The Photographer's Eye - Michael Freeman

Here is a photography book which does not cover the technical details of photography, but the much more important topics of composition and design. I have read this book. Michael covers all aspects like frame dynamics, design basics, graphic & photographic elements, light and colour and many other topics. I especially like the Gestalt perception.

You can read a sample of the book at Amazon. Click on this link, and on the Amazon page click on ‘Click to LOOK INSIDE!’.
In the Netherlands you can buy the book at Computer Collectief and other fine book sellers.

Light - Science & Magic

One of the upcoming topics on the photo course will be how to handle contrast and light in a photo. I guess I have to brush up on my theory and re-read the book "Light - Science & Magic". This book is the classic text on photographic lighting. It covers almost everything you have to know about light:

• What is light?
• What is reflection and how do you handle it?
• Everything you need to know about surfaces
• How to reveal shape and contour
• How to photograph metal and glass
• Various lighting setups (basic, fill, hair, ...)
• Extremes - contrast handling
• Strobe lights

I especially liked the tricks on how to take photos of glass. Glass by itself is transparent and is not always clear to see. The book explains how to photograph glass against a black background. This is also known as dark-field lighting.

Recommended reading!