So you guys know that I like to pretend to be a photographer from time to time. My camera has been my best friend and constant companion, long before I met my husband and had our kiddos. Yeah.. we have some history, cameras and I.
One of my GREATEST faults when it comes to photography is that I learn just barely enough to squeak by and get the photos I want, and then I stop there. I wait until I am painfully deficient in an area for a shot that I want till begrudgingly look into how to achieve the look I want. I am far to embarrassed to say how long it took for me to learn to use an external flash, shoot in raw, experiment with exposure and so on and so on.
One of the things on my neverending to do list is to set aside some time to becoming a better photographer. That’s why this book struck my fancy. Sooooo… lets have a look-see!
About the Book
Description of the book from Amazon.com (click here to view or buy!):
Turn everyday photos into stunning works of art, with this essential guide to photography
Featuring gorgeous phographs takn by the members the photography industry’s largest social network of female photographers, Clickin Moms, this accessible and gift-worthy guide provides both the inspiration and skills every photographer needs to capture life’s beautiful moments as frameable pieces of art—from breakfasts to birthday parties and first steps to first days of school.
With big, bold images paired with short, easy-to-follow tips progressing from elementary to advanced, this book is perfect for amateurs and professionals alike, covering equipment, composition, posing, low light, natural light, black and white, still life, and lifestyle photography. Assignments for experimenting with lighting and shooting locations round out the chapters, and advice based on photographs from over 100 contributors include these priceless suggestions:
• Channel the old masters—painters such as Rembrandt and DaVinci are great inspiration
• Anticipate emotion—watch for laughter and surprise
• Embrace harsh lighting, backlighting, dappled sunlight and shade and use them to your advantage
• Emphasize texture and seek out patterns—repetition can be striking and bold
• Shoot from unexpected angles—sometimes the best shot is from below, behind, or above
Clickin Moms is contributing 100 percent of the royalties from Capture the Moment to the Ronald McDonald House, which provides accommodation for the families of seriously ill or injured children near the facility where a child is hospitalized.
My Thoughts on the Book
So this book isn’t really a book book, so much as it’s a picture book. There juuuust enough text to convey a thought, or a concept, and then they pretty much let you go, delightfully bombarding you with gorgeous photos and inspiration oozing out of every page.
So this book is basically divided into six chapters, each one focused on a different aspect of photography: Natural Light, Composition, Storytelling, Fine Art, Black & White and Low Light. Each page features a photography tip (whether artistic or technical) paired with an image that has utilized that tip. Next to each photo you can find the photographer’s name, the type of camera used, and the lens aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. The photos are so captivating that you can just stare and stare at them.. in fact, my toddler who is very much in the ogling at other tiny people stage spent HOURS thumbing through this book with me!
I personally love the idea of a short amount of text / info / advice placed directly across from the photo that illustrates the point. Simple, short and effective! Of course, some of the photographs used were not really the best example of the tip being given. But it was still enlightening and educational nonetheless.
Overall, the book is more a list of tips and tricks as opposed to a technical or instructional manual. I especially enjoyed the creativity exercises found at the end of each chapter – usually three or four, with chapter recaps and summaries.
I actually had fun trying out some of the tips in the book! Here are just a few of the images I created after taking up the book on its challenges!
Gingi, your pictures turned out beautifully… I’ve always wanted to take better pictures but I’ve never put the effort in… I guess I don’t have a passion but it’s never too late to learn xox ♡
Awww, thank you Launna! And its NEVER too late to learn! You should take some pix sometime! Id love to see how you view the world!!
I like the idea of a book of tips + tricks vs. a mass of text to read! Like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words! :]!
Exactly!! I learned more from it than if it had tons of text! <3
There is no pretending girl, you are a gifted photographer! I need this book!
Awww, thank you Jen! I need to remember that I need to always keep learning and growing! (In all areas, for that matter, haha!)
I honestly believe, EVERY SINGLE PHOTO taken, by anyone, is a work of art. There is no true definition to be honest- just like beauty, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I can VERY MUCH agree with this statement!!! <3
I really love how your photos turn out, they are so beautiful! Looks like the book has really inspired you, thanks for sharing!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
Thanks sweetie! <3
I don’t know so much about you liking to PRETEND to be a photographer, from where I am sitting you ARE a photographer and a good one at that.
Lovely photos, thank you for sharing.
Awww thank you! I get so insecure when it comes to my photography sometimes, haha..
You don’t PRETEND to be a photographer, friend. You ARE one! I always look forward to savoring your captured images.
I’m sure that Christmas will bring you more opportunities to soak in the memories! Happy, happy …
I am sooooo excited to take Christmas photos with my little ones!! <3 <3
Beautiful photos! 🙂
ARedLip&Love
<3
You are not pretending to be a photographer, my dear!
I love that the book tells settings and camera/lens info. It’s fun to see how everyone does what they do.
Thats a huge compliment coming from one of my favorite blogger photographers!
Love your pics and now I want to check out this book for myself, too!! 🙂
You should, you would love it! <3
I think the biggest “tip” is having a great eye, like you do! That one with the baby and the lights is so terrific!! I’m afraid I’m no good at photography. Fortunately, my brother in law is very good, so whenever we have a family event, we get great photos:)
Yeah, the twinkly lights one is my favorite!! <3
Oh wow, that last picture with the lights is beautiful! i like the idea of a tip book that doesn’t bombard you with too much text either. That would just confuse me more. hah I need to get a nicer camera!
You should! You will NOT regret it! Photography is so fun and addicting with a good SLR!
I fail at photography – it is so not my thing and am always extremely envious of those who are good with a lens and a shutter! As YOU are!
You should give it another try!! Its so fun!
Thanks for the review, sounds like a book I might be interested in with exercises and examples. I have a few technical books, but just have not gotten into them.
Yeah, techie books lose me too…
Love your pictures! That last one is so magical 🙂
Awww, thank you! That one is my favorite!
very nice book sweetie
I wish you an happy day
a big kiss
<<< fashion blogger >>>
These photos are so sweet and lovely!
Danika Maia
http://www.danikamaia.com/holidazed
http://www.instagram.com/danikamaia
Looks like a good read, dear! The kid is so adorable! xoxo
Awww, thank you! <3
ooh i absolutely love this 🙂 have an amazing day!
mfashionfreak♥blog
beautiful photos, the model more beautiful
I tend to agree!! <3 <3
I absolutely love the last photo, the light is so soft and the colors are wonderful! I really need this book in my life and we still have a looot to learn with my husband when it comes to my blog photos)) Thanks for sharing!
Yeah, all of those photos were under the lighting challenge! <3
Gingi, your photos turned wonderful! They actually even give me certain inspiration to try a shoot with our little one. 🙂 I love the vibe of #2 btw!!
Ira / JOURNAL OF STYLE / BLOGLOVIN
Awww, thank you! Be sure to share your photos, I would love to see!!
Just love your pics …
All the best Jan
Take Two !
Just love your pics – AND – you’ve captured the moment perfectly
All the best Jan
Those pictures you took look fantastic. I also usually wait to learn things until I have to!