Do Photo: Observe. Compose. Capture. Stand out.

by Andrew Paynter, Geoff McFetridge (Preface)

In a world where everyone is a photographer now, how do you stand out? The answer can be found in this simple but profound book. It will train your eye to see what others don't.' ― David Hieatt This isn’t a book about how to take the best pictures. It’s not even about the technical aspects of photography or how to ‘make it’ as a photographer. In fact, it argues that you should take fewer photographs. By sharing 10 practices honed over a lifetime spent behind the lens working with clients such as Adidas, Levi Strauss, and Apple, photographer Andrew Paynter encourages you to develop a more considered approach to photography so that you craft pictures with care. Do Photo teaches novice, intermediate and advanced photographers ― and everyone in between ― how to use their cameras to really connect with subjects, create memorable and more impactful photographs, and to enjoy the process along the way. And guess what? It all starts before you even pick up the camera.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Art

128 pages, Paperback

Published October 6, 2020

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book aimed more at professional photographers.
Even though I don’t fall in this category I still found some of the lessons valuable for personal work.
Overall a nice read about Andrews Paynters process and career as a professional.

[Anuj Chaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succinct. Practical. Well organized.

[Jake Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy & quick read. Nice tips on ways of thinking about photographing. Presented in a practical, visually-appealing way.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thoughtful book from a great photographer, more from a philosophical perspective than practical. He writes from many decades of experience, more about the mindset and approach of the photographer than the mechanics of "how to" take better photos. In a sense his concern is to avoid us simply becoming consumers.

In the epilogue he shares his sadness in walking around the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and realising that most visitors were more concerned with taking photos of the paintings etc, that they were not looking at the paintings. They were far more engaged with their mobile phones than the works of art they were taking pictures of.

It's a powerful reminder of the need to be in the moment rather than thinking of the next thing. We need to engage with our present, rather than focussed entirely on the future. We need to enjoy and engage with now, instead of seeing every moment as preparation for what we think is around the corner.

This is a salutary lesson for me, weeks away from retirement, as a man who is driven by goals. I wish I'd realised this many years ago.

[Lee Osborne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short and simple book about a philosophy of photography, more than actual photographic techniques, if that makes sense.

The author discusses 10 ways to improve photography, and they're not particularly linked to the photographic process itself - they're about ways of seeing things, ways of interacting and connecting with your subject, and slowing down to take more considered and mindful pictures. It's an interesting read, although rather more relevant for those that shoot people, rather than landscapes, still life, objects etc. Most of my photos are devoid of people, so that part of the book (a large chunk of it) wasn't massively relevant. That's the only reason why it gets three rather than four stars - that aspect of the book just wasn't massively useful to me. However, the book contained plenty of interesting ideas for creative projects, and so I'm trying out some new things to see what happens. Recommended, if you need a bit of inspiration.

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book deals with one professional's philosophical approach to photography, as opposed to any technical considerations. Although it is broken down into 10 "practices", every section amounts to the same sort of advice: slow down, chill out, get to know the person you are photographing and put them at ease. All good advice, but could have probably been condensed to 10 pages. Not a lot of photos in here, considering it's a book about photography, but the ones included are great and include details of which project they were for and what cameras were used. The downside: a lot of them are printed full spread across 2 pages, so the middle of each one is lost in the binding. Which is annoying.

[Patrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had no knowledge about photography before reading this book and still have no knowledge about photography after reading this (well-written, entertaining, visually appealing) book. I'd like to think that this due to the content of the book and not because of me. The book for the most part describes how the author approaches taking photos of people, yet most advice that the book provides struck me as either very obvious or weirdly specific.

[lauren hazel · Rating 2 out of 5]

i started this full of hope and ready to be revolutionised. paynter's tips were refreshing and new, but only for a few chapters. the lectures could do with somebody else's experience to complete the picture. however you look at it, there just is more to photography than getting on with people. also, the book should be called do portraiture. paynter was quick to forget that we're not all just photographing live subjects.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for anyone who not only wants to learn how to take better photographs, but also learn about patience, listening, and observation. Andrew Paynter takes incredible photographs. He is also one of my best friends. I am thrilled one of my favorite people has written such a wonderful book.

[Jan Lakatos · Rating 3 out of 5]

An undemanding meditative read written by a photographer. I actually needed that and enjoyed it, but look elsewhere if looking to learn about photography.

[Ján · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, easy to read book with nice tips (also applicabble outside of photography). Motivated me to go deeper. Totally recommend.

[David Brimble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a technical manual more a guide to mindset and approach. All the more interesting and motivational for that.

[Sára Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥹

[Nik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting & an easy read, but I had thought it might be a little more instructional or offer prompts for my own work. Still a valuable read nonetheless.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a simple and short read that takes an insight into Andrew Paynter and their process as a photographer. It's a quick read but is very much for a beginner looking for inspiration and not if you want something with a little deeper meaning.