Description
Price: $36.47
(as of Mar 15, 2025 08:24:10 UTC – Details)
Photography and the Art of Seeing, familiarizes readers with the traditional principles of composition and visual design. However, Patterson provides technique & exercises for breaking with traditional concepts.
Publisher : Key Porter Books; Revised edition (January 1, 1999)
Language : English
Paperback : 156 pages
ISBN-10 : 1550130994
ISBN-13 : 978-1550130997
Item Weight : 13.8 ounces
Dimensions : 8.15 x 8.26 x 0.47 inches
Paul Cassel –
A different approach to photography
This is an instructional book on photographic seeing rather than a how to book on making pretty pictures. If you are looking for a cookbook on how to take vacation snaps, pass this one by.This is a book to assist you in seeing photographically. Its exercises help you see the extraordinary in everyday items. Often a great photograph is great not due to the subject matter, but the manner the photographer treats that subject matter. This book is designed to boost your sensitivity to the wonderful within the mundane which surrounds us.Ironically, the book was written during the film era but it’s a book meant for the digital age. Many of the exercises demand a lot of shooting – costly with film – no cost in digital. Also the feedback loop is instant with digital rather than hours, days or even weeks with film. Thus what you try to achieve is immediately available in digital which makes the lessons / exercises more effective today than when the book was written.Probably not a first or second book to learn photography. This book assumes you know how to set your aperture and shutter as well as what ISO is. It probably should be in every serious photographer’s library.
Bob Schwartz –
and still great today.
One of the first books I read on composition, and still great today.
tomh –
Covers the art and emotion of photography, not the mechanics
I have been using cameras for a long time, so I mostly know how they work. But I was looking for guidance and inspiration on how to make my photos more emotionally compelling. This book really hit the sweet spot for me.First, it discusses and describes important concepts of composition with what I thought were excellent examples, as well as beautiful photographs. While most other books talk about basics like the rule of thirds, leading lines, etc, Art of Seeing goes much further into compositional elements.But as important is Mr Patterson’s clear love of the medium and ability to convey how to see in many different ways. I have been practicing this summer, and am finding now that many more of my images are worth something — many just helping me understand where I went wrong so I can continue to improve. This book helped me find the subjects that are hidden in many otherwise ordinary things.My only criticism of the book is that on a personal level I am not as interested in highly asbstract subjects that are a large part of the images in the book, although I will say that there is one shot of trees from an airplane that had me entranced. But this kind of subject makes sense for a book focused on composition.I really learned a lot from this book, and highly recommend it.
Sarawoot Chittratanawat –
Patterson shows you visualization without camera or lenses
Freeman Patterson is an artist with camera in his hand. All of this books are not limited to the “talking-of-equipment” nor “exposure setting”. Instead, Freeman gives you the visual design; then, you address what you see + what you design on film. In this book, Freeman applied the “visual design” through the framing and composing technique -the art of seeing. Unlike other photo books, this book shows you more on composition of shape and color, not much on equipment. Thus, the gear-luster may found this book is inferior to others. I, however, found this book is a requirement after you master the exposure and gear. Several workshops are given in this book as well as the evaluation techniques that I found very useful. Like other Freeman’s books, many nice photo are provided for your joy and learn.
Bill Carter –
Photography and the art of seeing
I became acquainted with this material after checking it out of the libarary. I have read several books on improving photography by various authors. I am convinced that doing the exercises outlined in the book will improve anyone’s photography and it is one of my favorites. I purchased a copy of the book for reference material and to have it on hand to complete the exercises as time allows. Mr. Patterson, in my opinion, does an excellent job using explanations and examples to convey his ideas and thoughts.
Robert Sigler –
All Photographers should read this book!
Freeman Patterson’s book is a MUST for any photographer who wants to do more than hit and miss with their camera. Written in simple, easy to understand language, Patterson takes the reader into new dimensions of seeing images as potential photos – no matter what the intensity of interest or sophistication of equipment! An excellent book.
M. Warren –
Just what I needed
I had hit a wall in my photography. I was uninspired. This book helped a lot. This book can aid you in seeing in abstract form. He offers exercises. This book is fantastic.
K. Zollo –
Interesting but weak coverage of basic principles
This book is mainly for advanced photographers who have a thorough knowledge of the basics of photographic composition and are looking to explore new areas. It’s goal is to get you to extend your techniques beyond the usual and develop your own personal style. The basics of composition are addressed only in a cursory fashion.For a beginning to intermediate photographer like myself, it would help to have a solid grasp of composition before departing from it. If this is your situation, then you would be better served by “Photograhic Composition” by Grill and Scanlon (which is currently in print) or better yet “Image:Designing Effective Pictures” by Michael Freeman. The latter book is by far the best discussion of composition that I’ve read. Unfortunately, it’s no longer in print, so you’ll have to find a used copy.
Lawrence –
It’s a good book! It was suggested by a photographer friend to help philosophically find ways to find beauty and creativity towards photography in ordinary circumstances!
Dave Martin –
Book in good condition
Mr P.C.Catterill –
Full of information required for landscape photography