time working photographic artist will benefit from reading this book. The book is visually punctuated with Tal’s inspiring and breathtaking photography.“Some images look like things, while others feel like things; some images are of things, while others are about things. …A creative image is not a record of a scene nor a substitute for a real experience. Rather, it is an experience in itself—an aesthetic experience—something new that the artist has given the world, rather than a contrived view of something that already existed independent of them.” ~Guy Tal ****Guy Tal’s photography is thoughtful, compassionate, and poetic; it’s no wonder then that his writings evoke similar feelings in me. If you want to be a better camera user, read your manual. If you want to be a stronger, deeper photographer, read Guy Tal. ~David duChemin
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2015
36 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Guy Tal
10 books13 followersI am a professional writer and photographic artist living in Utah. I am the author of several books, a blogger, and an educator. In my photographs, I aim to express emotions and moods rather than to document or commemorate the appearances of places or events.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 26, 2023
I’m embarrassed to admit this: as much as I love reading and photography, I’d never considered combining my passions and reading a book about photography. Duh! Fortunately, thanks to a recommendation, this light bulb finally went off!
A few days before I was scheduled to participate in a photography workshop, the instructor, Mark VanDyke, a professional landscape photographer and an avid reader, sent me a list of four photography books he’d found valuable. Ever the student, I picked Guy Tal’s book, More than a Rock: Essays on Art, Creativity, Photography, Nature, and Life, off the list and started studying up, in the hopes of getting more out of my workshop. In this case, beginning the "textbook" before class proved to be a good decision.
Tal’s philosophical musings about communicating through photography were thought-provoking and inspired me to think differently about the images I take. I connected with his philosophy that inspiration and meaning are abundant in the natural world. Finding and showcasing the beauty in my everyday surroundings fuels me as a photographer.
Tal’s essays also helped reinforce a concept I began to internalize during my one-on-one workshop: being more intentional about the images I take. Tal cautions developing photographers like me to “…be mindful of the fact that it’s very limiting if the only thing you know how to express in a photograph is, ‘here’s something pretty’.” As the title of his book suggests, finding a way to photograph a rock so it is more than a rock is what distinguishes excellent photographers from mediocre ones.
This advice echoed on the coaching I received in the field from VanDyke, who taught me that I needed to think more deeply about what I wanted to communicate through the images I captured. "Think of your camera like a pen," VanDyke guided, challenging me to think of the camera as a storytelling tool, with me as the author.
The most valuable takeaway the book -- and my workshop experience -- gave me was permission to think of myself as an artist. Before reading the book, an artist was a title I didn’t feel I could claim. It seemed something reserved for those who went to art school or, who like Tal and VanDyke, earn a living from their creative pursuits. Both photographers helped me dispel those notions, convincingly arguing that anyone who passionately pursues a creative endeavor and factors it into how they interact with the world can -- and should -- proudly claim the artist title.
For more of my book reviews, visit my book review and photography blog, www.bookpicksandpics.com.
A few days before I was scheduled to participate in a photography workshop, the instructor, Mark VanDyke, a professional landscape photographer and an avid reader, sent me a list of four photography books he’d found valuable. Ever the student, I picked Guy Tal’s book, More than a Rock: Essays on Art, Creativity, Photography, Nature, and Life, off the list and started studying up, in the hopes of getting more out of my workshop. In this case, beginning the "textbook" before class proved to be a good decision.
Tal’s philosophical musings about communicating through photography were thought-provoking and inspired me to think differently about the images I take. I connected with his philosophy that inspiration and meaning are abundant in the natural world. Finding and showcasing the beauty in my everyday surroundings fuels me as a photographer.
Tal’s essays also helped reinforce a concept I began to internalize during my one-on-one workshop: being more intentional about the images I take. Tal cautions developing photographers like me to “…be mindful of the fact that it’s very limiting if the only thing you know how to express in a photograph is, ‘here’s something pretty’.” As the title of his book suggests, finding a way to photograph a rock so it is more than a rock is what distinguishes excellent photographers from mediocre ones.
This advice echoed on the coaching I received in the field from VanDyke, who taught me that I needed to think more deeply about what I wanted to communicate through the images I captured. "Think of your camera like a pen," VanDyke guided, challenging me to think of the camera as a storytelling tool, with me as the author.
The most valuable takeaway the book -- and my workshop experience -- gave me was permission to think of myself as an artist. Before reading the book, an artist was a title I didn’t feel I could claim. It seemed something reserved for those who went to art school or, who like Tal and VanDyke, earn a living from their creative pursuits. Both photographers helped me dispel those notions, convincingly arguing that anyone who passionately pursues a creative endeavor and factors it into how they interact with the world can -- and should -- proudly claim the artist title.
For more of my book reviews, visit my book review and photography blog, www.bookpicksandpics.com.
April 1, 2022
Tal is one of my favorite photographers. His photographs transcend the scenes his is portraying and illustrate a something else. I took a workshop with him and know he also is an excellent teacher. He has written a column for the prestigious Lenswork magazine for a number of years. This book highlights his excellent writing skills. The concepts he writes about demonstrate he is a thoughtful person as well. The books also have a generous helping of his stunning photographs. One of his main themes is that for photographs to be art, they must come from the experience and be able to convey the experience to the viewer. Another theme is his disdain for a materialistic life style. Although he worked in the corporate technology industry he shares my belief that social media is anti-social. He knows the wild places he loves will be gone, but rather than lament their loss, he revels in being in them to experience the treasures they have to offer. Some of the essays are a little redundant and I can't say I agree with everything he has to say, but he made me think about them. Highly recommended.
March 3, 2020
This is an excellent book. It is a deep book, and I would recommend that anyone who picks up this book read just a few essays a day. Reading more, or trying to read the book quickly, will put the reader into a situation where he/she will miss the subtle lessons and subtle differences between each essay.
Guy Tal writes very well and writes forcefully. He clearly does not suffer fools lightly, and this comes through in his writing. He has a deep love for the wilderness, for photography and the spirit that connects both of them.
The book is divided into neat sections, which give you a good idea of what theme he is about to explore.
This is not a book about photography technique. It’s about the spirit of photography, and of living. If you imbibe the lessons well, they will help you become a better photographer.
This is writing from the heart. It’s a book that is a keeper.
Guy Tal writes very well and writes forcefully. He clearly does not suffer fools lightly, and this comes through in his writing. He has a deep love for the wilderness, for photography and the spirit that connects both of them.
The book is divided into neat sections, which give you a good idea of what theme he is about to explore.
This is not a book about photography technique. It’s about the spirit of photography, and of living. If you imbibe the lessons well, they will help you become a better photographer.
This is writing from the heart. It’s a book that is a keeper.
May 16, 2019
Everything it says it is and more. Incredibly poignant, inspiring. There are few purist artists, and Guy discusses his work and life with a gripping intimacy. As heart-breaking as it is redeeming, this book will change your life and relationship with nature, solitude, and our emotional ecology.
April 22, 2023
Statements like "because the nature and purpose of art are not of existential concern.." and "the idea of images as metaphor rather than literal depictions" are why I gave this book a harsh one-star rating.
The entire book is filled with statements that make the pursuit of art sound positively grim. If Mr. Tal had been in the room when I read this book, I'd have thrown it at him and snapped, "get over yourself!" It is possible to capture the beauty of nature (Tal is a nature and landscape photographer)without getting caught up in pedantic behavior.
His photographs are lovely, but I feel like I can't just enjoy them, I have to buy into the philosophies that enabled Tal to create them. No thanks. I want to enjoy the tasty cookie, not have a long discussion about the science of baking.
Tal is welcome to his complex and dark pursuit of photographic art. As for me, I'm gonna grab my camera and go dance in the sunshine.
The entire book is filled with statements that make the pursuit of art sound positively grim. If Mr. Tal had been in the room when I read this book, I'd have thrown it at him and snapped, "get over yourself!" It is possible to capture the beauty of nature (Tal is a nature and landscape photographer)without getting caught up in pedantic behavior.
His photographs are lovely, but I feel like I can't just enjoy them, I have to buy into the philosophies that enabled Tal to create them. No thanks. I want to enjoy the tasty cookie, not have a long discussion about the science of baking.
Tal is welcome to his complex and dark pursuit of photographic art. As for me, I'm gonna grab my camera and go dance in the sunshine.
March 19, 2019
I loved this book, which is of course why I am rereading it. It is to be read in small sips like good wine. Each chapter is rich in food for thought about the beautiful landscape of the Southwest, about art, about philosophy and about life. If I were on a lonely island, this would be one of my three favorites to take along
October 28, 2016
An internal autobiography.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews