by
3.95 of 5 stars
This provocative, visually stunning volume draws upon Taoist teachings to explore the creative and spiritual dimensions of the art of photography. ... read full description

reviews

Apr 10, 2008
Lance rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This book revealed aspects of photography that are really not covered in any other book I've read on the subject. I know design and I know illustration, but I didn't get photography. This book helped me to realize that constructing reality through the lens is much the same as designing or illustrating. Much of the parallels the authors mention between "seeing" through photos and "seeing" through life can be applied to much more than photography.

The only criticism More...
1 comment like (1 person liked it)
Oct 13, 2011
Scott rated it: 4 of 5 stars
like a good tea it gets better with more consumption over frequent intervals interspersed with thought.
this book is intended for its readers to spend time on the side thinking deeply about perception and the world around us.
The insights gained come as much from the perspectives shared by the likes of Salgado and Bresson as they do from your own intuitions.
It is a delightful read and a splendid interaction when you see its influence in each evolving frame that you capture ever afte More...
Aug 14, 2011
Atul rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I chose this book because of a post I read, while surfing for something about psychology and photography. (Don't ask me why, I now, don't remember). But I am glad, I did. It is good book, and probably deserves more than the three stars I have given it.

The Tao of Photography: Seeing Beyond Seeing is a book that may get easily misinterpreted as a book about photography technique. It does talk of camera work, method, and techniques. But it is not a book that teaches you photography. At al More...
Aug 05, 2009
Andre rated it: 3 of 5 stars
This book is very light on actual techniques that can be used to unconstrict awareness and that's a little disappointing. But as a photography book the images are interesting and the comparison between Tao/mindfulness and the process of creating art is VERY cool.

It still doesn't change the fact that I'm a little disappointed with the books stated mission but, honestly, I've never read any book on Tao/Zen/Buddhism that gave me a step-by-step manual to follow so that I can free myself More...
Sep 12, 2009
Maggie rated it: 2 of 5 stars
I loved most of the pictures, but it didn't really inspire me or tell me how to be a better photographer really. And some of the pictures really were upheld in the eyes of the beholder because I didn't think some of them were that great.
Aug 12, 2011
Absurdnerd added it
This explores the deeper reasons for practicing photography...and includes many beautiful photos. "Leap into the boundless and make it your home!" :)
Apr 09, 2011
Kristina rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Stunning book with track-stopping photos from some of the world's most celebrated photogs, plus very interesting philosophy-meets-photography text. Loved.
Jul 08, 2011
Lynde rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I keep this one on the shelf on my office when I need to center myself or need some good quotes. Sometimes I need a good "reset" button.
Sep 04, 2011
Mark rated it: 5 of 5 stars
One of my favorite photography books. I find that my photographic eye is better after each read of this book.
Nov 09, 2009
Gerald rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Great photos and wonderful insight into Eastern philosophy not just the philosophy of photography, but the philosophy of living.
Apr 11, 2009
Karen rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Inspiring book about learing to"see" before you take any photos!
Dec 16, 2009
daniel rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This is a helpful guide to seeing the world differently. It's interspersed throughout with insights from the Chuang Tzu and with quotes and photographs from famous photographers.
Jul 01, 2008
Tanaya rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Got this from the library on a whim and will be purchasing it for my own collection. Wonderful concept of photography and seeing more than just the subject.
Oct 26, 2008
Michael rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Good, not great. The pictures are strong, but not enough of them. The tao musings are just okay.
Feb 11, 2008
Diane rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Fantastic spiritual information whether you enjoy photography or not. Wonderful book! Great photos!
Feb 25, 2008
Marie rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Letting photographs find you instead of looking for them...this was an excellent read!
Jan 20, 2008
Roniq rated it: 5 of 5 stars
A Fabulous book blending Photography with Eastern philosophy.
Wonderful images and text.
Sep 07, 2008
Philip rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Beautifully printed and it helped me rethink some of my own work.
Dec 12, 2011
Charlene rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Wonderful!!! Gross made complex issues very simple to understand.
Feb 22, 2012
Sierra marked it as to-read
Feb 18, 2012
Leah marked it as to-read
Feb 09, 2012
Stephen rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Feb 08, 2012
Cheryl rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Feb 07, 2012
Bill rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Feb 04, 2012
Glor is currently reading it
Feb 01, 2012
Carl marked it as to-read
Jan 28, 2012
Alma rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Jan 21, 2012
Joseph marked it as to-read
Jan 20, 2012
Lisa rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Jan 18, 2012
Katrina marked it as to-read