My very, very non-technical spouse has just inherited my D300 and a couple of lenses. I'm walking her through the basics of what to do with it ("point the shiny glass at the dog and push the button, honey"), but she is interested in learning more. I am gradually teaching her about technical topics like aperture and ISO, and I'm talking her through my thought process as we go out shooting together, but what she really wants for Christmas is a book on photographic composition that's aimed at beginners. Does anybody have any ideas?
I just bought Composition: From Snapshots to Great Shots which is one of the better books I have seen on the topic for photography. It has easy to understand topics and then there are some very good assignments to do to follow up. It starts off with an overview on gear and exposure as well.
There is a companion book on Exposure which seems to be in the same series as the composition book which is worth taking a look at.
Then of course there is the ever popular Understanding Exposure, which will help out her technique as well.
I've liked Michael Freeman's books. They're accessible but fairly detailed and full of content as well. I've got one on composition at home, so I can tell you the title once I get home tomorrow. I'm pretty sure it's this one though... Michael Freeman The Photographer's Eye
I've got a few other books from him and think they're all pretty good, but they are pretty hefty, so it's not the lightest reading generally but is readily understood. I'll review it and see if I'd recommend it for a beginner.
Chasing the light by Ibarionex Perello was one of my first reads on photography, and it covered basics including composition. It also stayed away from artificial lighting which i appreciated as a beginner. I highly recommend it, its a great read
understanding exposure is a great study on exposure. i think it was in the same group of books i read along with Chasing the Light. THe emphasis ofcourse, lays on exposure.
I've liked Michael Freeman's books. They're accessible but fairly detailed and full of content as well. I've got one on composition at home, so I can tell you the title once I get home tomorrow. I'm pretty sure it's this one though... Michael Freeman The Photographer's Eye
I've got a few other books from him and think they're all pretty good, but they are pretty hefty, so it's not the lightest reading generally but is readily understood. I'll review it and see if I'd recommend it for a beginner.
I will second this. I learned a ton from this book about composition of the entire frame, and the elements within it.
I went back and perused it and I'd still say it's a pretty good option. They usually have it in stock at B&N, at least here, so you can browse before you buy, and Amazon allows you to peruse, as well.
I've liked Michael Freeman's books. They're accessible but fairly detailed and full of content as well. I've got one on composition at home, so I can tell you the title once I get home tomorrow. I'm pretty sure it's this one though... Michael Freeman The Photographer's Eye
I've got a few other books from him and think they're all pretty good, but they are pretty hefty, so it's not the lightest reading generally but is readily understood. I'll review it and see if I'd recommend it for a beginner.
Looking at my own bookshelf...I actually have a copy of that one. You're right, it is a good one. I think it's time for a regifting.
Chasing the light by Ibarionex Perello was one of my first reads on photography, and it covered basics including composition. It also stayed away from artificial lighting which i appreciated as a beginner. I highly recommend it, its a great read
I forgot to mention that while I've never read his book, he has an awesome podcast over at The Candid Frame.
