Good Reads: 50 Paths to Creative Photography
So, I had been eyeballing this book for awhile, and being one who is still learning that it's okay to spend a little on myself now and then for no real good reason, hadn't pulled the trigger on it. My oldest bought the book for me for Christmas last year. I am ever so grateful when I receive books or bookstore gift certificates as gifts! If you've never read "Fifty Paths to Great Photography", it is well worth your time to do so.
Written by world-renowned photographer/author Michael Freeman, it is not so much the usual technical book about cameras and equipment, as it is about finding your own voice through photography. In fact, I would add that, as a creative, you could apply Freeman's pointings to just about any creative pursuit.
Introduction by Michael Freeman, "Fifty Paths to Creative Photography, ©Michael Freeman
In this book, Freeman features not only his own work, but that of others, such as Bill Brandt, Eugene Atget, Bruce Gilden, and Richard Avedon. It's a book you needn't read in chapter order, and it's one in my collection I've picked up and reread many times already.
Chapter One jumps right in regarding the rules of photography. While there are some basic technical "rules", he offers that there really are no rules. Photography is, after all, an art. Yes, we all know there are certain rules to everything in life, sometimes, rules restrain our creativity. In photography, at least from an artistic perspective, rules can be broken.
I particularly enjoyed Chapter 7, "Zen & Photography", and Chapters 12, 13, 21, and 30, and 42....and 44. Actually, it's difficult to choose just one, or two, or five favorites. In his book, accompanied by marvelous images by the author and many other great photographers, Freeman encourages us to step outside of our comfort zones, and to think outisde the box, when we pick up a camera (or even our smart phone, as this age would have it) to capture an image.
Image courtesy @michaelhfreeman on Twitter; © Michael Freeman
I've really neglected my intention of featuring my current reads (which at any given time may be two or three different books!) and my Photographer Spotlight features.I suppose this post is sort of a Photographer Spotlight and Good Reads all in one! I promise, with this installment fresh here in September, to continue to bring you more inspiration to help you get your camera out of your comfort zone, and help you develop your eye beyond the "box". In my opinion, this is the overall theme of Freeman's "Fifty Paths to Creative Photography".
After all, exploring beyond our self-imposed (or societally-imposed) limitations is what causes us to grow, and expand, and become our better selves. Especially our creative selves.
Photo copyright of ePhotozine.com, For more about Michael Freeman, you can read the interview at ePhotozine.com, or visit his website, MichaelFreemanPhoto.com .
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This book is available from some of my favorite online booksellers ; these may be paid affiliate links. However, I promise you, I truly love to shop these sellers!
Thriftbooks.com