Photography and the Art of Seeing

by Freeman Patterson

Photography and the Art of Seeing, familiarizes readers with the traditional principles of composition and visual design. However, Patterson provides technique & exercises for breaking with traditional concepts.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Art, Reference, Art and Photography

156 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Timothy Neesam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every few years I pull Freeman Patterson's Photography and the Art of Seeing off the shelf for a re-read. It's a strong book on the fundamentals of composition and visual design, including tone, light, shape, perspective, colour, dominance, balance, proportion, pattern, rhythm...the list goes on), and exercises aimed at developing a keener awareness of the subject and moving beyond first inclinations. It's a first step toward 'contemplative' photography (hello 'relaxed attentiveness'). I seem to give away this book each time I buy it (including the copy I just read). Highly recommended for those interested in understanding what makes a picture 'work' and ways of capturing images that reflect how we feel.

[Abbie Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite photography book ever. My Dad found it for me at a used bookstore (I'm betting it was the Dusty Bookshelf in Lawrence) when I was a teenager.

This isn't a how-to book. It's all about the process of finding and taking pictures, how to break the rules, see things differently and be more creative with your photography (also out of print, I think, but it looks like they may have a newer version available).

I don't read photography books very often, but I've read this one over and over. I highly recommend it.

[Kathy Stinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides all kinds of information and guidance for how to take one's photos beyond "I saw this and found it interesting" to something artful,truly expressive of both the subject itself and what the subject makes the viewer feel. Clear writing, great examples, and some fun exercises to help you practise seeing - really seeing.

[Khalid AlHaqqan · Rating 5 out of 5]

since I'm a photographer .. this was a great topic which I needed the most. it is exactly what every photographer needs to know.

[Jake Greenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely took my time. The first half of the book is heavily focused on the “art of seeing” aspect, helping invest readers and students in the philosophy of “looking sideways”, a concept I really gravitated towards. The second half is more focused on the technical aspects of photography, while adding in the notions of artistic vision the first half established. It ends in a good full circle, and I had a great time reading it.

[Malvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enlightening read with insightful examples on learning to observe, imagine and to express subjects using various subject matters through visual design. With lessons on thinking sideways, breaking the rules, eliminating preconceptions, rejecting labels and understanding principles of design, Freeman kindly offers a number of exercises to train and challenge his "young" readers. Highly unsuitable for those seeking technical tips or gear recommendations, the following paragraph sums it all up, "When a child thinks of drawing his mother, he may intuitively abstract love as one of her most distinguishing traits, and in his drawing he leaves out many of the physical details of her body but not the one that counts - her smile". Highly recommended!

[César Viteri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise, well written, organized text on how to use the visual elements of design to make your subject matter express the subject of your photographs. Thought provoking, proposes a number of exercises to help you break free from limiting photographing habits. Gorgeously illustrated with beautiful landscapes and macro pictures. The only area where I found it lacking is on how to apply this to pictures featuring people, my main interest. It focuses mainly on landscapes and still lives for all examples.

A recommended read to all photographers, specially those who feel a bit stuck in routine.

[Caristy Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a really great book. Lots of good information to soak in so that it helps you think about what you are taking pictures and how to actually use more creativity in your photography. It doesn't get into the technical aspects of photography, this book is more about the creative side of photography.

[Pat Loughery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freeman Patterson's book is a classic, and with very good reason. It was helpful for me in many areas: composition of visual art; contemplative photography; focusing and discovering my vision; intentionally making images rather than just discovering them. I recommend it highly for photographers of all kinds, and for visual artists of all kinds.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread my copy today--which was the second version from 1989---and thoroughly enjoyed it.
This book is about how to be creative, and insightful and expressive, as well as a good designer of images.

[Kt Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for fundamentals and for photographers, artists and designers who are stuck in a rut. My favorite part is the photos that describe different aspects of composition, expression and perspective.

[J. Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. A classic.

[Karen H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I turn to this book anytime I am needing a little inspiration to take out my camera and make pictures. It is my favorite photography book.

[Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a child and it was a different introduction to photography. It opened up photography as a general way to meet the world, without labels.

[Patricia Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a photographer as an excellent one when I asked about learning more about the art of photography. Thanks, Gina for pointing me toward this one!

[Shazly · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

[Florence · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Canadian author from New Brunswck, Freeman Patterson, won numerous awards for his expertise in photography, and was instrumental in giving many workshops on visual design across Canada and South Africa. He was recognized for his excellence in nature photography. His focused exercises encourage thinking sideways, artistic photography, composition, and exercising your imagination. There was not a course in learning how to use a camera; nor was it a review of how to get the perfect photo, getting "absolute sharpness" for bird photography but a lesson in opening your mind to new ways of approaching a successful photo. For example how many ways can you photograph a hard boiled egg!
He talked about the difference between the subject and subject matter, using common sense and how often "rules" need not apply. Such techniques, though not novel to most of us, are invaluable reminders for anyone dabbling in photo arts.
On the other hand if you are already an expert but could use a refresher course, you may still enjoy reading this wonderful book.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a photo teacher at high school and this is probably the most helpful book I’ve read. Once I opened it, I rushed to get a highlighter and pen and took notes throughout. Great read. I’ve been recommending to everyone who is even a little interested in photography.

[Sahil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emphasizes the importance of "seeing" rather than just "taking pictures". It encourages photographers to develop a deeper understanding of their surroundings and translate their observations into compelling visuals. One of my favorite books on photography.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

visual design and contemplative photography

[Gokuloko · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pace is definitely breath taking

[Ray Dunsmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent advice for any photographer, amateur, professional or otherwise. Essential tips for creative thinking and seeing.

[Allen Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good analysis of visual design principles is in the book, along with powerful photographs to illustrate the ideas.

[Diane Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains a lot of great ideas to teach better photography skills.

[Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the first few chapters in this book, but then it got rather uninspiring.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stumbled across this book in the library. I like the way the author encourages the reader to use photography as a way of looking more closely at what is right in front of your nose.

[Zoe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hm... Read the book, lacks a point...

[Guillermo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've actually read the original one, based on film. Anyway it's not about film or digital. It's way deeper.

[Manish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather buy Photographer's Eye..
Didn't help me much..

For any query mail at manish.ray03@gmail.com / write at https://www.facebook.com/raysclicks

[Michael McClure · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first purchased this book back in 1979 and I've lost count how many times I've read it. It's one of the few books that has been on my active bookshelf for over 30 years. Freeman has had a major impact on my own photography.