Insights from Beyond the Lens is a short new book from landscape photographer Robert Rodriguez Jr that explores the art and craft of landscape photography from a holistic perspective. Based on real world experiences as a photographer as well as an instructor, speaker, and blogger, Robert distills his approach to capturing evocative images in a series of essays based on his popular Beyond the Lens blog.
Beautifully illustrated with Robert's original photographs, you'll get an inside look at the mental process Robert uses when he's in the field scouting and making his images.
While many books focus on the gear and technology, the aim here is to look inside the motivation, passion, and vision involved in successful landscape photography. Go behind the scenes as Robert explains how several images were made, how he draws inspiration from the Hudson River School of painters, and what resources he recommends for further exploration.
I am not a photographer, but I like to know what makes a good picture. This is the book to read, it is not too long and definitely not too complicated.
Well - articulated advice that is practical, with lovely example photos and easy to read. He even includes the cameras and lenses used, the shutter speeds, apertures and the ISOs, as well as the location of the images. A treat for the novice or seasoned photographer, and those in between too!
The book contains some useful technical and composition suggestion but mostly it conveys a passion for landscape photography. The author provides a rounded view of the subject that is clear and insightful.
Short and thoughtful. While it won't break new ground on photographic technique, it was still an enjoyable, quick read. Especially useful is the recommended reading list at the end of the book.
This short book is written more as inspiration for aspiring landscape photographers than as any kind of how-to manual. I am not one of those people. Even so, I did not feel that it successfully delivered. The topics ambled aimlessly and the whole book ended abruptly.
Some good advice for the beginner or a more experienced photographer who has lost their motivation a little. Quite brief, which means it's a quick read, but also that it would be nice to see many of these ideas a little more thoroughly developed.
My landscape photography leaves a bit to be desired and reading this book has been such an inspiration! Thank you! Of course, now I HAVE to take the workshop!