Read This if You Want to Take Great Photographs:

by Henry Carroll

Photography is now more popular than ever thanks to the rapid development of digital cameras. Read This If You Want to Take Great Photographs is ideal for this new wave of snapshooters using DSLR, compact system and bridge cameras. It contains no graphs, no techie diagrams and no camera-club jargon. Instead, it inspires readers through iconic images and playful copy, packed with hands-on tips. Split into five sections, the book covers composition, exposure, light, lenses and the art of seeing. Masterpieces by acclaimed photographers – including Henri Cartier-Bresson, Sebastião Salgado, Fay Godwin, Nadav Kander, Daido Moriyama and Martin Parr – serve to illustrate points and encourage readers to try out new ideas. Today’s aspiring photographers want immediacy and see photography as an affordable way of expressing themselves quickly and creatively. This handbook meets their needs, teaching them how to take photographs using professional techniques.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Art, Reference, Design, Self Help, How To

137 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Peter Derk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about the craft of photography.

And I use the word "craft" very intentionally.

Art books that focus on a how-to are always problematic. Because there's too much to the formula of what makes great art. You can do what Ansel Adams did, but then you're just doing what Ansel Adams did. You might paint a great painting with very little experience because your lack of experience also equates to a lack of preconceived notion of what is and isn't a painting, but on the other hand your lack of technical skill can hold you back too.

Art, to me, is all about finding sweet spots. Experience, technical know-how, personal excitement, and just what happens to be in the room when. There's so much to it, it's hard to make a helpful guide.

Buuut, I think this book does a great job of opening the world of photography to people who aren't well-acquainted. And it focuses on craft, the idea of doing something with the express purpose of doing it and improving as opposed to the doing of something to create Art.The book promotes the importance of TAKING PHOTOS over fiddling with a camera, and it recommends settings that get people out there taking pictures. It shows the masters, and it shows how the masters break the rules and why.

More than anything, it espouses the value of committing to the form, getting out there and taking a lot of pictures.

[F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book from urban outfitters
Basics and easy understanding of photography

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm the process of buying a camera for my love of photography, which as of late, I've been able to spend a bit more time with. This book is a short one, and is an introduction to photography. It isn't overly difficult to understand, and there are some useful technical points to read up on, too. As a first time person handling a camera, I valued this part of the book.

There are lots of photographic examples of different styles of photography to gaze at, some were more inviting than others, but I see what the author was doing. He makes a point of relying on using the human eye to take a good capture, and not by looking through the lense first off.

This was a wonderful introduction to photography, and I would definitely seek out more books by Carroll.

[Looseleaf · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of those you-dont-need-to-know-anything books for those that really dont want to know anything. It is not a book for photographers, its for those that dont want to be. I'd like to see anyone improve as a photographer after reading this. Henry mis-interprets many of the photographs (none of them his by the way)and seems to have a odd understanding of operating a camera. He certainly doesn't understand the use of manual mode and clearly doesnt use it himself. It would be nice to say his advice is another view and the reader could finally understand their camera but its just a foolish book and I'm not sure he can even take a photograph himself.

A page(pg84) picked at random ...

Focal Length; put simply focal lengths are either short or long

His advice could be applied to how your read the book ...just set your brain to auto, now turn the page.

[Dolf Patijn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for beginning photographers.
I'm already a well-seasoned photographer (you can see some of my photography here: https://digitaldolfphotography.wordpr... and here: https://www.facebook.com/digitaldolfp... ) and this book is not aimed at the likes of me. I still enjoyed reading it and found myself agreeing with him a lot. The only thing I didn't agree with was his renouncing of the Manual Mode. Okay, as a beginner you might want to stick to shutter speed or aperture priority but there are plenty of circumstances in which the manual mode comes in very handy, for instance at gigs where the light on stage is constantly changing and has different colours. It throws the in-camera light metering off so I take a few test shots and then use manual mode. Model shoots with studio lights is another situation where I like to use manual mode and there are a few more.

I can highly recommend this book to anyone who needs to know the basics of photography (light, composition, depth of field, etc.) and camera settings. The photo examples in the book have been well-chosen and the information is clear and to the point.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

it is a good book, more technical than "Seeing things" by Joel Meyerowitz. A nice collection of photos. Highly recommended.

[Neilam · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Read this years ago, finally getting around to reviewing.]

This book is an excellent starting point for beginner photographers. The author focuses on principles of composition with example photos on every page, and includes just enough overview of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to get started.

When i got my first dSLR, i made the mistake of starting with a dense textbook and got overwhelmed way more technical detail than i needed (which slowed my progress; i spent more time reading/studying than actually going out with my camera). Then my wife got me this book for Christmas, and it provided a much-needed reset. I wish i'd started with this book first, and then expanded to more advanced topics as i grew into them.

Recommended for beginner photographers, and possibly even intermediate/enthusiasts looking for a refresher and maybe more ideas for things to try.

[Peter Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had my DSLR camera for 2.5 years but only after having read this do I actually feel like I know what it can do better than my phone.

I highly recommend anyone else new to photography or getting a new fancy camera to also spend an hour with this book.

It’s incredibly straightforward, actionable, and basic (not for snobs or experts) plus doesn’t use technical language or jargon. Each page is very simply about one technique or setting and a clear helpful example of that variable used to success in a photograph.

Honestly, I couldn’t ask for more - except that this be even longer and over even more photos. Well done.

[Graeme · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are taking your first step into photography as a hobby, then is probably as good as you could do. He will give you a quick grounding in the numerous aspects that make photography an art form.

He gives you key compositional concepts; from leading lines and framing, to rule of thirds and depth of field. Really making you think about your photographs while helping you develop your photographer's eye. There is an excellent chapter on light which every photographer should be thinking about constantly.

Also covered are the technical aspects such as the trio (aperture, shutter speed and ISO) and details of the various lens types and their differences.

There are some stunning pictures throughout which exemplify all the points made in the book which I found inspiring. They were helpful in solidifying the different concepts in my mind.

All things considered, I think this book is a damn good introduction to photography. Gives enough information to get you out taking good photographs without drowning you in formulas and jargon. Admittedly, further reading will be required as you develop as a photographer; but that is true of your journey into any art form.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Esto es medio trampa, empezado en 2015 y terminado en 2016).

Muchas cosas que explica el libro ya las sabía, pero siempre viene bien un recordatorio técnico. No te enseña 'cómo hacer buenas fotos' paso a paso, sino que te da las bases y te anima a explorar por tu cuenta. Y la portada es guay ❤. Qué ganas de salir a la calle cámara en mano.

[Albin_Cnls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un livre qui éduque sur la photographie. Ne revient pas sur l’histoire de la photo mais une approche éducative sur la réalisation d’une photo.

Qu’est ce que la composition ?
Comment structurer sa photo ?
Pourquoi prendre tel sujet en considération ?
Comment sublimer son sujet ?
…

On y voit de nombreux exemples de différents/es photographes, permettant de visualiser plusieurs styles de photographie afin de trouver celui qui nous convient le plus.

Une partie du livre est aussi consacrée aux principes de la prise d’une photo (ISO, ouverture, vitesse d’obscuration) avec des exemples concrets et assez simples à comprendre.

Ce livre permet de comprendre l’essence et la complexité de la photographie en cultivant le lecteur tout au long du livre.

Ce n’est pas un roman, il n’y a pas d’histoire, mais ce livre SERT à un photographe.

(Je ne suis pas photographe faut pas croire hein, mais en vrai c’est utile et super intéressant 😎📸)

[Aistė · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duoda patarimus, tačiau nemoko. Man taip patinka. Skaitydama jaučiausi lyg sėdėčiau bare su autoriumi ir klausyčiausi ką jis sako, žiūrėčiau kokias funkcijas pasirenka kameroje. Labai savita kalba, aiškūs pavyzdžiai, paaiškinimai, mažai terminų, tiesiog paprasta suprasti. Gal kiek trikdė puslapių vartymas, kai prie vienos temos priskiriami keli pavyzdžiai (fotografijos), kurie išsimėtę visoje knygoje skirtinguose puslapiuose. Smagu, kad knyga kompaktiška ir labai dailaus dizaino, gera tokią turėti kuprinėje ar išėjus fotografuoti atsiversti, paskaityti konkretų fotografavimo atvejį. Kas ieško metodinės knygos – netiks, tačiau kam tokios pabodo ir norisi draugiškų patarimų – itin patariu :)

[Dustin Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun coffee table-esque book that touches on the core elements of photography without too much technical jargon.

I enjoyed the author’s voice, tone and pacing. I also definitely took a few key tips away from the book that I have applied to my photography and some that I hope to apply in the future.
One key thing to note is that the book is geared towards DSLRs, not phone cameras necessarily or film cameras.

Also just a great collection of unique photographs!

[Jon Ayuso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justo lo que esperaba. Buenas explicaciones, fáciles de entender pero sin perder detalle y con ejemplos para visualizar lo que se explica. No sé si el título será fiel a lo que promete, pero después de leer el libro la teoría queda bien clara, ahora toca practicar.

[Yasmeen Youssef · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book has many technicalities , perfect for beginners
I'll read it again and again .

[Jamilla Smith-Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

No-fuss, clear and to-the-point. Particularly good for budding photographers, but useful for all abilities. Has definitely reignited some passion for the craft!

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you’re new to photography or a professional, this book keeps all the basics in one place for easy refreshers. Anyone can learn the basics of taking a good photograph with this book.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for beginners at photography! Everything is explained in a simple way with an example on each page. Most importantly it's not the type of read where some too-full-of-oneself photographer is trying to tell you that what he/she does is the right and only way to shoot. Because there really isn't such a thing in photography.

You are given useful information in an easy to remember way. You're being shown your options and encouraged to try them! Most importantly this book inspires you without trying to change the way you personally see and take pictures.

I already knew most of the things in there and I wish I had this book two or three years ago - would've saved me so much confusion. But it's still a useful thing to have so you can remind yourself how much you can do with a camera!

I would recommend highly to everyone! Especially to people just looking to enter the world of photography. Honestly, why doesn't this just come in the camera box?

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plenty of good advice, especially for novice photographers. The only thing letting this down is the slip into self-appointed 'guru' mode when talking of avoiding the manual setting at all costs. You can almost guarantee that all the examples posited were shot by photographers using manual mode. This flaw aside, the rest of the book offers sound advice.

[Marco Albuquerque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apesar de estar a tradução estar em Português-BR (coisa que não estava mencionada quando comprei o livro), achei o livro bastante inspirador, com inúmeros exemplos de imagens de grandes fotógrafos, explicando os conceitos de forma simples e objetiva, que era aquilo que eu mais queria. Recomendo a quem se quer iniciar na fotografia.

[Victor Zarzar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um livro perfeito para quem está começando na fotografia. Temas essenciais, exemplos bem simples de compreender e fotos incríveis de grandes fotógrafos. Quanto ao material utilizado, a impressão é muito boa. Isso não pode deixar de ser comentado.

[Pedro Telles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Livro traz uma revisão "teórica" no início e depois comenta algumas fotografias. Esperava algo um pouco mais técnico/"operacional" e menos subjetivo, no entanto ainda agradou bastante.

[Filipe Canongia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Um dos melhores livros para quem está começando em fotografia. Explica de forma clara e prática os princípios da fotografia e como operar uma câmera.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lea este libro si desea tomar buenas fotografías es una guía completa para aprender fotografía, desde lo básico hasta lo avanzado, el libro está escrito de manera clara y concisa, y utiliza ejemplos de reconocidos fotógrafos como: Henri Cartier-Bresson, Martin Parr, Sebastião Salgado, Nadav Kander, Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange, entre otros.

El libro está dividido en 5 capítulos, cada uno de los cuales se centra en un aspecto diferente de la fotografía, como la composición, la exposición, la luz, las ópticas y el arte de ver.
Uno de los aspectos más destacados es el enfoque en el arte de ver. Carroll enseña a los lectores a mirar el mundo a través de los ojos de un fotógrafo, a ver las oportunidades fotográficas que se esconden en la vida cotidiana.

El libro también incluye ejercicios prácticos que ayudan a los lectores a aplicar lo que han aprendido.

[Samhain · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has learned by watching my father take stunning photographies, and by fumbling with his cameras, I found this little book really useful. I do realize it doesn't replace a proper formation, but anyone self-taught can benefit from it in my views. It's a great first step to understanding how a camera and how pictures work, without spending hours taking nice pics only by chance and figuring out why they're good ones. People with more knowledge might not find it useful, though.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hea hüppelaud fotograafiasse, kuid jääb (minu jaoks) pigem pinnapealseks. Kõike, millest siin kirjutatakse, on võimalik ka nt YouTube'ist leida, ent see eeldab küllaltki palju entusiasmi inimese enda poolt. Kuid on tore, et keegi on võtnud mingi portsu infot kokku koguda ja see sisutihedalt laiemale massile esitada!*

*Kogutud info on ühes kohas ehk enam ei peagi videote, blogipostituse ja artiklite vahel pendeldama

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. I have the attention span of a squirrel when it comes to instructions/non fiction and I read this in an afternoon. It really inspired me to grab my new camera and experiment with the settings. As a beginner who doesn't aspire to too much and had NO prior knowledge, this was absolutely perfect.

[Thomas Hillring · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every budding photographer should read this book. It's a fast read, it makes you think and then if you want to get deeper into something, there's a great index to point you toward other books. It really teaches you a lot about capturing images.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Le pedí este libro a mi padre hace dos años y a pesar de que no es un libro para leer rápido y de golpe, he tardado casi dos años en acabar de mirármelo. Habla de muchos conceptos de fotografía y distintos fotógrafos.
He de admitir que no le tenía demasiada fe debido al título que tiene.

[Carys · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 - really enjoyable. It’s what a design/art/photography book of this style should be. Really informative, really interesting.