Product Description

The hands-on instruction that digital photographers need to compose great shots

Introducing readers to the basic elements of design, this full-color guide shows photographers step by step how to frame great compositions before they take the shot. Instructions, advice, examples, and assignments cover all types of photography.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #35057 in Books
• Published on: 2007-07-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

From the Back Cover
DISCOVER HOW TO COMPOSE THE PERFECT SHOT.

How to compose a photograph can determine what your image communicates. Blue Fier is a master of composition technique, and the advice he shares in this essential book teaches you to bring together subjects, lighting, color, depth of field, and design elements to produce photos that make powerful statements. Study the techniques, complete the assignments, gather feedback at photoworkshop.com, and watch what develops.

• Understand how we see and how composition impacts the eye
• Learn how shutter speed, lighting, and depth of field affect composition
• Control colors and understand their symbolism
• Master the elements of design
• Discover special techniques for people, travel, and still lifes

About the Author
Blue Fier studied art extensively while in college, receiving a Bachelors of Arts degree in Art from Occidental College; a Masters of Art degree in Art from California State University, Northridge; and a Masters of Fine Art degree in Art from the University of California, Los Angeles. Before committing Himself to photography on a full-time basis more than 20 years ago, working with clients in the travel, real-estate, sports, and environmental industries, Fier was an exhibiting artist for nearly two decades. In addition to working as a professional photographer, Fier has taught photography for 15 years.

Customer Reviews

Train the brain behind the camera -
Today's digital cameras are programmed so "anyone" can take well exposed pictures of most anything. But "exceptional" photos require good composition - and composition, contrary to what many books seem obsessed with, isn't just the "rule-of-thirds" and avoiding distracting backgrounds. This book covers much more - with clear explanations and illustrations, and a photo assignment exercise at the end of each chapter to actually train that brain - with a website to post the results. Ever wondered why you like some photos so much more than others? Just the insights into how light and different colors affect balance and mood explains a lot.
Topics beyond the usuals of subject placement and leading lines and framing include: perspective and how our eyes see; depth of field and how to control it with focal length, F-stop and ISO and why; shutter speed - to stop motion or blur and when; light - quality vs. time of day and direction and intensity; color - its science and control and balance; black and white; portraits - framing and posing; and improving travel, still-life and macro photography.
All topics are so clearly explained and illustrated that the brain behind the camera, if willing, can be trained to make a difference.

Very good .
A very good book for the serious novice and realy fun to read. Books on Photography are essential for the beginer.I found most of them have at least one or two new things to teach. They can't replace the classroom but for the money they are a great deal. Don't expect to become a great photog just because of a book. You will always find something that you can try to put to practice. Highly recomended. Practice practice practice and Have Fun.

Three GREAT reasons to buy this book!
I was quite impressed with this book. I've been very actively taking digital photos for 4 years now and am reaching for the intermediate level of proficiency. The first reason I would recommend this book is that it went far beyond the "Rule of Thirds" and leading lines on into color, framing, lighting, placement, etc., etc. There's a wealth of good information and ideas supported by beautifully composed photo examples. Secondly,staying in keeping with the "Workshop" portion of the book's title, at the end of every chapter is an assignment the reader can embark on to REALLY learn what he/she has just read. The assignments are highly creative and fun. And finally, taking this learning experience yet one step further, the reader is directed to send the results of the assignments to a website where other readers are sharing as well. A great deal can be learned from looking at their submissions and reading reviews. I also discovered other links in this website that take you into a very exciting world of sharing and learning more about digital photography. This book is a keeper!