Written by noted AP photographer and photoeditor Brian Horton, this is an insider’s manual to one of the most glamorous and exciting media professions. Emphasizing the creative process behind the photojournalist’s art, Brian Horton draws upon his three decades of experience, as well as the experiences of other award-winning photojournalists, to instruct readers in the secrets of snapping memorable news photos every time. With the help of more than 100 photographs from the AP archives, he analyzes what constitutes successful news photos of every type, including portraits, tableaux, sports shots, battlefield scenes, and more, as well as offering tips on how to develop a style of your own.
Too short on nuts-and-bolts information, and too long on vague pronouncements about the craft. The discussion of the industry's future also feels dated (the digital transition was just getting started when the book was published). On the plus side, there are some great case studies of specific photos - all the planning, setup, and techniques that went into getting certain iconic images (the story behind the famous photo of Elián Gonzáles is even crazier than I imagined).
One of my career goals as a teenager in the 1970's was to be a photojournalist; however, I come from a family wherer it was more important to have a steady job than one that you loved. I often wonder about roads not taken, so I found this book very useful.