I want a book to help me with the aesthetics of taking pictures. I'm at the level of taking holiday snaps. I just don't have the eye (or experience) for taking nice pics.
I prefer a book that leans more to the aesthetic side versus the physics of a camera (I believe I understand the physics of a camera already). Of course if the book is very good, I can always skip parts I don't need.
Anonymous
Favorite Answer
Photographic seeing, Feinginer.
On photography, Sontag.
Portrait manual, Bomback.
camera lucida, Barthes
I think these are some of the leading aesthetic theory books out there. But nothing beats a couple of sections in art history. If you're in high school or college try to take a full course of art history and you'll begin to understand aesthetics.
If you can find some interviews from Meyerowitz or Jeff Wall it'll also help you out.Learn some names of the people you like. Then listen to them and see how they made the images good according to you. Aesthetics can be discussed for at least 12 years, if you get a PhD in fine arts. It's hard to just say "do this and your photos will look good." If I can try, i would say you have to know exactly why you are making the pictures. You have to see it before you pickup the camera. The photo exists someone inside of you. Only when it is completely true inside of you will anyone be interested in looking at it. The post modernists say that there is no inherent truth. But it seems like that is more of a challenge to the art world to prove them wrong, than it is a direct statement .
?
Hi, Although I'm not going to recommend any specific books to read up on photography, I am a digital photographer and my biggest suggestion to anyone starting out is take lots and lots and lots of pictures!! whatever your type of photography is, just keep snapping!! For me its Fashion photography, so I do photo shoots with friends all the time!! Also if you know anyone who does photography also, ask them to critique your work. Getting advice and criticism of your work is excellent for seeing little things you can improve! Also make a Facebook page or website for your photography so even more people can see your photos! (Just make sure you put your name on them before putting them on the internet) Best of Luck!
mister-damus
The basics of taking pictures is the same regardless of the medium (film or digital).
Kodak, National Geographic, John Hedgecoe, etc. all make books that give you tips on how to make the most of your pictures (and you can always skip over the camera parts if you understand that already).
Anonymous
Throughout this course you will learn concepts that range in scope from beginner photography all the way to advanced topics in post production, composition, and light. https://tr.im/gFan1
You can start right now. Like right this very moment! The course is all online. There are no deadlines or timelines for you to follow. Set your own pace! Go slowly through the course or blaze through it.