An Important Basic - THE BOOK on Composition

[johnastovall]

Practical Composition in Photography
Brück, Axel
Focal Press
1981

Any one can learn the basic mechanical aspects of photography in a couple of hours and taking a picture in a few days and thousands of books address these rather trivial issues. But the important thing which will make or break a photograph, Composition is rarely discussed.

Brück has produced the book which every photographer who is serious about their work should have this on their shelf.

He doesn't give false rules like the 'Golden Mean' (which he turns to iron) but also puts down the so called 'rule of 1/3's which many have a slavish devotion to.

Brück rather gives you the tools and the mind set to analyze your work. The section on lens and their effects puts paid many of the old and untrue ideas about focal length and perspective. He discusses role of color in composition and when color adds and when it detracts from the composition.

This is a small book filled with solid ideas. Unfortunately, it's out of print but can be found on the used market. It is worth getting.

[RandySmith]

Stovall -

Thanks for this info. I just ordered a copy from powells.com, I think it was their last copy. Powells is a good source for used books, I've found a lot there.

Looking forward to reading this. I sincerely want to continue to improve and learn whenever/wherever I can.
Randy

[kachina]

Thanks for the recommendation. I just ordered one from Half.com - also a good spot for used books.

[Arnor]

Just ordered a copy from Amazon:)

Best regards,

[TxManx]

Just ordered my copy from Amazon - you're right, this is the one topic that isn't discussed enough...

[Joe_Lorenzini]

I'm going to trust you on this one John. I just ordered my copy as well. Those who've bought this book, let's try and do a mini-review when we've had a chance to read it.

Thanks for the tip.

_/oe

[Arnor]

Joe,

We have to read it too???!!! "book which every photographer who is serious about their work should have this on their shelf."

I'm buying it for my shelf...<g> Sorry, couldn't resist;)

Best regards,

[venchka]

Good grief. I turn my back for a morning & Y'all scoop up all the copies. I'll have to add this title to my wish list at Powells Books. For those who don't know, Powells Books in Portland, Oregon is amazing! Check them out. Doing business with REAL bookstore is very satisfying. I was notified over the weekend that I book I placed on my watch list ages ago had come in. It was very expensive so I did nothing and it's ok. No obligation to buy a book when it turns up. I will go check their inventory now.

[johnastovall]

Originally Posted by Arnor

Joe,

We have to read it too???!!! "book which every photographer who is serious about their work should have this on their shelf."

I'm buying it for my shelf...<g> Sorry, couldn't resist;)

Best regards,

People have books on their shelves, they haven't read? Strange behavior, having a book and not reading it.

[kachina]

Your library should always look like you've been digging through it for information

[SaundraU]

Added to my wish list at Powell's

[johnastovall]

For those looking for a copy check out ABEBOOKS the largest collection of used bookstore on the web.

[SaundraU]

Thank you John - ordered my copy!

[Lexie]

Thank you John. Just ordered my copy too. Rusty, I have a bookshelf that looks like that too. :-) Not as many books but it has a similar scrambled look!!

[picasso]

Hey John, Next time you are going to recommend a book let me know so I can go purchase a bunch of them and sell them to everyone here I'll split the profits with you. Your recommendation on books seems to move people to purchase like inside trading does on stocks.

I will have to look into purchasing this one myself.


Paul