Сторітелінг у фотографії. Воркшоп: п'ять кроків до створення незабутніх світлин

by Фінн Білз

Сторітелінг — це дар для фотографів, що дозволяє сплести разом героїв, події, локації та предмети в одну неймовірно красиву цілісність. У цьому воркшопі «від початківця до професіонала» Фінн Білз навчає аматорів та початківців створювати незабутні фотографії та розповіді. Рухайся його курсом із п'яти кроків — УСПІВ, ПІДГОТУЙСЯ, ФОТОГРАФУЙ, РЕДАГУЙ, ПРЕЗЕНТУЙ, — а також серією майстер-класів, і ти навчишся використовувати ефективні та надійні прийоми, які принесуть тобі вплив і захоплення аудиторії незалежно від обраного жанру.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Art

175 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Grant Klinefelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun read for anyone into photography—especially if you hope to turn photography into a business. Having read a lot of articles, watched a lot of YouTube videos, and been a photographer for years, I still found tons of helpful tips in here and will come back to it frequently as a reference. Oh, and the images within are beautiful. Great as a coffee table book.

[Maryna Ponomaryova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Гарна книга для фотографів. Багато практичних порад, конкретики та ілюстрацій, захотілось спробувати (хоч я і не фотографка і не збираюсь ставати нею). Деякі поради можна екстраполювати на інші види творчості. Недолік - іронічно, що шрифт такий крихітний і важко читається у книзі, яка про важливість візуального.

[Chris Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book filled with lots of information about how to use your photography to create a narrative. Great read especially for amateur photographers. 5/5

[Sunni | vanreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I love love love this book. This photography book details everything from crafting a photoset, to basic light techniques, to selling your work. I love how it covers the storytelling aspect of photography, the practical shooting techniques, and the logistics that involve selling and marketing your work. It's very practical information for someone who is a beginner photographer, to good photographers who are interested in getting more serious about their work. I love that it's very straightforward, so that I can refer to it and find what I'm looking for easily. There are no lengthy stories or tangents.

My work often includes some photography, and I find this to have a lot of good reminders of tips and storytelling concepts that I sometimes forget.

Personally, I'd love to own a physical copy of this book, and would highly recommend it to photographer friends.

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read and review this book.

[Amanda Karsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for new and experienced photographers. Great sample photos with lots of character. Lots of
fun photo experiments to try even includes smartphone photography.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veidi kentsakas on see, et Finn seletab raamatu keskel, mis on särikolmnurk, kui teos ise keerleb rohkem produktsiooni jms ümber. Aga hea lugemine neile, kes nt alles alustavad ja neid huvitab ka fotoäri.

[Sotiris Dimitrakopoulos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Πολύ καλό βιβλίο για αυτό που είναι. Δείχνει βήμα βήμα πως γίνεται ένα project φωτογραφίας απο την αρχή έως το τέλος. Αρκετές λεπτομέρειες και επεξηγήσεις για το πως να αρχίσεις και να φτάσεις ώς το τέλος ένα φωτογραφικό project. Ωραίο βιβλίο.

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

smells good, and looks good. Also, I found it useful.

[Juan Crusoe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Un libro orientado para el instagram de hace seis o siete años.

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

This is exactly what you want in a workshop book - instruction, inspiration, and assignments. Everything is clearly laid out, there are great examples that really highlight the assignments, and the author is thoroughly modern and up-to-date (a failing so many photography books have). I highly recommend this for all photographers, whether amateur or professional, with thousands of dollars in camera equipment or just a simple prosumer. The book does an excellent job of teaching you the difference between clicking a shutter button and being a photographer. And most importantly, it teaches you everything you need to know about securing jobs with commercial entities.

The book starts with the basics, including what equipment you need and explains the essence of a great photographer. Storytelling is explored through text and images with great explanations of how to make a photograph that creates 'a second look' by the viewer. Since the book has a focus on being a professional and working with corporate clients, the author goes through the process of creating a photo story. Also included are how to pitch for work, doing prep work, expenses, editing and final selection of images. I liked that there are tips, creative briefs and many real world examples. A company even allowed the author to use their product shoot in the book so we have an actual example of the process. This includes mood boards, call sheets, directing models and post production. I especially appreciate that pricing is included.

The Workshop section was especially good. The author goes into how to build a story around a product and entertain the audience at the same time. But the projects/assignments are not necessarily commercial in nature. A sample project would be to e.g., capture an environmental portrait. There is a brief (capture an intriguing environmental portrait of someone close to you), requirements (frame your subject, use props for context, keep things natural), and objective (tell a simple story about the character of your subject/the viewer should be able to comprehend the scene and character). These are all cleanly laid out and easy to follow. The brief, requirements and objective are further explained with examples given of a finished project.

Storytelling photography is often about several images (just as a novel is about several words). To that extent, establishing shots, transition shots, cutaways/details, and reveals are all explained. But also long shots, close ups and cutaways, and medium distance shots.

What really sets this book apart is that it is thoroughly modern. It tells how to use social media and phone aps - and is set in the digital age. No old school cinema verite type of street photography in black and white cliches being shown as the only 'true' photography storytelling style. Yet at the same time, this is a photographer who has experience with film and understands the medium. He's not a modern flash-in-the-pan type of visual photographer but clearly thinks deeply about every session.

As with any written workshop book, there is no teacher to fine tune or personalize what you do as with an in-person workshop; but then again, the cost differential between hundreds to thousands of dollars and the price of a book more than compensates for that lack. The one criticism I have of this book is that the author begins by saying location doesn't matter; yet all the photographs he shows are from exotic locations around the globe. It felt disingenuous. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Tomás · Rating 1 out of 5]

Este libro es una porquería, es lo peor que he leído en mi vida. Lo compré pensando que aprendería algo de fotografía, pero fue como tirar 40 dls a la basura. Si están pensando en comprarlo, absténganse; hay mejores formas de desperdiciar el dinero. En todo caso, el autor de este libro debería pagarle a quien se tome el tiempo de leer su libro vomitivo.
Explicaré brevemente por qué es tan malo que hasta resulta ofensivo. Y lo haré así, es decir, con brevedad, porque no merece más que unas cuantas palabras:
1. Es absurdamente general. Tan general que no dice nada importante ni sustancial. Cualquiera que lea mi comentario pensará: «vaya, pero si para eso existen libros especializados», pero no: ni siquiera la divulgación es tan general como lo que se presenta en este libro. Una persona puede aprender más viendo un solo reel de Instagram que leyendo quince páginas de esto. Por poner un ejemplo que aclare esto: cuando el autor toca el tema de la iluminación, sólo habla de unas cuantas cosas, entre ellas: las horas de las que la luz del sol cambia, que la iluminación es importante… Y YA. No dice por qué esas horas suponen una modificación en la iluminación ni cómo sacarle mayor provecho a la iluminación. Tampoco dice cómo adaptar los ajustes técnicos de la cámara: el balance de blancos, por ejemplo. Para decirlo en una palabra: no explica nada ni profundiza en nada.
2. La mayoría de las citas que tiene son de frases de gente como Benjamin Franklin (?) que probablemente sacó de una publicación de algún familiar suyo en Facebook. Y no, esto no es cosa de que uno como lector de otro tipo de literatura más especializada e incluso académica sea exigente. Lo que pasa es que ninguna afirmación o idea presentada se encuentra respaldada por información consultada. El remedo de ideas que presenta son producto de sus experiencias más personales y de sus ocurrencias y no sólo aparecen infundadas (basándonos en el punto anterior), sino que además adolecen de citas que las apoyen.
3. Las actividades o ejercicios que pone no tienen ningún aporte didáctico. Dado que no entra en detalle, es imposible llevar a cabo los ejercicios con la conciencia de que se están haciendo de una manera provechosa. Ningún ejercicio cuenta, por ejemplo, con algún instrumento de evaluación. Son, por el contrario, actividades improvisadas que no sirven de nada. Asqueroso.
4. La estructura interna del contenido es caótica. Vean el índice. Notarán que los temas no se siguen unos de otros.

Para terminar, me gustaría decirles una cosa que se desprende de todo lo que he dicho y que complementa lo que he dicho sobre el que no compren esta porquería: mejor tomen algún curso en Domestika. Les será más provechoso.


Si el autor lee esto, que me regrese mi dinero.

[M. Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

--Uplevel Your Photography Business and Craft--

I received a digital review copy from the publisher through NetGalley, and here are my thoughts.

First of all, this book "had me" at the Table of Contents. The superb description and organization of the workshop contents had me really excited...finally, a photography book that I will actually use!!!

I actually did pause at about page 30, to stop and order a copy for myself. It was already clearly evident by then that this book is just want I need, and I would prefer a physical copy,

The Workshop is laid out in this order:

--Storytelling 101
--Step 1: Pitch
--Step 2: Prep
--Step 3: Shoot
--Step 4: Edit
--Step 5: Deliver

And this Workshop really does tell you, step by step, how to deliver a product that your clients will love you for.
Each step has many sub-steps and everything is spelled out super clearly.

If you're still wondering if this is the book for you, I suggest to view the author's website and have a look at the course page, because the contents of this book are based on Finn's very popular and highly recommended live workshop.

Although the author Finn Beales does a completely different kind of photography from me, the information in here will be extremely useful to many types of photographers, and not only those who do a lot of outdoor shooting.

Lastly, one of the most valuable things I'm getting from this book, beyond the techniques and strategies, is the languaging. I already do many of the things Finn Beales advises you to do, but I don't necessarily always know what to say to clients about "WHY" we're doing something one way instead of another. I do it naturally and instinctively, and forget that my methods and reasons are not always clear to everyone else.

So a big thanks for the tremendous amount of knowledge in this book. And a huge round of applause for the design team that put the book together, so that the gems of information are so easily accessed.

I see great value in this book for all levels of readers who either have a photography business or an Instagram etc,, user that wants to know concrete ways to improve their message through the power of photographs.

[Johnny Toledo · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books if your just getting into photography! Even advanced users will get something useful reading this book.

Going into it at first I thought that it would be like any other workshop just giving you raw imformation about photography like ISO, Apeture, Rule Of Thirds and so on stuff that is important to photography but is also boring to learn about and can have a learning curve to it. But boy let me tell you this book teaches it in a way that is engaging and easy to learn. with the examples provided and the well written lessons it made learning all these things easy as compared to other workshops ive gone to and read.

Being a amateur photographer myself for about 4 years now I didn't think I'd pick up much from this book. But then I got to the section about telling a story in your images and instantly it was something that I knew that I had to work on reading that section in particular has actually helped me get better at composing my shots and not just doing the simple cookie cutter portraits I was doing before. I actually wanted to focus more on compelling images that have a story and not just doing what everyone else is doing.

Overall I think this is an amazing book for all photographers a like, for beginners they will definitely pick up all they basics they will need to get into photography and much more. And as for veterans I feel will also benifit from reading this not only as a refresher but they will also pick up something new just as I did so I definitely say give this workshop a read.

[J Earl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Photography Storytelling Workshop by Finn Beales is a wonderful guide for new to less experienced photographers and reference book for those more experienced to help them remember key ideas.

When I started the book I was concerned that it might be too focused on professional photographers and their business. As I started reading and working through it I realized that the concepts are valid no matter who you're taking pictures for. In a manner of speaking we are proposing an idea to ourselves when we think about taking a photograph, especially when we are hoping to have it be more than, say, a picture of a building or person. If nothing else we want to capture whatever we are feeling that compels us to want to take that particular shot. And that is, in a broad sense, a story.

Between technical help and a conceptual framework for working with your ideas and models or surroundings, this book will make both your photographs better and your confidence in taking them higher. Highly recommend this to photographers of every level, we can never stop learning and relearning about what we love. I am a relative newbie and gained a lot, even as someone who will likely never even try to sell a photograph.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Lori S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite an engaging book, aimed mostly at beginning to intermediate photographers and focused on the storytelling aspect of the art. This makes it quite a bit different from many books which focus on the more technical aspects. What was good about this book was the way it laid out different aspects and then had activities to practice, which is always good in a photography book. Included within the context of storytelling is also a lot of the technical part which helps to round out the way to approach your work. There's plenty here that will benefit even more experienced photographers, especially those looking to market their own work. What's particularly nice here, is that there's no expectation that the reader is going to have or be able to easily get a lot of extra equipment. Much of the work relies on just the basic camera or even one on a smartphone.

Overall, a really nice read and should be great for up and coming photographers, amateur and professional.

I give this 4.5 stars overall.

Thank you to Netgalley and White Lion Publishing for sharing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Tove R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to photography for people who would like to take better pictures, but are not willing to spend all their money on equipment yet. Not to worry, if you’re all about the equipment, but don’t know how to get the most out of it, this is still a good read.

The book is divided into clear segments, so it’s easy to use as a reference book when needed. The book works for photographing with both a phone and a camera. The book is filled with photos as examples of using the right kind of light, atmosphere, distance, and so many more important things like angle and editing. There are many steps on the way to become a better photographer, whether it is for social media or to become a professional photographer, and all the steps are cover in this book in an easy to understand manner, not too technical, but enough for anyone to take a step forward.

I recommend this book for young and old, anyone who is willing to let their creativity flow, who is willing to listen to expert advice, simply to become a better photographer.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Photography Storytelling Workshop A Five-Step Guide To Creating Unforgettable Photographs by Finn Beales is a wonderful guide for any photographer! You may have several cameras, lots of gear, and knowledge of photography but this workshop will inspire you to use your imagination as you capture memories. As I read this book and looked at the images, I felt the need to become a storyteller with my photographs.
There is information to explain the difference in types of cameras, lenses, and other gear. You can also learn a bit about editing software to help with post-processing your images.
This workshop reminds the photographer to set a scene or decide if you want to portray drama, suspense, mood, or surprise. The images that are used in this book set a scene and help to tell a story. Be creative as you tell stories with your camera. This book is beautifully illustrated and written.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Luisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this photography workshop and I’ve learned so much. Finn Beales takes you on a trip through the art of photography, sharing the secrets of the trade and behind-the-scenes insights. Even though there is of course an abundance of technical terms and technicalities, the book constantly kept me interested, which is mostly due to the great pictures that illustrate the points the author makes as well as the many small projects and exercises that are included in the workshop. I especially appreciate that the tasks are very precise, hands-on and easy to follow and try, so that you can really benefit from the attempt and the different techniques and improve your own photography. My favourite part are the explanations about colour theory and the moods and effects that can be created by complementing certain colours. The structure of the whole workshop is remarkably clear and definitely doable for beginners as well as, I believe, more advanced photographers. I highly recommend the workshop to everyone who wants to take and create better pictures.

[Ilana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I practice photography - landscape and food, especially - for a couple of years already, but in photography it is always something to learn. This book helps you to better organise your image in order to tell unforgettable stories. We hear ad nausea that a photography must tell a story, but how exactly to create this story without words is not always obvious, especially if you are active in this domain without a previous visual training. In this book the words are sparse but clear, accompanied by extensive visual documentation of various cases and circumstances. It helps to document and re-create the space on your own terms, while maintaining a genuine presence in the specific location and moment. It suits both the Instagrammer looking for a more professional photography touch to his/her shoots, as well as to the beginner professional photographer searching for his/her own visual voice.
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of colorful pictures. I’m an amateur photo-ist. So amateur that I don’t think I can use the term photographer. I loved this book. Finn talks some about the equipment that you could use…but concentrates mostly on how to take a great picture, discussing things like location, sun, character, story, event…things to make your photos turn into a story when they are viewed…not just flat pictures on a page. To do this he gives lessons…telling you what to do to practice and improve in one of the topics. He also goes into some technical stuff…for those of you who are ready for it. I cannot wait to start practicing, and improving enough to turn my photos into stories.

[Gijs Limonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent primer on the subject; a very nuts-and-bolts practical approach to get you going as a street photographer; in particular enjoyed the bits on the storage and processing of the digital image; on the subject be sure to check out Think Like a Street Photographer: How to Think Like a Street Photographer and the books by Ansel Adams.

[Vippi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Photography Storytelling Workshop by Finn Beales is a not-to-be-missed book for those of you who dabble in photography and love to document lives and tell stories using images.
The exercises to try and all the recommendations for gear and enhancing storytelling make this book a sort of pocket-photography workshop.
Absolutely recommended!

Thank you to Netgalley and White Lion Publishing for sharing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[D L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Late last year I received a pdf of this book from Netgalley and the book's publishers to review. Following a quick read, I immediately purchased it knowing it will be a book I will be turning to time and again.
Finn Beales provides a fantastic guide on how to improve your photography with a camera or even a phone, the process you can incorporate and practical exercises to help develop as a photographer. Just brilliant.

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

my new photography bible! beautiful and informative without any ego or pretentiousness. full to the brim with advice and photos, whilst simultaneously inspiring. there is much to be gained here, whether you have a DSLR, digital or film camera - even ‘just’ a smartphone! couldn’t recommend it enough to any aspiring photographers, especially those looking to further their photographical narratives.

[Sidharth Malhotra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some okay advice (around 10 pages worth) and nothing you can’t find in countless YouTube videos. Overpriced for what it is and geared towards professional photographers, who by the way would be better served by other resources. Hard skip for those looking to improve storytelling through their hobby. I regret purchasing this book. At the end of the book, he tries to sell you his online course which supposedly contains the same material.

[Kevin Maschke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved Finn Beales photography. I came across him on Instagram and loved his works.
When he released this book, I couldn't resist getting it. On one hand, to support Finn, and on the other, because I was curious to learn from him about how he approaches photography, how he approaches a project and how he approaches storytelling. The book provides amazing insight and really really good information and tips about photography, storytelling and how to make a business out of it.

[Ypatios Varelas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addressing the needs of the professional photographer for storytelling using photo shooting but can also be of great value to the highly interested amateur (like me!). It offers many good, practical suggestions for how to make the story interesting, how to shoot, how to select photos to include, and even how to organize shots taken. It includes even suggestions related to posting photo work on Instagram. Highly recommended.

[Érsek Máté · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy-to-follow instructions and insights into the workflow of a commercial shoot. Primarily aimed at newcomers, it holds some interesting nuggets to the more advanced photographers as well. If it is your 3rd book about photography, you will find new and useful tips, tricks and methods. If it is your 10th, pro stuff is few and far between, it is nevertheless worth breezing through, convincing and interesting shots abound.

[Fabricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its a good book, but I was expecting something that would dive into conceptual photography or something like that, teaching you how to add more meaning and layers to your work. However, this book shows you how to make photos that don't look random and empty, more like "spontaneous" photographs than posed ones, adding some context to each photo. If that's what you're looking for, so go for it.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative, clear and concise, from how to tell stories through images, how to take shots (with advantages of each), how to plan and think through your shots, and more business and technical aspects including building a website and client base, lenses used, image rendering and manipulation, etc. As a bonus, the images are stunning and really enhance the points he makes. Highly recommended!