Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color & Composition in Photography (Updated Edition) Reviews

• Not the Best

  
  By A1F6PIIZ0ZHHD6 on 2004-09-10
  Learning to be a photographer is about more than focusing and exposure. One of the most important and difficult things is learning what to take a picture of, and then designing an image that expresses something about its subject. Many authors of photography books talk about teaching the photographer to see. I think of that as being the process of selecting a subject and then deciding how it should look to capture the photographer's vision of it. Bryan Patterson promises to teach that in the revised edition of "Learning to See Creatively". Unfortunately, he doesn't keep his promise.
  
  It's not that this is a poor book. The author talks about the elements of photographic design like line, shape, form, texture, pattern and color. Unfortunately he doesn't link these elements to the photographer's vision. It's as if one knew nothing about tools, had a plumbing problem, and was presented with a wrench. It would be nice to be told how to use the wrench to solve the problem. If you know how to relate the tools to the problem, you don't need this book.
  
  
  He also talks about composition and guidelines like the rule of thirds, or frame within a frame. But even here, he doesn't make the connection to vision. Even the chapter called "Expanding Your Vision" turns out to be a discussion of the characteristics of lenses of different focal lengths.
  
  There are chapters on digital photography and photographic careers but they look like they were added on to the work because somebody thought that was what would help the book sell.
  
  Peterson's photographs are good. When he explains why he made the design and composition choices for a particular picture you can see some relationship of technique to vision. It's also interesting to occasionally see a comparison of the same subject handled two different ways. But unfortunately the author doesn't take the opportunity to relate similar pictures to photographic vision.
  
  This might be a good enough book for the intermediate photographer who isn't really ready to work on his or her vision, although I much prefer Brenda Tharp's "Creative Nature & Outdoor Photography" which covers the same ground in a more concise way.
  
  One might think that you can't teach someone to see creatively. That may be true, but Freeman Patterson's old standby, "Photography & the art of seeing" comes a lot closer than this volume. And books like those by Galen Rowell or Tony Sweet do a much better job of relating technique to the visions of their authors.
  
  

• Go with "Understanding Exposure," and pass this one by

  
  By A1K1EMPY7T6297 on 2005-06-06
  I've read all three of Bryan Peterson's books -- "Understanding Exposure," "Learning to See Creatively," and "Photographing People -- and "Understanding Exposure" I recommend highly (5 stars). The other two drained me of my passion as I read them, which is the opposite of what Peterson intended, I'm sure. Here's why: Bryan Peterson's images look like what they are -- commercial images sold to stock houses, used to advertise products or services or businesses in one way or another. Little girls in fields of flowers. Sunsets over the beach. Two businesspeople shaking hands. Peterson does what he does well, and I gave this book 2 stars because I'm sure there are readers who are looking to take their interest in photography down this very road. For anyone who wants to develop his or her "voice," who wants to communicate with his or her images, I think this book will disappoint. I was a student in a writing program for a period of time, and one of the best tips I learned and passed on to other students was this: Before you sign up for a class with a particular professor, read at least one of his novels or several of his short stories. If you like the way he writes, sign up for the class. If you can't stand his writing, find someone else. I think the same applies here. I recognize that Peterson knows how to use a camera -- and his effective instruction of exposure in his other book proves that -- but his images make no impression on me, don't cause me to think or feel or question anything. I recommend finding the books in a bookstore or trying to look through them online before you buy -- his Web site, http://www.bryanfpeterson.com, shows some examples. If you want to take pictures like these, this book will meet your needs. Otherwise, pass it by.
  
  

• Concise, interesting, helpful.

  
  By A1F8ABPW3WRF6T on 2001-08-28
  This is an interesting little book. It is geared towards the novice photographer, but others with more experience may be inspired by it too. It can easily be read in one sitting. The author shuns sophisticated camera lingo or fancy techniques and concentrates on the fundamentals of composing a memorable photograph. The book is profusely illustrated and most photographs are presented twice, one framed in the conventual manner and the second with a subtle, but dramatic improvement. The author powerfully demonstrates that minor changes can have profound effects on the success of the picture. Raising or lowering the camera angle, using aperture to control depth of field, choosing the proper focal length, emphasizing lines, texture or shapes as well as other simple techniques are all briefly discussed. The prose is concise; for the most part the author lets the photography do the talking. While these are all basic techniques and the author does not cover any unique ground, the information is well presented. Most successful photographs fail because of simple mistakes. The author almost exclusively confines his focus to landscape photography or inanimate objects. The reader looking for insight into photographing people or nature will be better served by other references. The reader looking for the basics of using a camera, or the reader looking for intermediate or advanced technique will also be disappointed. However, if, like so many of us, you are in need of simple techniques to improve your photographs, this is a useful resource. The novice will certainly benefit from reading this and even the experienced photographer may find an idea or two.
  
  

• This book is more about using extreme lenses.

  
  By on 1999-11-12
  Bryan Peterson's book has many beautiful images with most showing before and after shots. The before shot is usually taken with one lens and the improved after shot is taken with another lens. Unfortunately, many of these after shots are taken with expensive extreme lens from ultra-wide angles (20 mm) to super telephotos (300 mm+), to macros and extension tubes. In other words, lenses I don't have and can't afford. There are better books out there that really do tell you how to see creatively, regardless of the equipment you have, that will be much more beneficial in improving your compositions and seeing differently. Some by Freeman Patterson come immediately to mind. Unless, of course, you do have the gear. If so, then go for it.
  
  

• Full of ideas to take your photography to the next level

  
  By on 1998-10-01
  Of the many books that purport to add compositional and other creative skills to your arsenal of photographic tools, this is the only one I have read that really delivers. Perhaps the most useful aspect of this book is that it shows how, by making one or two changes (camera angle, lens selection, time of day, etc.) the author took what would been a snapshot to a magazine cover or poster quality photo. In most cases, there are "before and after" photos for comparison, and there is always a complete but concise (and very understandable) explanation of the techniques he employed. Whether you are a beginner, or you have been doing serious amateur and professional photography for nearly forty years (as I have), I'd bet you can learn something from this book. Of three bookcases full of books on photography, this is one of the few that I consider indispensible. Highly recommended.
  
  
• Banish those ho-hum, so-so compositions.
  By on 2001-02-02
  This is the most useful photography book I have read in a long time, and I have read a lot (and taken a few pictures along the way). True this is not a general book and does not cover the basics in film, aperture and shutter speed which of course are important (after all this author has written a book on these aspects), but lets face it there are plenty of these general books around already. What this book addresses in spades is what is often lacking in some others; composition.

  If you are a beginner then this is a must read book. If you are more advanced and generally happy with your images then read this book anyway and look again. Were any of you images `ho-hum, so-so'? Need to move on to the next level?

  This is the best book on composition I have read. I believe this book has helped me and can help you improve your images no matter what level you are at. Yes, even if you are a point and shoot photographer. For me this one is a keeper. Enjoy. ASC.
  
  

• The Best of Three Books on Composition in Photography
  By on 2001-09-18
  As an intermediate amateur photographer, I compared this book with "Photographic Composition" by Tom Grill and Mark Scanlon, and "Photography and the Art of Seeing" by Freeman Patterson. I liked this book the best of the three. The biggest advantage over the other two books was Peterson's pairing of "bad" and "good" photos of the same subject. For example, just changing time of day (pp.130-137) can make a big difference in the quality of light in a photo. (I disagree with the November 12, 1999, review here; many shots were improved by methods other than "another lens." I also disagree with the November 23, 2000, review, in that Peterson tells you exactly what is wrong with the "bad" photos.) Although almost all the example photos are saturated and contrasty, a few have a limited "pastel" color palette (e.g., pp. 59 & 107) for those who prefer such a style. Hey, buy all three books at Amazon.com!
  
  
• Worth every penny...Bryan you did it again
  By A27LFCATVC5UBP on 2005-10-12
  After reading Bryan's book Exposure, I couldn't wait to read this one and he didn't disappoint. This is an excellent book for beginners (and a refresher for more advanced).
  
  I really like the presentation of the "average" picture along side his view of how the picture should have been shot. His clear text with specific insights was excellent. The exercises were useful in conveying his points.
  
  For the beginner, I would purchase Exposure along with this book. For the intermediate, I believe it is still worth the price. Of all the photographic books I have read (most written for a more seasoned photographer), his simple approach was refreshing and helpful. I believe that my recent work has improved due to his suggestions. Thanks Bryan...keep writing!
  
  
  
• Change Your Perspective and Start Taking Dynamic Pictures
  By A3OU7B1W9Y3JBH on 2003-06-18
  I have to admit, this is the first photography book that I've actually read from cover to cover. Each chapter contains valuable information that teaches the reader to shift their perspetive and see the world differently.

  As a student photographer I constantly struggle with the mistaken assumption that I have to have something of value to photograph or that every picture I take has to be of something momentous. Not so. With this book I learned that I can look at a field of flowers along the side of the road and by simply "flopping down on my belly" see the world from an different perspective. This is what the author teaches. How to shift your view of the world around you and find true inspiration in the common and ordinary.

  The author teaches when to use a telephoto and when to use a wide angle lens and also talks about the usefulness of the much maligned 50mm lens. The reader also learns how to incorporate color into photographs, how to interpert and accomodate line, form and texture.

  The sample photographs are in full color and provide the reader with examples that illustrate the lessons beautifully.

  One word of caution, if you're looking for a book that discusses the more technical aspects of photography such as apeture, shutter speed or depth of field charts, this is not the book for you. This books assumes you have a basic working knowledge of photography and is written to take you to the next level beyond the fundamentals of photography.

  I highly recommend this book. It has helped me tremendously. Now I look for reasons to go out and shoot and no longer bemoan the lack of subject matter. The world has opened up and my photographs have definitely improved.
  
  

• "An Introduction to" ...Learning to Seeing Creatively
  By AUOW3IF0NYG74 on 2000-11-24
  Maybe I should attribute some blame to myself first for assuming that this book would deliver some "creative" ideas and criticism for composing photographs. Although an amateur photographer (advanced with a focus on landscape) I feel that I already have a strong grasp of basic photographic composition concepts.

  In purchasing this book I was looking for the type of compositional analysis that critiques "good" photos with a view to making them "great" photos. In this book the author certainly does not stimulate anything (for me at least) beyond moving from taking "snap-shots" to taking a basic composed "photograph".

  A useful introductory book but certainly not what I could term useful for the advanced; amateur or professional.
  
  

• Chiken Soup for the Photographer's Soul !!
  By A1NZQWZDEYZRGQ on 2001-07-01
  I bought this book expecting to see rules of composition.Apart from one reference to the rule of thirds, I did not find anything. But I did find something else - "The art of looking at the picture through the viewfinder". As I had gotten into using more complex, advanced equipment, I had started looking at the picture instead of seeing. This book will make you think before you take your photographs. Most of the photographs in the book made me marvel at the guy's composition skills..even envy. But now when I take my pictures, some of the pictures from the book come to my mind, and I re-evaluate my composition. If this happens to you...youre well on your way to taking great pictures. The section on exposure is nice. The book is worth every cent you pay for it.
  
  
• Can turn (almost) anyone into a pro.
  By A2UXS5AEDWJEMB on 2002-10-28
  I should know, as it did for me.

  If you're prepared to put the time in and study study study
  these pictures, then go out and shoot shoot shoot literally
  thousands of photographs (I shot 5,000+ in my first year),
  then accurately anaylze what you are doing right, you WILL
  improve.

  If you think one quick read is all you need then you're
  deluding yourself. Instant mastery is a joke and you'd
  be foolish to look for quick fixes.

  But for a SOLID grounding in what works and what doesn't,
  you can't beat this book.

  You may also want to investigate "The Art of Black and
  White Photography " by John Garrett.

  But most of all, shoot away.

  
  
  

• Teaching creativity?
  By on 2002-07-09
  I purchased this book, only to realize that all the writer can do is teach you his style. It does show you the difference between snap shots and decent photographs. The key lesson in the book is to look for an unusual angle. Differentiate your pictures from snapshots.

  A Photography student would be better off, looking at every picture you see, and try to learn from it. Experiment, and join your local Photography club. You will learn a lot more at the club than any book can teach you -- assuming you already understand the Basics. To Learn the Basics get the National Geographic Field Guide.

  Look at this book in the library. 5 minutes is all you need with it.
  
  

• revolutionize your photography
  By A1119DZ07ZNTIN on 2006-05-21
  a cousin recommended this book to me a long time ago so i went and bought it. hands down, this book helped me improve my shooting DRASTICALLY. it teaches you to answer the questions "what is it about this scene that i want to express?" and "how can i convey that feeling/idea in a photo?". these may sound like simple questions but you really have to step away from the normal way of seeing things in order to take great photos.
  
  the principles in this book apply not only to photography, but to any art form where an understanding of visual principles applies: graphic design, painting, drawing, etc. this book is a great primer on visual literacy.
  
  peterson helps you to compose a photo based on its intended effect by providing a pair of photos for each idea that he is trying to explain: one of the photos is taken without giving much thought (a snapshot, if you will) and the other is taken after peterson addressed the questions above (what do i want to express? how can i translate that to a photo?). he uses the "pair method" to illustrate topics like form, shape, color, perspective, and a variety of others.
  
  i just couldn't put this book down. and i'm not kidding when i say it improved my photography drastically. do yourself a favor and buy this book.
  
  
• Very Good Presentation of Techniques
  By A3QC533RQ1X3ZV on 2002-06-03
  I have read a few books on compositions. What makes this one standout is the way Bryan illustrates his technique. In each chapter, he first defines each concept clearly, then he uses pictures and the related comments to demonstrate the point. Combining all the chapters, it is a complete approach to composition. He always includes a "big picture" shot to go with the sample picture to demonstrate the different the technique makes. By doing so, it also demonstrates how to use photography telling a story.
  The focus is on building and fixed subject. The tonal contrast bit could be better. Also no mentioning of layering (maybe by design). These are very minor gipes.
  The book is very easy to read and understand. It has a lot of beautiful pictures of Oregon. Hey, he has made power lines looking good (in picture anyway)! Highly recommended for beginner and intermediate photographer.
  
  
• Food for thought
  By A3OH101U0CPUC7 on 2007-03-30
  In one sense, this book is doomed to fail at its goal before you read a single page. It simply isn't possible to give someone information that allows them to always see the best composition for a photo no matter where they are or what the subject is. There are so many unique situations in photography and so many variables that come into play that it is impossible to cover them all with rules or guidelines that would turn a poor photographer into a great one.
  
  At the same time, it is possible to discuss the basic components of photographic design in a way that stimulates the reader to ponder new possibilities when shooting. This is what Bryan Peterson does in this book and he does it well. He covers line, shape, form, texture, pattern, and color individually and shows photos that highlight the use of each one. He then moves on to a more general discussion about composition as well as the various sources and qualities of light. Throughout all of these chapters, the photos that illustrate his points are uniformly excellent.
  
  Overall, Mr. Peterson has done a good job covering a very difficult topic. For a beginning photographer, it would be especially useful as a tool to help see scenes in a new way.
  
  
• Another wise teacher!
  By A2NW9OQG898MF3 on 2004-08-03
  After thoroughly enjoyed all of Mr. John Shaw's books, I was very moved by Mr. Peterson's Learning to See Creatively. I did not expect to have another teacher who would be so thorough, open, and wise. Not only has Mr. Peterson guided me to his doorstep and invited me to see what he had seen, he also hintly pointed his fingers at things that I might to want to see and enjoy for myself. If Mr. Shaw was a teacher with a lecture-and-assignment style, Mr. Peterson would be a teacher who was more likely to stand beside his student and share a moment of learning together.
  
  This is a book which has inspired me to learn more about line, shape, color, composition, light, etc. In other words, it has truely expanded my vision. And expanded vision helps not only in the pictures I am taking, but also my appreciation of things and people around me.
  
  I highly recommend this book -- not as a definitive guide to seeing, but as a starting point for our own journey to seeing and understanding.
  
  
• THE book for beginners
  By APVFH1H5CKA61 on 2004-10-03
  If you're new to photography and want to be serious about it, this and Bryan Peterson's other book, Understanding Exposure are must read. While Understanding Exposure teaches you technical side of photography, this book helps you training yourself to see the world as a photographer. After reading this book, I've learned that there're so many photographic chances around me that I totally missed out. This book will open your eyes.
  
  
• Eye opening
  By AXNKQJEA1GFVI on 2007-01-12
  This book is a most effective tool in learning to see for two reasons. The photos used for each principle contrast a less well created example with an excellent example of the principle being presented. To that is added short and to the point text to assist the observer in grasping the concept. I would highly recommend the book to artists in general as well as photographers.
  
  
• Comprehensive and Easy To Understand
  By on 1998-10-31
  This book is extremely well written and easy to comprehend. Peterson has, through excellent photographic examples, shown the reader how to look at their subjects with an entirely different perspective. He shows his techniques through pictures of the same subject taken with a "different point of view", and points out what is right and what could be improved upon, and how.

  I would highly recomend this publication to anyone who is serious about improving the quality and content of their pictures.
  
  

• Bryan Peterson is a mensch!
  By A1LL00VFPJS8DO on 2007-01-18
  Thank you, Bryan, for yet another gem of a book--Learning to see Creatively is so helpful, and it's not simply about photographic composition. Bryan teaches about the relationship of color to the feeling of a scene, how form and shape can be looked at in other ways to come up with more creative photos, etc, etc. The book is packed with helpful tips, ideas, exercises and of course, Bryan's lovely photos as examples.
  
  
• Great book
  By A22LQDF73ZCNWV on 2007-01-23
  Bryan does an amazing job of not just showing you great pictures, but also how he achieved them (Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO) Bryan's photos are fantastic and he has a great writing style. A must for all photographers that are looking to take the pictures to the next level.
  
  
• A must have book for reference, learning and enjoyment!
  By A3W4SBZ8JXVV3J on 2004-02-09
  I own the previous edition of this book, so I waited with anxious expectation for its revision. This is more than a revision, it's a brand new book, a necessary addition to the theory and practice of implementing creative vision in making photographs. I recommend this book to all who wish to receive inspiration and mentoring in realizing their own creative vision in photography and even general artistic picture making. The text is written in Bryan Peterson's inimitable down to earth, friendly yet knowledgeable style. The photographs are truly inspirational. This book is a keeper!
  
  
• Maybe not the most comprehensive, but a good start
  By A1QJ10LEINDRWW on 2006-03-01
  I was looking for a book to expand my photographic vision and this book has done the trick. I find myself looking for photographs in a different way after reading this book.
  
  It is an easy quick read. There are lot's of examples and in most cases the example photographs reinforce the topic being covered. The topics are presented in "bite size" chunks and are easy to understand.
  
  The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because I felt there could be more exercises in the book. Some topics have things to try with your camera but I felt that there should be more of this type instruction.
  
  If you are an advanced photographer, this book may not be detailed enough for you. However if you are an beginner or intermediate and are looking to improve your photos, this book probabaly will help you. It has helped me.
  
  
• The marriage of science and art
  By A3D23632SVL1IF on 2006-07-03
  I always struggle with photography as my mind visualizes a photo I would like to take but my limited knowledge of the physics of light does not allow me to accomplish what I want to do. For the longest time I did what I am sure many others did, they took lots of pictures by trial and error. Even when I had success I was never sure why. I definitely could not recreate that success or explain to someone why it happened the way it did. Finally this year I decided to do something about it and try to learn what makes a good photograph. I have purchased several books on lighting and exposure and I am getting a better grasp on how they interact. But the technical side was only part of the equation I also wanted to open up my creative side. Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color & Composition in Photography by Bryan Peterson is helping me to delve into this more seriously. His writing style and examples have helped me to think more as an artist and less as someone who merely points and shoots. What I have noticed is that after reading this book I look at things differently and I appreciate the beauty around me more than I did when I was focused strictly on the science of taking pictures. Finally I am starting to understand what my style is and I can develop that creatively. If you find yourself wanting to go a different direction with your photos and not sure what the first step should be, I suggest picking up this book and hopefully you too will begin to see interesting and beautiful subjects for your photos that give depth and dimension to your pictures.
  
  
• Enjoyable reading...
  By AQW0BN3K4P9VI on 2006-08-04
  and does help to change the way we see. The excercises suggested are awesome to do. The photographs offered impressive. Best suggestion: Do the excersises. (We do learn by doing). I read and did and my vision was expanded. (Never had I considered taking a photograph for texture!) Of the photography books I have thus far this is one of the best.
  
  
• Absolutely worth it!
  By AFKRF79SLNDV8 on 2007-06-20
  I've been shooting for a few years now and felt I needed something to take me to the next step. While this isn't a 100% solution to that problem it definitely is a huge step in the right direction. This book has opened my thinking to different ways of composing, and in general really helped me to see the bigger picture while shooting. All of the 100+ photos in the book give the details of the exposure which is a huge help in and of itself.
  
  Highly recommended for the avid hobbyist to semi pro and even down to the mom or regular guy/girl who just want to take better pictures.
  
  
• Great !
  By A32X9AR0IA2JQB on 2000-04-13
  A Great book ! I'm travelling a lot. Always, I take my Leica M6 with me. I founded this book great ! Many different photographic areas are discussed (from landscapes to people, etc...) Full of very comprehensive pictures, it really shows you how to get, simply better pictures ! Lots of great examples showing how you can archive a lot more of your current work, just by simple things : kneeling down, "looking to the things just in a different way".... Superb and very useful !

  (PS : sorry, for my bad english, it's not my motherlanguage !)
  
  

• Some tips and some photos
  By A2UPITM9DPDGZV on 2006-04-09
  I would not say that this book will teach you composition in photography. All through the book, there are a lot of tips and tricks, and examples of how to use them, but there is not information about why things are one way or another.
  If you already has some knowledge about composition and want to see a lot of good examples, and some tips especific to photography, this is your book. If you want to learn about composition in a more theoretic way, in order to build your own "view", you should start with another book.
  
  
• Well done
  By A2G5RPWV2RH27D on 2007-03-29
  I've enjoyed all 4 of his books that I've read. This is geared toward amateurs and has some great ideas on how and why to take photographs that I learned alot from. Written in the author's usual easy to understand style interspersed with humor. Well worth it.
  
  

• Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition)
• The Digital Photography Book
• Beyond Portraiture: Creative People Photography
• Understanding Shutter Speed: Creative Action and Low-Light Photography Beyond 1/125 Second
• The Digital Photography Book, Volume 2