Photographically Speaking: A Deeper Look at Creating Stronger Images (Voices That Matter)

I have read a multiple of other books that claim to accomplish what David duChemin has done in this book. Unfortunately, they have IMO all failed and I hope that other accomplished teachers of photography are inspired by what David has done here and will write their own conceptually similar books.This book can be divided into two parts; the first two-thirds are educational in a general sense in discussing various aspects of a photograph, the types of decisions that are made when capturing an image, why some options may be better than others and in helping us to have a language / vocabulary to critically discuss an image. The information that David teaches in these first two-thirds is necessary (and worthwhile) for the final third of this book.The final third of this book presents twenty images and then spends a few pages on each analyzing them. David explains in depth how he thinks the images work and various issues surrounding his decisions in creating the images in the way he has. He is also not above being critical of his own images at times.I have read a multiple of books where a photographer might comment on their own images in what they think is an educational manner and I've also read books where a multiple of photographers will comment on each others images (also in a way that they think is educational). All of these books fall woefully short of David's. The commentary and analysis in these books is usually extremely brief (relative to David's book), not necessarily useful or actionable, not relevant to the education process (nice side/back stories), much too superficial and amazingly polite (the authors are friends and wish to stay that way).If you have ever taken a photography workshop (or class) where the instructor (and other students sometimes) will critique one's work during an image review session then you know that this is sometimes one of the most valuable parts of a workshop. While every teacher is not the most incisive, knowledgeable or articulate teacher, many are and are worth listening to (even if you don't agree with them 100% of the time). This book is the only book (in the final third of it) I've seen which begins to compare to this experience.I don't agree with everything that David has written and I am not saying that I think every single image in his book is stupendously amazing (they're quite good!!). What I am saying is that I think what he has written is quite worthwhile and is an excellent and a useful educational experience for photographers (of all levels - the back of the book says "intermediate / advanced" and its categorization is probably worthwhile).There are plenty of great photographers that one can easily name whose work you or I might admire. I would love to hear / read an in-depth critical analysis about why their (or others) images work (or don't work) and the various creative decisions that went into making them. Anyone who calls them-self a photographer (amateur or advanced) is faced with these same decisions and improving our ability to make them is what we all strive for (or so I perceive) if we wish to improve our work. David's book (the final third in particular) helps us along in this direction.A final note; I've repeatedly harped on the value of the last third of this book. I wish to add that I liked the first two-thirds of the book as well and also thought them to be valuable and worthwhile in and of themselves. I do NOT recommend skipping them if you read this book as they set one up for fully appreciating the last third of the book. I have harped on the last third because it truly stands out from the field (compared with other books). Highly recommended!

In "Photographically Speaking", David duChemin sets out to explain how to 'read' a photograph so that one can understand what makes a photograph successful. As with other books from duChemin, the writing and ideas are exceptionally clear and thoughtful, and there are many excellent photographs to illustrate concepts described in the text.The book is divided into three parts. In part one, duChemin recaps ideas presented in "Within the Frame" about vision/intent, and provides a framework for understanding photographs. There are some great insights into how to think about photographs. The reader is encouraged to think about the meaning of a photograph and how the message, elements, and composition work together to make the image successful.Part two is entitled "visual language", and is what most people would think of as "composition". Other books I have read on composition are usually dry and technical, describing elements of visual design but doing little to help explain how these elements are used and what they communicate. I found duChemin's treatment of familiar topics like lines, colour, light, etc to be refreshing and more meaningful than many other books on composition. Instead of just describing the theory, practical aspects of each topic are discussed, and there are a handful of useful exercises in this section to help reinforce the ideas.The last section presents 20 of duChemn's photographs, and provides David's own commentary about these images. Each image is carefully dissected by examining the different elements and choices made in the photograph, such as the framing, lines, lighting, optics, etc. Whether or not you agree with all of the assessments duChemin makes, the thinking behind the image is instructive to examine. I particularly enjoyed reading and following along with his analysis, and comparing this with my own thoughts.I found the depth of analysis in this section is a deeper than books like Barr's "Why Photographs Work", and the style is different, but both are useful as instructional tools. One thing I liked better about Barr's book is that there is a greater diversity of images, whereas duChemin exclusively uses his own (many of which long-time readers of duChemin will have already seen in the past). I also found a lot of the analysis in this part focused on the elements and decisions, and less on the overall 'message' of the image and how well it was conveyed. I would have liked to see more discussion, for example, on how a mood was portrayed, and which elements contributed to it. A lot of discussion instead focused on things like lines and framing, and how those elements 'lead the eye', and less on how those things communicated some aspect of the message in the image.If you've been looking for books on composition, but have been disappointed by the results, this book is an excellent choice to introduce you to the ideas in a practical and meaningful way, and goes well beyond just the raw technical aspects of each concept. As with other books from duChemin, this book does not disappoint, and I can easily recommend this one as well as his other books in the same series.

Love this book -- perfect for anyone who already understands exposure. It's about creating images with intent and meaning, using the visual language of photography. He breaks down that visual language -- compositional elements (line, repetition/pattern, contrast, color, light, etc...) as well as placement of the subject in the image, focus, exposure (briefly discussed, an understanding of exposure is assumed) etc.... And the book is beautifully illustrated with Duchemin's work, and it is really valuable to see how his images change depending on the different decisions he makes -- point of view, composition, depth of field, etc...And the analysis of the images in the last part of the book is so interesting. I totally agree with his philosophy that analyzing why pictures speak to you or move you is a good way to influence the types of images you take, whether that is consciously or subconsciously.Anyway, I highly recommend this book.

One of many of his books I have read. As usual sweet and to the point. Get his Lightroom book, also. Probably the best short and sweet and to the real point book on a software there is. His e-mag is great go to his web site. This book centers more around the why and less on the how (i.e. mechanics) it is more spiritually centered as opposed to the technical. Technical books are easy to write, heck I teach photography the technical is the easy stuff to teach. Digging down inside the psyche to create an image which reflects you vision now that is the hard stuff. Read duChemin, I just wish I could pronounce his name correctly.Michael,Houston, TX y2photo.net

Have been slowly digesting this book, and really enjoying it. Looking at the contents page before I bought it, the material seemed quite similar to a lot of other books on composition, covering rule of thirds, leading lines etc. However, what makes this book far more useful that certain others I have read is that it goes into more detail about why certain things work. It is also illustrated with some really good photos, which certainly gives you more confidence that the author knows what they are talking about. The message throughout the book is that good photos come from really thinking about what you want to include in the shot and why, and the final section of the book consists of 20 of the authors best shots with a detailed examination of why he thinks each one worked. Definitely a book I will read more than once.

Good book if you really want to learn photography with simple and powerfull images

Normally I only buy this type of book as a hard copy but I opted to have it downloaded as I have an IPad and Kindle app and I was able to sample the quality. This book is fab for gaining inspiration and developing your creativity. The images are great even on an IPad and I thoroughly recommend this to any photographer who needs to develop his or her creative base.

A thoughtful and intelligent analysis of the art of photography. One of the best books I have found on the subject that draws interesting analogies with other art forms.

Good reading and examples here