Product Description

There is no shortage of books on the technical aspects of photography. But, while no photographer would deny the importance of mastering the technicalities of the craft, most would agree that perfect technique is just a means to an end, not an end in itself, and would argue that true satisfaction comes from harnessing technique to realize more profound, creative goals. In this book, landscape photographer David Ward sets out to investigate what these goals are, or should be, and how they can best be achieved. He asks: why are photographers driven to create their images?; what are the emotions that they feel in response to a landscape, for example, and how do they seek to evoke the same responses on the part of a viewer?; wherein lies the essence of photographic artistry and originality, and can it be fostered and developed? Ward is concerned, in short, with the nature of creativity as it is experienced and practised by photographers and with the thought processes that go into the making of an image that aspires to be a work of art rather than a mere snapshot of reality. In exploring these issues, with the help of a selection of his own large-format landscape photographs, David Ward has produced a book which goes beyond the limits of the "how to" manual (though it does contain plenty of practical advice) and addresses questions which, though rarely asked, go to the heart of every photographer's ambitions.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #240086 in Books
• Published on: 2004-11-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

Customer Reviews

Photo Philosophy
I can't agree more with ileake's ealier review... This book is a thought-provoking gem! Rather than go through chapters covering depth of field and the sunny 16 rule, Ward's book barely touches on the technical aspect of Landscape Photography.

Instead, it covers the philosophy behind the creation of the landscape image; how to think about what you are doing in order to create provocative and emotive images; what it is that you're creating and also, what it represents. I've just finished reading it once, and like ileake, I'm going straight back to read it again.

I was stuck in a bit of a landscape rut at the end of last year - I wasn't happy with any of the images that I was producing and I was starting to move away from taking landscapes. This book has provoked me into thinking a little more and shooting a little less and I have started to see some pretty special results - I've just sold my first landscape shot at a local gallery!

I can't recommend this book highly enough. Not as a manual full of guides, rules and figures, but as an aid to your thought process and an encouragement.

Inspirational Writing
This is not a book for someone who wants to read about equipment and technique, nor is it for someone who just wants to see lots of great photos (though there are many of these inside). But if your looking for a well written, insightful and thought provoking book on landscape photography illustrated with a large number of David Ward's fantastic photographs, then this should be on your "must read" list. I finished it yesterday and tonight I'm starting again...

Second read
After the first read I felt exactly like L Miles "Mind Numbing" review. However, before writing a scathing review I decided to re-read the book and analyse why and summarise what David Ward had and had not said. The second time round it felt like a completely different book. I had a feeling of the penny dropping and gained useful insights that I believe will take my own approach to a new level. The subject matter that David Ward tackles is very elusive and difficult to explain - with its own language. So maybe it is not surprising that one might not get it first time round. I am glad I persevered and recommend this book to anyone else who is prepared to work at moving their landscape photography up a level. A thought-provoking set of essays on the phychology and subtle qualities that lie behind a great landscape image and particularly inner landscape abstraction. I found the pictures, which tell their own story, did not follow the text particularly well and trying to read the sub-titles at the same time as the main text made it harder to read. I suggest that going through the book and looking at all the pictures and sub-titles before reading the book will make it easier to follow. Then read it again!