Customer Reviews:
 Very Intelligent Book December 8, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Currently, I am reading this book and find it wonderful. So many insights into composition. The author uses lots of theories that I would have never known about unless I was an Art Major. This would make a great semester college class for a photography student. It's teaching me that there is so much more to photography composition beyond the Rule of Thirds. My goal this year was to study photography and this has been a perfect companion to my studies. I like how each aspect of composition is discussed in 1 or 2 pages. There is a brief description under each picture relating to the type of composition the author is discussing. I usually read the descriptions about the pictures first, then read the section discussing that type of composition. This gives me a better understanding of the design theory the author is discussing. A definate winner in my photography library.
 A Guide to Artistic Instinct November 30, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Composition. In the eye of the beholder or the artist, or quick rules like thirds or golden mean... Unteachable, you either have it or you don't.
Nope, the author shows it to be more than just that eye of self-expression. The principals can be learned, reinforced, and communicated. Who said, "Once you know the rules, you can break them?" I don't know, but I do know that this book helped me be a better photographer.
Outstanding, easily readable book from a very insightful and articulate writer! November 26, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I cannot give this book and its author enough praise. This book is outstanding in its breadth of coverage of the many components of composition. The author is extraordinarily articulate, without being verbose or too wordy in his delivery. He is also not overly "artsy" and very pragmatic.
He writes clearly and logically of the visual and resulting psychological impact of various elements of design, such as the image frame, contrast, balance, rhythm, pattern, visual weight, content, single vs multiple points, horizontal/vertical/diagonal lines, curves, triangles, circles, rectangles, vectors, focus, motion, moment, optics, exposure, perspective, composing with light and color, understanding various types of "intent", and the process of composing. He accomplishes all of this in a very organized and concise manner. He is also not just an academic, but a real photographer and so each point is relevant and practical.
The book is filled with wonderful photos (mostly from the author) that do a superb job of exemplifying each of the author's points. The book is well organized into 6 logical chapters with many short sections within each chapter.
I recommend this book not only for photographers, but for anybody who is interested in what types of visual stimuli and elements would cause certain somewhat predictable emotional responses from viewers. This would be useful for anybody interested in design.
The Eye October 31, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a great book...But if you already have Freeman's "the image" you might expect more from this one.
Best book on Composition I have read October 16, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book is excellent for introducing a large number of Composition theories and providing a large variety of examples. This book would not address the needs many new photographers have such as digital work flow, equipment selection, etc.
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