The Essence of Photography, 2nd Edition: Seeing and Creativity

by Bruce Barnbaum

In this fully revised and greatly expanded second edition of The Essence of Photography , world-renowned photographer and teacher Bruce Barnbaum draws upon 50 years of experience and observation to teach the art of photographic seeing and creativity. There is a lot more to photography than simply picking up a camera, pointing it toward something, and tripping the shutter. Achieving a great photograph requires thought and preparation, an understanding of the photographic process, and a firm grasp of how light and composition affect a photo. There must be personal involvement and personal expression. There must be experimentation, with the recognition that only a small percentage of experiments end successfully. In this revised and expanded second edition of The Essence of Photography , best-selling author and world-renowned photographer and teacher Bruce Barnbaum explores these seldom-discussed issues by drawing upon his personal experiences and observations from 50 years of photographing and teaching. In addition to photographs, Bruce also uses painting, music, and writing, as well as the sciences and even business, to provide pertinent examples of creative thinking. These examples serve as stepping stones that will lead you to your own heightened ability to see and be creative. Creativity is a topic that is almost wholly ignored in formal education because most instructors think that it cannot be taught or learned. To the contrary, Bruce has proven that photographic seeing and creativity can be taught, learned, and improved. This book expands on the ideas that are central to Bruce’s method of teaching photography, which he has used in workshops for the past 50 years. Included in the book are in-depth discussions on the following • Defining your own unique rhythm and approach as a photographer • How to translate the scene in front of you to the final photograph • The differences and similarities between how an amateur and a professional approach photography • The differences between realism and abstraction, and the possibilities and limitations of each • Learning to expand your own seeing and creativity through classes, workshops, and associating with other photographers • Why the rules of composition should be ignored • How to follow your passion • When to listen to the critics and when to ignore them The book is richly illustrated with well over 100 photographs taken by Bruce as well as other photographers. Seeing and creativity are difficult to teach, but not impossible. This very different, perhaps groundbreaking book is sure to inspire photographers of all skill levels―from beginners to seasoned professionals―to think deeply about the issues involved in creating successful photographs.

Genres: Photography, Art, Nonfiction

368 pages, Paperback

Published March 16, 2021

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like sitting at the feet of a master

Everything Bruce Barnbaum writes is worth reading and thinking about for a long time. This is no exception, whether you practice landscape photography or any other kind.

[Sharon Huether · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this Free book form Goodreads-First reads. One of the things the author stressed was to "Find your own rhythm" Photograph to please yourself or others. Try new techniques. This is a wonderful book for the beginner as well as the advances photographer. Light and composition are very important in photography. Use your digital camera as well as other cameras. A cell phone camera is good too since they are very quick. The book has outstanding illustrations to inspire the photographer in black and white as well as color.

[Tonino Filipovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compared to Barnbaum's The Art of Photography, this book wouldn't deserve more than 4 out of 5. However, this is still one of the best books on photography, easily readable, and although it contains many topics already addressed in The Art of Photography, it's still worth reading and contemplating about the content.

['ö-Dzin Tridral · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book emphasises looking and thinking carefully before taking a photograph. It doesn't prescribe any particular method, technology and certainly no rules. Follow your enthusiasm and take photographs to please yourself. See where that leads.

[robert palmer-wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging read.

At last, a photographic book that explains one photographers thought process. It was illuminating to read Mr. Barnbsums book, which relies on his own experiences of a 40+ year career in photography, to explain some ideas about creativity. The strength of the book is in using personal examples & anecdotes to explain his creative process. He, at no time, tries to say his way is correct for all, but stresses that it works for him. His advice is based on common sense & tries to steer the reader in a direction that will benefit them. A throughly enjoyable read, & a shame I can't (a) attend one of his workshops in the USA & (b) afford it. Thank you for a real eye-opening read about photography.

[Andreas Bodemer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As advertised.

[Liquidlasagna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended by Ken Rockwell

[Jean Manthei · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Real Thing in the Passion for What You See

I was impressed with Mr. Barnbaum’s photogography as well as his concern for the environments we all photograph and their preservation. What he seemed to drive home a number of times is to be moved by your passion and you interest in the things you photograph and to have fun and he gives an example of courage where he followed his passion instead of a paycheck and I felt that is the essence of integrity in art and writing. Thank you. Author and playful photog, Jean Manthei

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a how to book, but something much more important. All about photographic vision. A very good read.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads. I first glanced through this book just looking at the pictures but was drawn into chapter after chapter. It takes photography to a higher level of art form. I love landscapes and was amazed at the ability the author took to obtain the photos I was able to enjoy at home. I must agree to his statements regarding patience along with persistent effort in taking photographs. The black and white photos emphasized how important light and shadow are in this art. Thank you for sharing.

[Christen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book. While the pictures are amazing, what Bruce Barnbaum writes about is equally important. While he does discuss the basics to taking a good photograph, he really elaborates on personal connection and personal expression. Every photo is really revealing the photographer and what makes the photographer tick. Each photo is saying something through the lens of the photographer. While a photo can be technically well done, does it evoke a feeling or a connection which is the most important.

[Mattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the Art of Photography by the same author/photographer, once I saw this out, I wanted to read it. I've given it 4 starts. Really, I think it's a 3/3.5 for content, but Barnbaum's fabulous photos bump it up to the 4. I think was expecting some more insight that I didn't already have, which I didn't get. I did, however, find my already existing thoughts & approach validated.

[Kme_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this one as a first read. This is a very beautiful book. The photography is awesome. It also has great tips for photography. It was also very easy to read. Great for those interested in photography.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful photos. Strong personal perspectives on creativity and photography based on 40 years of walking that path.

[Sam Shingleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book on photography! Though much of the author's work is done with a view camera, the book relates to any photographer. It is not so much a how to but a why that he answers.

[Rajiv Chopra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent. A Gen

This is a marvellous book, and Bruce takes us down the path towards the real essence of photography.

Photography, is about seeing, about passion, about knowing yourself. Without this, the technical mastery we aim for becomes empty. Without the technical mastery, and a sense of direction, the passion itself leads us nowhere.

Thoughts wonderfully expressed, and lessons well told. Opinions given in a no nonsense manner.

Beautiful, beautiful photographs through the book.

This is a gem.

[Kathleen Messmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the best and most honest books on photography I've read in a good long while. Can't wait to read the rest.