The Art of Photography, 2nd Edition: A Personal Approach to Artistic Expression

This is simply a great photography book! It will make you look at your subjects, composition, lighting, and process in a whole new way. It will make you begin to see the whole creative process, from start to finish, before you ever trip the shutter. I really, really liked this book, and I am looking forward to his next release, "The Essence of Photography: Seeing and Creativity" Highly recommended!!

I think this book is a gem. Lots of great ideas and a great read.

Great Book

Much of the author’s (authors?) political views are scattered throughout this book. I could have skipped his (their?j political opinion(s?). Other than that it’s a wealth of information. I’m a past film photographer and even I thought there was way too much traditional photography included. I actually skipped entire chapters because of it. I appreciate the thought and it wasn’t a total letdown because of all the other great information. Also much of the digital processing sections were already dated. There’s plenty that’s not so not a total loss. My first review was only 2 stars because of all the political statements but other than that and the dated sections it is worthy of 4 stars upon reflection.

I have not read many photography books lately but must say that I found this book to be very helpful in expanding my creativity. I started with black and white film photography 50 years ago and only recently moved to a digital camera. Bruce's book was a walk down memory lane for me and also instructional in digital photography, which I hoped it would be. I'm a little sorry I didn't buy a paper version.

Did I mention my ex-wife and the photographer? Yeah, this is another book I bought her—probably while she was out doing “photo shoots.” At least one of us was trying to add depth to the relationship.

This book is ideal for those who have done some photography (& know some basics of composition & exposure) but who want to improve on it. Rather than spending on new cameras & equipment, this book will go a long way to work on what you want to achieve in photography & understand some great detail on both compositional and technical part of photography. The book is surely long & the author sure repeats his ideas several times but it is clear he wants you to improve rather than shoot for short cuts & boring clichés.

Arrived days earlier than expected! The book was not wrapped but flipping through the pages it seems new. At a glance, it looks like it’s going to be interesting read. If you’re looking for a “how to book” then this book is not for you. If you’re looking for a photographer’s work and insight as to the wondrous images he took then buy this book. I’m suffering from photographers block right now and this just maybe the inspiration I need.

Well, this book is a aesthetic treatise on the subject.... Really well written and full of beautiful images. Very very happy with it!!!!!!

Eccellente, davvero completo!

This is a wonderfully well written book, with some excellent photographs that are great learning opportunities. It's not a book for beginners, you should be able to look at the photo and understand the technicalities of how it was made, but it's the compositional decisions that are the most important. I can safely say it has really changed my own work, for the better (I hope!)

Very nice book. I own the first edition in hardcopy, and decided to buy this edition for Kindle. I would not say this is a how-to book, a manual, or a textbook. It is more of an insight of the author's evolution as an artist, and the way he executes his self expression through photography. He shows procedures and techniques by no means claiming they are the best or even good ones, but the ones which have worked for him. Some people may not like the style, as he mixes philosophy with photography. I read reviews which claim he is not straight forward, that he tends to deviate from the subject. However, I believe this is the right approach if you look at photography as a media of self expression rather than as a plain money making business. I really enjoyed and would recommend for what it is.

A nice book for beginners. Detailed description of elements of compositions are given. This is the only part, which is not really available in online. Other editing techniques and software related bugs can be found in present day Internet market. However, the art of photography, as it is named, is well documented in the book.