On Photography
Books
The Life of a Photograph, Sam Abell
A beautiful book, very well complemented by his presentation at B&H. Some notes:
Compose the picture, and wait.
The photograph should seem inevitable.
Setting first, subject second.
Compose back to front.
Head & shoulders above the horizon.
Get the Photos Others Can't
The best part of this book is the case studies and examples.
- Spend the time and plan out photographs.
- Gain acceptance with the subjects first, without necessarily starting with taking photographs. Be invisible and don't pollute the scene.
- Immerse yourself in the subject: work over a long period of time and actually understand a subject deeply.
- Go deep into the subject matter: learn from the best work that's ever been done. Research and understand the subject well, and push the boundaries of technology.
- Do the unexpected: Photographs thrive on curiosity.
Photographers I would like to learn more about:
- Perhaps obvious, but I should watch Barry London by Kubrick, and probably every movie by him – and take notes.
- Thomas Joshua Cooper
- Guy Bordin