Originally published in 1994 and first revised in 2010, The Art of Photography has sold well over 100,000 copies and has firmly established itself as the most readable, understandable, and complete textbook on photography. Featuring nearly 200 beautiful photographs in both black-and-white and color, as well as numerous charts, graphs, and tables, this book presents the world of photography to beginner, intermediate, and advanced photographers who seek to make a personal statement through the medium of photography.
Renowned photographer, teacher, and author Bruce Barnbaum presents how-to techniques for both traditional and digital approaches. Barnbaum goes well beyond the technical, as he delves deeply into the philosophical, expressive, and creative aspects of photography so often avoided in other books.
About the Author
Bruce Barnbaum, of Granite Falls, WA, began photography as a hobbyist in the 1960s, and after four and a half decades, it is still his hobby. Photography has also been his life's work for the past 45 years. Bruce's educational background includes Bachelor's and Master's degrees in mathematics from UCLA. After working for several years as a mathematical analyst and computer programmer for missile guidance systems, he abruptly left the field and turned to photography. Bruce is recognized as one of the finest darkroom printers on this planet for his exceptional black-and-white work. He understands light to an extent rarely found and combines this understanding with mastery of composition, applying his knowledge to an extraordinarily wide range of subject matter. Bruce has authored several books that have become classics. The first edition of The Art of Photography: An Approach to Personal Expression was released in 2010 by Rocky Nook.
Industry Reviews
An amazing book on the art of photography. It challenges one's personal focus and passion about practicing one's own art - be it photography or in some other medium. Patsy R. Richardson, Amazon.com
Barnbaum is successful in bringing the title to reality for the conscientious student: when a person with a camera can express themselves with their work and truly communicate with the viewer, he or she will have discovered The Art of Photography. Frank Etier, Technorati Media
Bruce Barnbaum's The Art of Photogrpahy is the best book I've read in over 40 years of reading about photography. Bruce Barnbaum goes further and deeper into explaining the intangibles that make a great photograph than anyone else ever has. If you want to learn how to create powerful photographs instead of just snapping away and hoping something turns out later in your computer, this is the one book you must read. ...It is the best book for people willing to invest the time and effort demanded to create brilliant photographs. Ken Rockwell
I would urge every photographer who sees himself or herself as more than a technician but as an artist to devour this book and immerse oneself in what it is trying to communicate and think about it. It really will help you see like you never have before. Walter Pike, Amazon.com
If you would like to find a book that will take you into a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of what makes for a great photograph then this book does that and more. Lloyd M. Bentsen, Amazon.com
The reader, whether a beginning film photographer, a digital photographer, or an advanced photographer who has begun the intense analysis of their work in their attempt to move from technical competence to truly artistic vision, will find something of value in this volume. I found it a seriously interesting read with parts I kept returning to after some thought on the processes discussed. Michael N. Roach, DigitalAppleJuice.com
The Art of Photography is a must-have book for any photographer, whether starting out or veteran. It certainly is a must for photographers who have never shot with film. The book discusses everything there is to know, from technical to art related. ...[It] is a book that makes you think. ...every serious photographer who isn't afraid to question his own skills should buy and read this book. Erik Vleitnch, IT Enquirer
There are many ways to improve your photography. Most take years and many are hit-or-miss. If you want to move quickly to the front of the class, you'd do well to spend some time with this newest release from Bruce Barnbaum. Having spent years combing through photo books at the Cleveland Public Library back in the 80's, I wish this one had been there when I started. ...I can't tell the number of people I know who could have been great photographers, but thought they needed to be something they were not. If you internalize most of this book, you'll have the best style of all..."someone who just takes really good photos." Doug Bardwell, Examiner.com
This book has made me a better artist. Mr. Barnbaum, I will be forever in your debt. This book almost immediately made me a true artist who can now consistently and deliberately create the exact message I want to communicate. Andrew M., Amazon.com
