Rating: 
Summary: Very Good Presentation of Techniques
Review: I have read a few books on compositions. What makes this one standout is the way Bryan illustrates his technique. In each chapter, he first defines each concept clearly, then he uses pictures and the related comments to demonstrate the point. Combining all the chapters, it is a complete approach to composition. He always includes a "big picture" shot to go with the sample picture to demonstrate the different the technique makes. By doing so, it also demonstrates how to use photography telling a story.
The focus is on building and fixed subject. The tonal contrast bit could be better. Also no mentioning of layering (maybe by design). These are very minor gipes.
The book is very easy to read and understand. It has a lot of beautiful pictures of Oregon. Hey, he has made power lines looking good (in picture anyway)! Highly recommended for beginner and intermediate photographer.
Rating:
Summary: Change Your Perspective and Start Taking Dynamic Pictures
Review: I have to admit, this is the first photography book that I've actually read from cover to cover. Each chapter contains valuable information that teaches the reader to shift their perspetive and see the world differently. As a student photographer I constantly struggle with the mistaken assumption that I have to have something of value to photograph or that every picture I take has to be of something momentous. Not so. With this book I learned that I can look at a field of flowers along the side of the road and by simply "flopping down on my belly" see the world from an different perspective. This is what the author teaches. How to shift your view of the world around you and find true inspiration in the common and ordinary. The author teaches when to use a telephoto and when to use a wide angle lens and also talks about the usefulness of the much maligned 50mm lens. The reader also learns how to incorporate color into photographs, how to interpert and accomodate line, form and texture. The sample photographs are in full color and provide the reader with examples that illustrate the lessons beautifully. One word of caution, if you're looking for a book that discusses the more technical aspects of photography such as apeture, shutter speed or depth of field charts, this is not the book for you. This books assumes you have a basic working knowledge of photography and is written to take you to the next level beyond the fundamentals of photography. I highly recommend this book. It has helped me tremendously. Now I look for reasons to go out and shoot and no longer bemoan the lack of subject matter. The world has opened up and my photographs have definitely improved.
Rating:
Summary: Change Your Perspective and Start Taking Dynamic Pictures
Review: I have to admit, this is the first photography book that I've actually read from cover to cover. Each chapter contains valuable information that teaches the reader to shift their perspetive and see the world differently. As a student photographer I constantly struggle with the mistaken assumption that I have to have something of value to photograph or that every picture I take has to be of something momentous. Not so. With this book I learned that I can look at a field of flowers along the side of the road and by simply "flopping down on my belly" see the world from an different perspective. This is what the author teaches. How to shift your view of the world around you and find true inspiration in the common and ordinary. The author teaches when to use a telephoto and when to use a wide angle lens and also talks about the usefulness of the much maligned 50mm lens. The reader also learns how to incorporate color into photographs, how to interpert and accomodate line, form and texture. The sample photographs are in full color and provide the reader with examples that illustrate the lessons beautifully. One word of caution, if you're looking for a book that discusses the more technical aspects of photography such as apeture, shutter speed or depth of field charts, this is not the book for you. This books assumes you have a basic working knowledge of photography and is written to take you to the next level beyond the fundamentals of photography. I highly recommend this book. It has helped me tremendously. Now I look for reasons to go out and shoot and no longer bemoan the lack of subject matter. The world has opened up and my photographs have definitely improved.
Rating:
Summary: Great for the beginner!
Review: I loved this book, especially when Peterson had photo examples for both well-composed shots, and the shots that I would take. Also his discussion on exposure for each photo really helped. I can't wait to buy his book on understanding exposure next.
Rating: 
Summary: A casual book for novices
Review: I own the previous edition of this book, so I waited with anxious expectation for its revision. This is more than a revision, it's a brand new book, a necessary addition to the theory and practice of implementing creative vision in making photographs. I recommend this book to all who wish to receive inspiration and mentoring in realizing their own creative vision in photography and even general artistic picture making. The text is written in Bryan Peterson's inimitable down to earth, friendly yet knowledgeable style. The photographs are truly inspirational. This book is a keeper!
Rating:
Summary: A must have book for reference, learning and enjoyment!
Review: I own the previous edition of this book, so I waited with anxious expectation for its revision. This is more than a revision, it's a brand new book, a necessary addition to the theory and practice of implementing creative vision in making photographs. I recommend this book to all who wish to receive inspiration and mentoring in realizing their own creative vision in photography and even general artistic picture making. The text is written in Bryan Peterson's inimitable down to earth, friendly yet knowledgeable style. The photographs are truly inspirational. This book is a keeper!
Rating:
Summary: Teaching creativity?
Review: I purchased this book, only to realize that all the writer can do is teach you his style. It does show you the difference between snap shots and decent photographs. The key lesson in the book is to look for an unusual angle. Differentiate your pictures from snapshots. A Photography student would be better off, looking at every picture you see, and try to learn from it. Experiment, and join your local Photography club. You will learn a lot more at the club than any book can teach you -- assuming you already understand the Basics. To Learn the Basics get the National Geographic Field Guide. Look at this book in the library. 5 minutes is all you need with it.
Rating:
Summary: What an eye opener.
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I learned new ways to look at things and how to photograph them. This book really made me realize that there is a way to look at the world around you and how to photograph it better. I would deffinetely suggest this book to others.
Rating:
Summary: Can turn (almost) anyone into a pro.
Review: I should know, as it did for me. If you're prepared to put the time in and study study study
these pictures, then go out and shoot shoot shoot literally
thousands of photographs (I shot 5,000+ in my first year),
then accurately anaylze what you are doing right, you WILL
improve. If you think one quick read is all you need then you're
deluding yourself. Instant mastery is a joke and you'd
be foolish to look for quick fixes. But for a SOLID grounding in what works and what doesn't,
you can't beat this book. You may also want to investigate "The Art of Black and
White Photography " by John Garrett. But most of all, shoot away.
Rating:
Summary: THE book for beginners
Review: If you're new to photography and want to be serious about it, this and Bryan Peterson's other book, Understanding Exposure are must read. While Understanding Exposure teaches you technical side of photography, this book helps you training yourself to see the world as a photographer. After reading this book, I've learned that there're so many photographic chances around me that I totally missed out. This book will open your eyes.
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