Imaginarium: The Process Behind the Pictures

by Claire Rosen

The Process Behind the Pictures is a compendium of practical advice and information covering the photographic process—from idea cultivation through execution. The guidance in this book is written with an understanding of the nature of artists at their core and explores the science of how ideas are born, the conditions that facilitate the productive creation of art, and the elements necessary to make creative work. This compendium is applicable across genres, for individual artists and for those working in a commercial capacity. It brings together strategies and tools to help readers generate compelling ideas and create unique images. From the simplest idea to the most fantastical, you will learn brainstorming, concept development, pre-visualization, pre-production, problem solving, and execution steps in the creative process, including practical tools and ideas for overcoming obstacles and achieving success along the way.
Beth Taubner Mercurylab
Alessia Glaviano Vogue Italia
Rebecca Manson The Post Office Interviews
Maggie Steber, Roger Ballen, Sara Lando, Gabriela Iancu, Robin Schwartz, and Eleanor Macnair *** The Process Behind the Pictures
Table of Contents 1: ON ART
The Purpose of Art
Strong Images
Development of an Artist
Goals for Making Work
Chapter Wrap-Up 2: ARTISTIC LIFESTYLE
The Foundation
Curation of Experiences
Tapping into the Unconscious
Creative Psychology
Health
Nurturing Creativity
Community of Artists
Chapter Wrap-Up 3: TIME MANAGEMENT
Motion Versus Progress
Productivity
Motivation
Work That Fits into Your Life
Chapter Wrap-Up 4: PREVISUALIZATION
Concept Generation Triggers
Divergent Thinking
Free Association
Brainstorming
Mind Mapping
Mood Boards
Previsualization
Concept Development
Chapter Wrap-Up 5: PRODUCTION
Pre-Production
Resources and Research
Building a Team
Plan B, C, and D
On Set Checklist
Best Practices
Editing
Post-Production
Chapter Wrap-Up 6: THE VIEWER EXPERIENCE
The Viewer Experience
Presentation Considerations
Critique and Feedback
Series and Long-Term Projects
Assignments/Commissions
Body of What We Leave Behind
Chapter Wrap-Up Conclusion Artist Interviews

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

Published March 24, 2017

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went back/forth on 3 or 4 stars. I found some chapters thoroughly inspiring, and other chapters which were just....there.
The photos are dark, and therefore difficult to see. Not sure if this is a publishing issue. All-in-all I liked the book and satisfied with having bought. The $40 price tag was not worthy, and what I get for going to the cash register blindly.
Did not find the artist interviews to be helpful. The idea of the interviews is good, but the answers from many of the artists were simply a turnoff for me. One artist even seemed smug.
Covers a wide range of stages and good overall summary info.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some really intriguing photos in here and some really strange ones. What I really liked was the window into the creative process. Im not a professional artist by any stretch so much of the practical advice was not of use to me, but it seemed like a book that would be helpful to someone trying to earn money with their art. I enjoyed the variety of creative exercises explained and was curious to try some for myself.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly skimmed for the pictures. I loooved Fantastical Feasts.