Book Review Summary: Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera
Introduction
"Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera" by Bryan Peterson is a highly recommended photography book that provides a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of exposure. Peterson, a full-time commercial photographer and author of several best-selling photography books, presents a revised edition of this classic book that features over 100 comparison pictures to illustrate every point. In this book, Peterson emphasizes the importance of metering the subject for a starting exposure and then explains how to use various exposure meters and different kinds of lighting. He delves into each element of exposure, such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, and explores how they relate to depth of field, freezing and blurring action, and shooting in low light or at night. Additionally, he covers special techniques like deliberate under- and overexposures, how to produce double exposures, bracketing, shooting the moon, and the use of filters. Peterson's writing style is engaging and entertaining, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced photographers.
About Bryan Peterson
Bryan F. Peterson is a full-time commercial photographer and author who has been in the industry for over 30 years. He has shot assignments for numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Kodak, UPS, and American Express. Peterson is also a contract stock photographer for Corbis and Getty Images, and he has been a contributing editor at Outdoor Photographer Magazine. He is known for his best-selling photography books, including "Understanding Exposure," "Understanding Shutter Speed," "Learning to See Creatively," and "Beyond Portraits." Peterson is also the founder and instructor at the world's number one online photography school, PPSOP (Photography Program for Serious Photographers Online).
Analysis of Views
- Comprehensive Guide: Readers appreciate the book's comprehensive approach to understanding exposure. Peterson covers various aspects of exposure, such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, depth of field, light metering, and special techniques. The inclusion of over 100 comparison pictures helps readers visualize the concepts and apply them to their own photography.
- Engaging Writing Style: Many readers praise Peterson's writing style, describing it as engaging, entertaining, and accessible. His use of analogies and metaphors makes complex concepts easier to understand. He also incorporates humor throughout the book, adding a lighthearted touch to the subject matter.
- Practical Applications: Readers find that the book provides practical applications for improving their photography skills. Peterson emphasizes the importance of understanding exposure in order to make creative decisions as a photographer. He encourages readers to experiment with different settings and techniques to achieve their desired results.
- Beginner-Friendly: The book is suitable for both beginners and experienced photographers. Beginners appreciate the clear explanations and examples provided by Peterson, while experienced photographers find value in the book's insights into advanced exposure techniques.
- Outdated Content: Some readers note that the book's content may feel outdated due to its focus on film photography. While Peterson acknowledges the shift towards digital photography, he still emphasizes film as a viable option for creative expression. This may not resonate with readers who primarily work with digital cameras.
Reasons for Recommendation
- Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers a wide range of topics related to exposure, making it a valuable resource for photographers of all skill levels. The inclusion of over 100 comparison pictures helps readers visualize the concepts and apply them to their own photography.
- Engaging Writing Style: Peterson's writing style is praised for its engagement and entertainment value. His use of analogies and metaphors makes complex concepts easier to understand, while his humor adds a lighthearted touch to the subject matter.
- Practical Applications: Readers appreciate the practical applications provided by Peterson. He encourages readers to experiment with different settings and techniques to achieve their desired results, making the book applicable to real-world photography situations.
Reasons for Not Recommendation
- Outdated Content: Some readers find the book's focus on film photography outdated and may prefer resources that specifically address digital photography techniques. While Peterson acknowledges the shift towards digital cameras, he still emphasizes film as a viable option for creative expression.
- Limited Applicability: The book's emphasis on film photography may limit its applicability for readers who primarily work with digital cameras. While the concepts discussed in the book are relevant to both film and digital photography, some readers may find the focus on film limiting in today's digital landscape.
Conclusion
"Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera" by Bryan Peterson is a highly recommended photography book that provides comprehensive coverage of exposure techniques. Peterson's engaging writing style and practical applications make it accessible to both beginners and experienced photographers alike. While some readers may find the focus on film photography outdated or limited in applicability, overall, the book offers valuable insights into mastering the art of exposure in both film and digital photography.