NL
|
To pick up on the previous poster's idea, I have another heresy or not:
In my opinion none of these titles belongs in a forum aimed at those who are New to Photography. In fact, one of the reviews on Amazon for Art of Photography is titled "Taking Your Photography to the Next Level." In my opinion, that's what all of these books do, even Understanding Exposure.
I think Understanding Exposure in particular is an outstanding book, and if you already know how to use your camera well enough to get shots out of it that you like, on a regular basis, then it really IS amazing for learning photography.
In the "old days," newbie photographers learned both at the same time, from a course instructor, parent, friend. These days are different, with most folks consulting forums like this one are teaching themselves. Enthusiastic newbies like I was will go through a book like this one far too quickly. We're forced to go through a book like "How to use your D5100" as slowly or as quickly as is appropriate for our particular skill level, because you can't learn how to put the battery in and attach a lens without, well, actually putting the battery in and attaching a lens. And every time you forget you are shamelessly banished to the opening chapter to learn it again.
Theoretical books written for non-newbies, however, are full of, well theory. Reading Understanding Exposure too soon after you've just got your first SLR, like I did, I'd describe as something like reading a phenomenal book on mastering the techniques of dressage the day after you've met your first horse. This is the exciting stuff, easy and thrilling to rip through in a frenzy of AHA! moments. In doing so newbies absorb far too much intellectual knowledge without the discipline forced upon them of having a course instructor and/or hard deadlines on specific assignments. Newbies are eager to apply all the new knowledge in their next photo session, which IMHO and experience truly isn't the way to learn. Even worse, it most likely will get in the way of learning.
Having an instructor and/or assignments that will be evaluated on specific aspects of photography make you use your camera, a LOT, while delving deeply in practice and not merely in theory, on the various new ideas you're learning. This ups the ante on your photography learning curve by imposing invaluable muscle-memory practice, so that the ideas get into your camera skills as well as into your intellectual understanding.
Reading books is a fantastic way to learn photography without the luxury of an actual course, but then, they need to be the right books. I'd shy away from the "taking your photography to the next level" books until you have an actual "level of photography" you yourself deem worth talking about in the place.
All in all: Great books! for a different forum.
— LaDonna
_________________________________
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing Visit my Nikonians gallery.
|
