Recommend a good book on composition

[GregFarz78]

Looking to improve my composition skills, there are literally tons of books on amazon on this subject its confusing to pick just one :confused: Any suggestions on a book that stands out above the crowd?

[rooeey]

Scott Kellby,s books are heald in pretty high estemm around hear and for good reason...
Try 'Scott Kellby's learning to see creativley ' ..It has some great exesizes as well as loads of tips...

[tonylong]

Scott Kellby,s books are heald in pretty high estemm around hear and for good reason...
Try 'Scott Kellby's learning to see creativley ' ..It has some great exesizes as well as loads of tips...

Rooeey,

I think you may be referring to Bryan Peterson's Learning To See Creatively. He's the one who also wrote Understanding Exposure.

Am I correct? Kelby's forte' is Photoshop CSx/Lightroom (with some photgraphy tips occasionally thrown in).

[rooeey]

Tony ...
Yes thank you for pointing that out"Bryan Peterson" is the person to whom i intended to refer...
It was 5.15 Am here when i i wrote this post appologies to the OP...



Rooeey,

I think you may be referring to Bryan Peterson's Learning To See Creatively. He's the one who also wrote Understanding Exposure.

Am I correct? Kelby's forte' is Photoshop CSx/Lightroom (with some photgraphy tips occasionally thrown in).

[irishman]

There is a new one out called something like "The Photographers Eye", by Freeman. Looks pretty technical.

[Mark_Cohran]

Scott Kelby writes well, but one needs to remember he is a Computer Geek 1st, a writer 2nd and a photographer 3rd (and a fairly new photographer at that). On the other hand, Bryan Petersen is a photographer 1st and a writer 2nd and has been shooting for many years.

[snevs]

There is a new one out called something like "The Photographers Eye", by Freeman. Looks pretty technical.

My vote for this one also. I got a while ago, and I like it.

[GM_of_OLC]

There is a new one out called something like "The Photographers Eye", by Freeman. Looks pretty technical.

Thirded.
I got this one for Christmas.
Gives lots of good examples.

[eeeksNYC]

And if you can find it...the Freeman book is 20% off at Barnes and Noble

[DSMITH131]

Ok after reading this I figured I would add some books to my library that I have over looked that members are highly recommending. Heres what I ordered;

1)"The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos"
Michael Freeman
2)"The Digital Photography Book, Volume 1" Scott Kelby
3)"The Digital Photography Book, Volume 2" Scott Kelby
4) "Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color & Composition in Photography (Updated Edition)" Bryan Peterson
5) "Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition)"
Bryan Peterson

[BottomBracket]

Go to a college used book sale, and get a book for any basic Art Appreciation class. This will teach you about the elements and basic principles of art, all of which can help you in the aesthetic portion of photography.

[doidinho]

There is a new one out called something like "The Photographers Eye", by Freeman. Looks pretty technical.

Not a new one, but a good one. I have this book; the author writes in more of a technical style, but he covers a whole lot of ground. I would start with this book to get a good overview on the different aspects of composition and then consult the bibliography if you want to dive deeper into any one aspect.

[jmpsmash]

another vote for "The Photographer's Eye". well organized and easy to read.

[azpix]

Rooeey,

I think you may be referring to Bryan Peterson's Learning To See Creatively. He's the one who also wrote Understanding Exposure.
).

both of the above books are great.

Kelby touches on composition in both of his digital photography books.

[tonylong]

Ok after reading this I figured I would add some books to my library that I have over looked that members are highly recommending. Heres what I ordered;

1)"The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos"
Michael Freeman
2)"The Digital Photography Book, Volume 1" Scott Kelby
3)"The Digital Photography Book, Volume 2" Scott Kelby
4) "Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color & Composition in Photography (Updated Edition)" Bryan Peterson
5) "Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition)"
Bryan Peterson

I'd say you can't lose with these in your collection. Kelby specializes in Photoshop techniques with a very emphacized sense of humor, whereas the others are about photography, but these days both fields are essential to our work!

[BluewookieJim]

Does anyone have any idea why "The Photographer's Eye" is no longer available on any of the major booksellers?

I was set to order it yesterday, and it's just not available.

[chauncey]

It will be back, it's just that great.

[BluewookieJim]

Usually amazon would just show "out of stock", it's very unusual to see "this item is no longer available".

[chtgrubbs]

My favorite: http://www.freemanpatterson.com/book2.htm
Also this one: http://www.amazon.com/Ways-Seeing-Based-BBC-Television/dp/0140135154

The Patterson book used to be a staple text in college photo courses. I would also check the library or book stores for books on basic 2 dimensional art composition to learn the basics.

[fs_tigre]

"The Photographer's Eye"

Since this is an old thread. Is there any other new good books besides this one, or still the best?

[Bullfrog142]

There is a new one out called something like "The Photographers Eye", by Freeman. Looks pretty technical.

It's excellent and has helped me a LOT. Highly recommended.