Please don't turn this into a negative thread. I have changed the subject line to create a new "positive and informative" discussion for those interested in furthering their knowledge of composition. I originally was going to respond to Mike's "Chicken????" request with a list of what I consider are good guidelines to follow when it comes to making an image. In the end, I decided I no longer want to carry on this discussion in its present form. (I may do something on my Web site in the future) I do, however, maintain that composition and the "making" of a photograph to be extremely useful. Therefore I thought I would list a few books that I have found very helpful in creating thoughtful, creative, artistic images.
Really the best books I have read, and can I add that most who have read them agrees, are a series of books by Canadian photographer Freeman Patterson. The first book: Photography & the art of seeing is exceptional. Some of the chapter headings: Learning to observe (thinking sideways, Exercises in chance, familiar things, Being flexible.) Learning to Imagine (The mind's eye, exercising your imagination) Abstracting and selecting Learning to Express Unique properties of photography How a camera sees space Thinking about visual design Elements of visual design: form Light, Light and shape, Light and texture, Light and line, light and perspective, perspectives and other variables Elements of visual design: colour Principals of visual design His other books include Photography for the Joy of it With chapters on Learning to see Discipline, properties of light, directions of light, exposures, sysmbols and designs Making pictures The importance of using your camera, experimenting with selective focus.... The final book (although he has others) is Photography of Natural Things This is my favourite but it's geared to those who like to make pictures in nature... Vic
