Learning to See Creatively by Bryan Peterson

As I delve further into my new hobby, it's come to my realization that since acquiring my first DSLR, I've spent most of my time taking pictures with zero attention to detail. I take a picture and look back later, asking myself what I like or don't like about it. Turns out, most of the pictures I take are just simply higher quality point-and-shoot photos. While this may be practical for say, a vacation, it doesn't meet my desires for 'creating art'.

This is one of the driving factors that caused me to start reading the 2003 edition of Learning to See Creatively by Bryan Peterson. Beginning with an overview of common types of gear, the book moves into high-speed quite quickly. We are presented with excellent exercises at numerous places - such as choosing a set focal length & subject, shooting multiple times while moving 5 feet closer per shot.

Then the author takes us on a journey through the basic components that can make a notable photo - which he lists as line, shape, form, texture, pattern and color. This breakdown seems to be roughly in line with similar lists I've seen. Ample descriptions of each of the above are presented to us, with explanations of how each draws our attention. There is even talk of the subconscious way our mind handles these individuals elements.

After describing all of these factors and showing some wonderful examples from his own personal collection, he gets down to photography 101: Composition. This is the part of the book I was most looking forward to. Understanding that art is subjective, I'd still like to know what compromises the tradition "artistic image". Peterson covers the rule of thirds, horizons, frames and camera orientation, to name a few.

A common theme I've been learning from many different sources is also mentioned in the text - try to get the picture right in the camera rather than touching it up in post. I often find myself willing to take a larger shot, only to crop later in Lightroom. This, to me, always seemed like the most harmless of actions. However Peterson presses the photographer to ensure the picture matches his or her vision at the time of exposure.

A significant amount of time is spent going over composition, finishing the section with a great commentary on breaking the rules we've just learned, where necessary to make the photo you want.

I was very happy to have had an opportunity to go through this book. Having been my first "basics of photography" text, I feel like I left with a better understanding of composition, and the elements of design outlined by the author.

Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color & Composition in Photography