The Complete Photographer

by Tom Ang

Taking the successful thematic approach of How to Photograph Absolutely Everything and combining it with the practical tools and genre tutorials of Digital Photography Masterclass , The Complete Photographer encourages photographers to explore every discipline and experiment with different approaches, to hone their skills, and find their own personal style. Unlike other books, which tend to cover the principles of photography in a general way, The Complete Photographer is based around tutorials on ten different genres — Portraits, Landscape and Nature, Fashion, Wildlife, Sport, Documentary, Events, Travel, Architecture, and Fine Art-and shows in step-by-step detail how an idea progresses from concept stage to final image.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Reference, Art

400 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Photographer, author, traveler and academic. An early pioneer in digital photography, I have written over 30 books on photography as well as on video. This work was recognised by the award of the HIPA Content Producer Award in 2019. I also won the Thomas Cook award for best Illustrated Travel Book for my coverage of the Marco Polo Expedition.

I was senior lecturer in photographic practice at the University of Westminster for over 12 years (1991–2004) and created the MA Photographic Journalism course. For over 10 years I photographed in Central Asia, traveling in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. I led a Know How Fund project that helped equip a radio studio for radio students and which reformed the journalism curriculum for the Kyrgyz Russian Slavonic University in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

I have written over thirty books on photography and video including Digital Photography Masterclass (now 3rd edition), Fundamentals of Photography,Tao of Photography, Digital Photographer’s Handbook (now 7th edition), Picture Editing (2nd edition), Eyewitness Companion: Photography, and Digital Video Handbook, How to Photograph Absolutely Everything.

I presented the BBC series ‘A Digital Picture of Britain’, first transmitted in 2005 on BBC4. A second series, entitled 'Britain in Pictures' was transmitted in 2007. I also presented an 8-part TV series for CNA (Channel News Asia) in Singapore which was broadcast in August 2009. This took a Bronze at the New York Film and TV Festival the following year.

I have served on juries of Hamdan International Photography Award, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, World Photography Award, Czech Press Photo.

I am a Sony NZ Digital Imaging Ambassador.

Reviews

[Sandy Millin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fascinating as an insight into how professional photography works, though not the beginner's photography guide I thought it would be to improve my own basics. It requires a certain level of knowledge of photographic equipment to make the most of it.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for overview into several topics (fashion, landscrape, sports, travel, architecture, etc.). Good viewpoints but maybe too basic.

[Deon Bester · Rating 5 out of 5]

a def must in your collection if you are serious about your photography

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book that gives some great tips on how to take different types of pictures. Very interesting pictures and tutorials that have taught me a lot.

[Grant Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great intro if you’re just starting out, but suggestions often feel like commands and rules. This is most apparent in the final chapter regarding fine art photography.

[Michael Kinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid read. Picked up some techniques

[Dimitra · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the most awesome book about photography, that I have read so far!

It analyzes brilliantly almost every field of photography.
From fashion to architecture, from portrait to fine art etc.
It has so many photos to get inspired from and interviews of photographers specialized in each field.
In every chapter there are 2 photos that get analyzed thoroughly and information about techniques of retouching and photographing.

I am really REALLY amazed! It was a wonderful read that tought me A LOT and I will definately flip through it again to get some inspiration and try different photographic subjects etc.

[Cocoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic guide to photography exploring every dimension of the art. I found it helpful and inspiring, my favourite photo remains the one of the wedding morning with the page boy eating crisps, the mother of the bride to be with curlers in her hair ironing the creased Brides dress. I loved it so much. I just wish it had been written mostly with black ink on white as reading reverse out gives me headaches and I didn't buy the book for this reason, All in all though, a fantastic book.

[Kathleen Messmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a few of Tom Ang's books and overall they speak to the worries and doubts in all photographers, indeed, artists in general. He addresses many, if not all genres and gives practical advice in each. I find it refreshing that he interviews photographers from all over the world and debunks the belief that you must have studied photography formally to be any good. Some of us did, some of us didn't. What matters most is our artistic journey.

[Maui Rochell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me some time to finish this book because I don't really have time to read. I can only read when I'm in the train.
But I'm glad I finally read this! It's the first photography book that I've been wanting to read ever since and yes, the book didn't fail my expectations. It tackled about different genres of photography from tips, tutorials and testimonies of the well-talented photographers from all over the world!

[Freda Mans-Labianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for photographers of all levels. It has great tips for catching the best shots, and also shows how to be more creative with your camera.
Beautiful photos illustrate the book, showing descriptions of all the techniques used.
A really great find for any photo enthusiast.

[G-E · Rating 2 out of 5]

Probablement un très bon livre pour les gens qui explore la photographie pour les premières fois. Point positif : il touche à tous les aspects de la photographie. Si vous avez des études en ce domaine, il ne vous apprendra probablement pas grand-chose.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have checked this book out twice in the last two months. It's one of my favorite books. Tom Ang's work falls under the good stuff category for me as far as photography books go. I plan on getting it for my personal shelf at home.

[Hapzydeco · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not earth shattering, Ang's book will provide the amateur with worthwhile projects.

[Devin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A general introduction to photography book. I especially enjoyed the Behind the Scenes sections where they follow a photographer during a day of shooting.

[Ben Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books on photography are so tricky this ones well illustrated and great when it wprks

[Grace Ardiente · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remembered how I humbly convinced my mother to buy this book for me. Which was worth our one week food. Nevertheless it was all worth it, every dish.

[Vijaya Raghava]

The Complete Photographer

[Sky Chitchot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Ang

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a how-to for all kinds of photography. It provides clear examples, good advice and includes interviews with successful photographers.

[JennLynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favourite of his books. Didn't seem quite as detailed or helpful as his other volumes; I was a little disappointed.