Description:
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Bruce Barnbaum, of Granite Falls, WA, entered photography as a hobbyist in the 1960s, and after four decades, it is still his hobby. It has also been his life's work for the past 30 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 has authored several books, some of which have become classics. The Art of Photography was first published in 1994 and remained in print until 2007. Bruce has been self-publishing the book ever since, but with limited distribution (until now).
Bruce is a frequent contributor to several photography magazines. His series "The Master Printing Class" is featured in each issue of Photo Techniques, and his articles are published regularly in LensWork. Through his workshops, articles, lectures, books, and innovative photography, Bruce has become a well-known and highly-respected photographer, educator, and pioneer.
Bruce is recognized as one of the finest darkroom printers on this planet, both for his exceptional black and white work, as well as for his color imagery. He understands light to an extent rarely found, and combines this understanding with a mastery of composition, applying his knowledge to an extraordinarily wide range of subject matter. His work is represented by more than ten galleries throughout the United States and Canada, and is in the collections of museums and private collectors worldwide.
Bruce has been an active environmental advocate for more than three decades, both independently and through his involvement and leadership with organizations such as the Sierra Club, the National Audubon Society, the Stillaguamish Citizens' Alliance, 1000 Friends of Washington, and the North Cascades Conservation Council.
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Very practical and pleasure to read
I suggest you read this quote first:"Whether I like or dislike the subject matter, I will not attempt to produce meaningful work with it if I am not moved by it. At best, I could produce a good but meaningless composition, much like a grammatically perfect speech that says nothing".If you agree with this, then you will enjoy reading The Art of Photography from first pages. If not, then just go to the HOW part and you won't be disapointed either.In a nutshell, Bruce Barnbaum first explains what the principle "Subject matter is a subject that matters" is all about. Then he teaches you how to express yourself "grammatically" correct.So many photography books describe such thing as composition, for instance, as some illusive matter that can only be explained in abstract terms or very basic rules and cannot be taught consistently. "You need to have a vision... You've got to learn how to see in black&white..." Stuff like that reads okey until you come across a book like The Art of Photography.This book is so concrete and practical that every paragraph teaches you something useful (I mean, really teaches you, not just tells you how important it is). It's the only book of all those I've read so far that clearly states what Composition is, what elements it consists of, and what roles each of the elements plays. The critical thing for me is that the author really guides you through this labyrinth: you can feel that his goal is to bring you to the point where you'll be able to feel comfortable in this labyrinth and navigate there alone. After reading The Art of Photography you won't miss those "Why Photographs Work" books because you will be able to see it yourself.The book is both very fundamental and simple (not simplified!): no matter how complicated the subject is, you don't have to read a paragraph twice unless you want to. Bruce Barnbaum is an amazing writer, his writing style is just as eloquent as his photography - the book is a real page turner!The book is very thought-out in the physical sense: it's a pleasure to hold and read (paper quality, fonts, color&tone choice...), and it's just so in sync with the content. Photographs inside are amazing and inspiring.PS: The Art of Photography is so beyond the "digital vs. film" hype that it will hold its value for many years. Don't be tricked by some reviews which stamp the book "Old School" only because it has chapters about the zone system, film development and printing. After all, it's a smaller part of the book and you can just skip it if you want to.
5.0 out of 5 stars This book has made me a better artist.
I'm an experienced photographer who always managed to be able to get great shots no matter what the conditions, but I always wanted to be better. At the time I purchased this fantastic treatise on personal expression I was ready to take things to the next level.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. I take about 1/10th of the photos I once did. I know where to position myself, and most of all, I know what I want to say before I say it.I rarely write Bolo reviews, though I should more often. I simply had to say something about this book. Ignore that some of this book is about film and darkroom techniques. READ THE TITLE. This is about the ART of photography, not the process or the medium involved.Mr. Barnbaum not only is a great teacher and that's obviously immensely helpful. What makes him the best I have read is that his images are phenomenal. Not only that, his images are completely different than anything you have ever seen. They will bend you as you try to understand them. Then you realize that this is what art is all about.Buy this book if:- You care about being an artist with real ability to express yourself.- You are already technically proficient and comfortable with your equipment and want to take photographs people NOTICE.- You care about being the best.Don't buy this book if:- You want to learn technical how-to information about how to formulate a particular shot (like aperture settings, etc)- You want to stay mediocre.
4.0 out of 5 stars A rigourous and very personal approach
I liked very much this book. This is a whole book on the central aspects of photography, from why-taking-pictures to how-to make-good-prints, covering both color and B&W, but more of the latter. It is not a beginner's book, but rather a guide for those who may want to go in depth into the technique and art of photography.I liked the sections about art more than those about technique, which I find too narrowly boxed in the Zone System. I know that this is a long tradition but I feel it is overstated - the zones are just a quick reference to areas in the density-exposure curve, and that's it. I find the continous references to Zone XXX quite tiresome. That said, the printing technique explanations are awesome.The book covers very well both film and digital technique; the film section (on which I feel entitled to give an opinion) is superb, especially the printing examples.I would have loved to see more on film scanning, which is not covered in nearly enough depth. I do hope that the author can make a follow-up edition once technology gets more stabilized.The picture examples are oriented towards landscape and portrait subjects; this is fine if you keep in mind that there are other subjects and styles. In any case, it is wonderful that the author is ready to comment on stellar examples of his own work. Style is personal, but techniques and concepts may be widely applied.I would also have liked to see more about composition elements, and stronger examples of how composition works (or not), since composition is a defining element of photography. But there are already good works on photographic composition. I love the author's stand on composition rules, too.On the whole I find this a very useful work. I wish I had this book available when I started on photography as a hobby, so many years ago!
Un claque!
Voilà un livre dense, bien construit, bien écrit et vraiment formateur. On y apprend plein d'astuces mais surtout une approche de la photo, personnelle à l'auteur. On comprend sa démarche et sa recherche artistique. Le principal enseignement? L'excellence ne s'obtient que par une pratique presque obsessionnelle. C'est ce qu'a fait l'auteur. Attention, une bonne partie du livre est consacré à la photo argentique... Bon à savoir, mais même en temps que "numérique pur", j'y ai trouvé du plaisir et de l'intérêt. On a aussi un sentiment de vide après lecture, tant l'ouvrage est riche de pistes... Car il faut pratiquer beaucoup pour en arriver là! Les images quand à elles sont vraiment belles. L'un de mes livres photos préférés à ce jour, en 2012.
So many "aha" moments in this book
I bought this book on a recommendation from Ken Rockwell, and I will be forever grateful that I did. This book is comprehensive, highly readable, and inclusive with something for everyone:- from those of us still shooting B&W film to those who are fully digital- from beginners to experienced photographers- from those interested in landscapes to architectural, portrait etc.The book covers the full photography "lifecycle" from visualising/shooting the photo to developing the negative/digital image to printing. It covers:- visualising the end product- composition- lighting- colour- use of filters- Ansel Adams' Zone system for film and digital (in language that I could understand, for a change)- negative development- printing your works of art- preserving them for posterity- understanding/developing your own styleSo far, this sounds a bit like dozens of other photography books out there. What makes this one different is:- the vast coverage of topics and details- his sharing of a large number of techniques which, if followed, will make you a better photographer/artist- the excellent use of photos to demonstrate the principles Bruce writes about- the ability to illustrate the integration of the photography process from the moment something catches your eye up to the moment you have the finished print- its great readability. He is able to take otherwise complex ideas and turn them into perfectly understandable onesThis book does not talk about gear, so if you're looking for information on cameras, lenses and other tools you won't find it here.I learned a lot from this book, even though I considered myself a reasonably experienced photographer. I've had so many "ooohhh, now I see" moments. I am happy to say that this is the best photography book I have ever owned. I am about to embark on my second reading, having just finished my first reading of it.
"Coração e Princípios"
Excelente livro. Voltado para o "coração e princípios" do fotógrafo. Recomendo aos que buscam essência nas fotografias! CREATIVITY AND INTEGRITY
Good book for photography
an excellent book to teach you about composition in photography and an overall good read.
Ottimo libro
Ottimo libro, ben scritto, efficace, interessante. anche se in lingua originale si capisce molto bene. consigliato a tutti gli appassionati di fotografia, principianti e non
Visit the Rocky Nook Store
The Art of Photography: An Approach to Personal Expression
AED27047
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
This item qualifies for free delivery
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Darkroom & Processing”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U1933952687
Visit the Rocky Nook Store
The Art of Photography: An Approach to Personal Expression
AED27047
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
This item qualifies for free delivery
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Bruce Barnbaum, of Granite Falls, WA, entered photography as a hobbyist in the 1960s, and after four decades, it is still his hobby. It has also been his life's work for the past 30 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 has authored several books, some of which have become classics. The Art of Photography was first published in 1994 and remained in print until 2007. Bruce has been self-publishing the book ever since, but with limited distribution (until now).
Bruce is a frequent contributor to several photography magazines. His series "The Master Printing Class" is featured in each issue of Photo Techniques, and his articles are published regularly in LensWork. Through his workshops, articles, lectures, books, and innovative photography, Bruce has become a well-known and highly-respected photographer, educator, and pioneer.
Bruce is recognized as one of the finest darkroom printers on this planet, both for his exceptional black and white work, as well as for his color imagery. He understands light to an extent rarely found, and combines this understanding with a mastery of composition, applying his knowledge to an extraordinarily wide range of subject matter. His work is represented by more than ten galleries throughout the United States and Canada, and is in the collections of museums and private collectors worldwide.
Bruce has been an active environmental advocate for more than three decades, both independently and through his involvement and leadership with organizations such as the Sierra Club, the National Audubon Society, the Stillaguamish Citizens' Alliance, 1000 Friends of Washington, and the North Cascades Conservation Council.
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Very practical and pleasure to read
I suggest you read this quote first:"Whether I like or dislike the subject matter, I will not attempt to produce meaningful work with it if I am not moved by it. At best, I could produce a good but meaningless composition, much like a grammatically perfect speech that says nothing".If you agree with this, then you will enjoy reading The Art of Photography from first pages. If not, then just go to the HOW part and you won't be disapointed either.In a nutshell, Bruce Barnbaum first explains what the principle "Subject matter is a subject that matters" is all about. Then he teaches you how to express yourself "grammatically" correct.So many photography books describe such thing as composition, for instance, as some illusive matter that can only be explained in abstract terms or very basic rules and cannot be taught consistently. "You need to have a vision... You've got to learn how to see in black&white..." Stuff like that reads okey until you come across a book like The Art of Photography.This book is so concrete and practical that every paragraph teaches you something useful (I mean, really teaches you, not just tells you how important it is). It's the only book of all those I've read so far that clearly states what Composition is, what elements it consists of, and what roles each of the elements plays. The critical thing for me is that the author really guides you through this labyrinth: you can feel that his goal is to bring you to the point where you'll be able to feel comfortable in this labyrinth and navigate there alone. After reading The Art of Photography you won't miss those "Why Photographs Work" books because you will be able to see it yourself.The book is both very fundamental and simple (not simplified!): no matter how complicated the subject is, you don't have to read a paragraph twice unless you want to. Bruce Barnbaum is an amazing writer, his writing style is just as eloquent as his photography - the book is a real page turner!The book is very thought-out in the physical sense: it's a pleasure to hold and read (paper quality, fonts, color&tone choice...), and it's just so in sync with the content. Photographs inside are amazing and inspiring.PS: The Art of Photography is so beyond the "digital vs. film" hype that it will hold its value for many years. Don't be tricked by some reviews which stamp the book "Old School" only because it has chapters about the zone system, film development and printing. After all, it's a smaller part of the book and you can just skip it if you want to.
5.0 out of 5 stars This book has made me a better artist.
I'm an experienced photographer who always managed to be able to get great shots no matter what the conditions, but I always wanted to be better. At the time I purchased this fantastic treatise on personal expression I was ready to take things to the next level.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. I take about 1/10th of the photos I once did. I know where to position myself, and most of all, I know what I want to say before I say it.I rarely write Bolo reviews, though I should more often. I simply had to say something about this book. Ignore that some of this book is about film and darkroom techniques. READ THE TITLE. This is about the ART of photography, not the process or the medium involved.Mr. Barnbaum not only is a great teacher and that's obviously immensely helpful. What makes him the best I have read is that his images are phenomenal. Not only that, his images are completely different than anything you have ever seen. They will bend you as you try to understand them. Then you realize that this is what art is all about.Buy this book if:- You care about being an artist with real ability to express yourself.- You are already technically proficient and comfortable with your equipment and want to take photographs people NOTICE.- You care about being the best.Don't buy this book if:- You want to learn technical how-to information about how to formulate a particular shot (like aperture settings, etc)- You want to stay mediocre.
4.0 out of 5 stars A rigourous and very personal approach
I liked very much this book. This is a whole book on the central aspects of photography, from why-taking-pictures to how-to make-good-prints, covering both color and B&W, but more of the latter. It is not a beginner's book, but rather a guide for those who may want to go in depth into the technique and art of photography.I liked the sections about art more than those about technique, which I find too narrowly boxed in the Zone System. I know that this is a long tradition but I feel it is overstated - the zones are just a quick reference to areas in the density-exposure curve, and that's it. I find the continous references to Zone XXX quite tiresome. That said, the printing technique explanations are awesome.The book covers very well both film and digital technique; the film section (on which I feel entitled to give an opinion) is superb, especially the printing examples.I would have loved to see more on film scanning, which is not covered in nearly enough depth. I do hope that the author can make a follow-up edition once technology gets more stabilized.The picture examples are oriented towards landscape and portrait subjects; this is fine if you keep in mind that there are other subjects and styles. In any case, it is wonderful that the author is ready to comment on stellar examples of his own work. Style is personal, but techniques and concepts may be widely applied.I would also have liked to see more about composition elements, and stronger examples of how composition works (or not), since composition is a defining element of photography. But there are already good works on photographic composition. I love the author's stand on composition rules, too.On the whole I find this a very useful work. I wish I had this book available when I started on photography as a hobby, so many years ago!
Un claque!
Voilà un livre dense, bien construit, bien écrit et vraiment formateur. On y apprend plein d'astuces mais surtout une approche de la photo, personnelle à l'auteur. On comprend sa démarche et sa recherche artistique. Le principal enseignement? L'excellence ne s'obtient que par une pratique presque obsessionnelle. C'est ce qu'a fait l'auteur. Attention, une bonne partie du livre est consacré à la photo argentique... Bon à savoir, mais même en temps que "numérique pur", j'y ai trouvé du plaisir et de l'intérêt. On a aussi un sentiment de vide après lecture, tant l'ouvrage est riche de pistes... Car il faut pratiquer beaucoup pour en arriver là! Les images quand à elles sont vraiment belles. L'un de mes livres photos préférés à ce jour, en 2012.
So many "aha" moments in this book
I bought this book on a recommendation from Ken Rockwell, and I will be forever grateful that I did. This book is comprehensive, highly readable, and inclusive with something for everyone:- from those of us still shooting B&W film to those who are fully digital- from beginners to experienced photographers- from those interested in landscapes to architectural, portrait etc.The book covers the full photography "lifecycle" from visualising/shooting the photo to developing the negative/digital image to printing. It covers:- visualising the end product- composition- lighting- colour- use of filters- Ansel Adams' Zone system for film and digital (in language that I could understand, for a change)- negative development- printing your works of art- preserving them for posterity- understanding/developing your own styleSo far, this sounds a bit like dozens of other photography books out there. What makes this one different is:- the vast coverage of topics and details- his sharing of a large number of techniques which, if followed, will make you a better photographer/artist- the excellent use of photos to demonstrate the principles Bruce writes about- the ability to illustrate the integration of the photography process from the moment something catches your eye up to the moment you have the finished print- its great readability. He is able to take otherwise complex ideas and turn them into perfectly understandable onesThis book does not talk about gear, so if you're looking for information on cameras, lenses and other tools you won't find it here.I learned a lot from this book, even though I considered myself a reasonably experienced photographer. I've had so many "ooohhh, now I see" moments. I am happy to say that this is the best photography book I have ever owned. I am about to embark on my second reading, having just finished my first reading of it.
"Coração e Princípios"
Excelente livro. Voltado para o "coração e princípios" do fotógrafo. Recomendo aos que buscam essência nas fotografias! CREATIVITY AND INTEGRITY
Good book for photography
an excellent book to teach you about composition in photography and an overall good read.
Ottimo libro
Ottimo libro, ben scritto, efficace, interessante. anche se in lingua originale si capisce molto bene. consigliato a tutti gli appassionati di fotografia, principianti e non
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Darkroom & Processing”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U1933952687