Developing Vision & Style: A Landscape Photography Masterclass

by Joe Cornish, David Ward, Joe Cornish

Photographers aspiring to create images that reflect their own visions of a chosen landscape with a distinctive personal style will find great inspiration and practical guidance in this book. Alongside a portfolio of their latest work, each of the three photographers writes about the genre for which they are how they came to it, what inspires them, and how each developed his own particular style. The book also features photographs submitted by readers of Outdoor Photography magazine, accompanied by comments, critiques, and advice from the authors who suggest ways in which these contributors might further develop and refine their work. The combination of stunning imagery with inspirational and insightful three-to-one advice makes this a truly unique photography guide, which no landscape enthusiast will want to be without.

Genres: Photography

157 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hope nobody goes into this expecting a how-to manual, if so they're going to be greatly disappointed (I could see how the word masterclass in the title might lead to that mistaken idea). I got some of what I wanted out of it - some inspirational photos. And some stuff I didn't want - looking back at my own photos (I suppose these dudes would call them "snaps") with less enthusiasm (LOL, I would have sworn some of my rocky beach shots were just fine).

Best thing I can say about all the navel gazing is that at least it was told in relatively short snippets. I don't have a problem with people trying to tackle deep artistic themes with words (instead of their art), but I can only handle a small amount at one time.

So, yeah, three cheers for all the large photos! Which I enjoyed viewing/reading in the wonderful late afternoon light in my apartment (great light, not too hot!).

[Jared · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are some great examples of landscape photography in this book. Those and the notes at the end brought this up to two stars. The notes were very helpful for showing how to achieve good effect in landscape photography.

With respect to vision and style, the writing was empty. Most of the contributors said something along the lines of, “When you figure out what style is, let me know.” The discussion of vision was not much better. And the book needed a thorough editing.

[Alan Bevan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure that distinctions between vision and style are all that helpful for photography but I enjoyed the photography and the photographer's musings about it.

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one half interesting, and one half vain. It's really a picture book, with fabulous images, but disregard the rubbish text. It's really just rubbish interviews and text attempting to be exhibitionist.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Awesome photography, corny text.