- Paperback: 160 pages
- Publisher: Rocky Nook; 1 edition (5 Dec 2009)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1933952180
- ISBN-13: 978-1933952185
- Product Dimensions: 25.2 x 20.2 x 1 cm
- Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 891,318 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
While many books address the equipment, techniques, and compositional approaches to image creation, few describe the steps involved in the creation of the picture idea. This book is a passport to the creative process of professional artists. The context is photography but the ideas can be applied across the board. This book emphasizes working out how to achieve the end result before we begin. A key question is what do we have to get right as we shoot and what can we achieve later in post-processing? The correct answer will drive the quality of our imagery and extend our careers.
This book is not a how-to book on making photographs. Rather, this book is about the creative process of conceptualizing ideas and executing those ideas to make a photograph. How do artists conceptualize? Where do they get their ideas? How do they incorporate those ideas into their work?
Compositing and storytelling abilities have never been easier and more difficult to achieve. Sound contradictory? It is. Illogical? It is. We will journey together to solve the many whys and hows so that the technology does not get in the way of image content and story.
As it relates to a particular topic in the text, there are discussions about photographic theory, lighting, composition, color and, of course, Photoshop. Included are examples of my work, each with a detailed examination of my creative process for that particular photograph. Again the idea here is to examine creativity in a way that demystifies the process.
Artists create. Good artists have a process. Great artists have discipline. This book is about all three.
About the Author
Michael E. Stern, a professional photographer since graduating from Art Center College of Design in 1979, has been working in the entertainment industry with The Walt Disney Co., Warner Brothers Studios, Universal Studios, and Sid & Marty Krofft Pictures among others. He has photographed executives, celebrities, products, architecture and created special visual effects. In 1995, he added digital imaging solutions to his repertoire. In 2000 while working on a project for Disney's California Adventure he honed his skill set as a digital restoration expert and continues working today on a variety of other projects. In addition to beta testing hardware and software for several companies, Michael is also adjunct faculty at Brooks Institute of Photography in Ventura, CA as an instructor in digital imaging, reflective metering techniques and location lighting for budding photojournalists. Finally he has produced customized Photoshop tutorials for working professionals who need precise, clear information, presented in an innovative way.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I'm sorry to be so critical of any book. I pre-ordered this from the publisher's publicity and because Rocky Nook normally produce good books but this is a very very strange book and I simply can't see who it is for or who would benefit from it - certainly not more experienced photographers because the 'how I approach a shoot' anecdotes are pretty banal and it's certainly not full of useful information or processes for beginners or 'improving' photographers. It's a (rather rambling) account of the thought processes of one photographer relating to not-very-interesting-photography - might be interesting over a pint in a pub but certainly not worth buying. For me, it's probably the least useful and least interesting book on photography I've ever bought - afraid it's already gone into the re-cycling bin.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
12 reviews
34 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Too Little Information - Too Much Information
28 Nov 2009
Format:Paperback
Michael Stern probably has a lot to tell us about making photographs, both with a camera and with Photoshop. Unfortunately, he doesn't convey much of this knowledge in this book, and what he does convey is ill organized.
"Build a Better Photograph" is divided into four almost unrelated parts. The first shows how the author constructs environmental portraits by building up layers within Photoshop; the second shows how he created a photographic Christmas card for a client; the third shows how he made images from scanned objects, including dead things; and the final chapter shows how he develops product photography. The common thread throughout seems to be the use of compositing to create images.
Unfortunately, he almost explains how he composites images in Photoshop but never quite gives enough information so that the less-experienced reader can actually apply his techniques. In most cases he provides screen shots of the Photoshop layers panels for his composites but he often doesn't explain in enough detail how to use the tools with which he created the layers. He sometimes promises that he will reveal things, and doesn't. Typically, Stern tells you the lighting effects filter is important, but rather than explain it, he tells you to keep practicing with it until you understand it.
Apparently Stern was trying to use images he had created to show the reader the decision processes he used to achieve the final product, but even when ordered in time sequence, the processes are not explained clearly enough to be of use to most people.
On the too much information side, I didn't find it useful to hear about how he preps himself for problem solving by having a conversation with himself before going to sleep, so that he can set a goal for the problems that he plans to resolve in his dreams; or the fact that an early partner did him dirty; or that a procurement officer gave him a hard time. The space he occupies with these meanderings might better have been used providing more detailed information. I also didn't need the continual reminders that he was a professional, as if there were no poor professionals or excellent hobbyists.
A DVD is included with the book but this isn't very useful either. I really don't need to see how Stern does the dishes in the Christmas card studio or how Santa danced when not posing. Quick time spherical panoramas, mostly of his studio, are included on the DVD but there is no mention of them in the book or explanation of how they were created. The most useful things on the DVDs might be the check lists and written instructions on the use of Photoshop tools, but these are written instructions that don't capitalize on the capabilities of DVDs. In fact if this material had been included in the book itself, it might have been integrated into the presentation in a useful manner.
People interested in doing compositing and familiar with Photoshop's tools may benefit from seeing how one photographer uses those tools. Other readers are not likely to find this book useful.
"Build a Better Photograph" is divided into four almost unrelated parts. The first shows how the author constructs environmental portraits by building up layers within Photoshop; the second shows how he created a photographic Christmas card for a client; the third shows how he made images from scanned objects, including dead things; and the final chapter shows how he develops product photography. The common thread throughout seems to be the use of compositing to create images.
Unfortunately, he almost explains how he composites images in Photoshop but never quite gives enough information so that the less-experienced reader can actually apply his techniques. In most cases he provides screen shots of the Photoshop layers panels for his composites but he often doesn't explain in enough detail how to use the tools with which he created the layers. He sometimes promises that he will reveal things, and doesn't. Typically, Stern tells you the lighting effects filter is important, but rather than explain it, he tells you to keep practicing with it until you understand it.
Apparently Stern was trying to use images he had created to show the reader the decision processes he used to achieve the final product, but even when ordered in time sequence, the processes are not explained clearly enough to be of use to most people.
On the too much information side, I didn't find it useful to hear about how he preps himself for problem solving by having a conversation with himself before going to sleep, so that he can set a goal for the problems that he plans to resolve in his dreams; or the fact that an early partner did him dirty; or that a procurement officer gave him a hard time. The space he occupies with these meanderings might better have been used providing more detailed information. I also didn't need the continual reminders that he was a professional, as if there were no poor professionals or excellent hobbyists.
A DVD is included with the book but this isn't very useful either. I really don't need to see how Stern does the dishes in the Christmas card studio or how Santa danced when not posing. Quick time spherical panoramas, mostly of his studio, are included on the DVD but there is no mention of them in the book or explanation of how they were created. The most useful things on the DVDs might be the check lists and written instructions on the use of Photoshop tools, but these are written instructions that don't capitalize on the capabilities of DVDs. In fact if this material had been included in the book itself, it might have been integrated into the presentation in a useful manner.
People interested in doing compositing and familiar with Photoshop's tools may benefit from seeing how one photographer uses those tools. Other readers are not likely to find this book useful.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
I Had No Idea . . .
9 Jan 2010
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
As a rather eager photography novice, Michael Stern's book was in some ways "beyond" me. In some cases, he takes for granted the reader has more technical know-how than I actually do. I "waded through" those parts.
Nevertheless, I found his book informative and inspiring. His professional but personal, informal explanations of the many techniques he uses to make photographs, particularly portraiture, were enlightening and interesting. Most people have no idea of how much preparation, technical knowledge, psychological insights, and expensive photographic "gear" are involved in taking a truly professional portrait - or a significant picture of anything. And then to be successful, the necessities of surviving in the business of it all is truly an enormous undertaking. But Michael does it with seeming aplomb and good-natured humor.
I found the book inspiring in that I will do what I can to apply some of his principles and techniques to my more modest world of amateur photography, but it surely gave me a much greater appreciation and understanding for the work of those who do photography for a living.
Bill in Burbank
Nevertheless, I found his book informative and inspiring. His professional but personal, informal explanations of the many techniques he uses to make photographs, particularly portraiture, were enlightening and interesting. Most people have no idea of how much preparation, technical knowledge, psychological insights, and expensive photographic "gear" are involved in taking a truly professional portrait - or a significant picture of anything. And then to be successful, the necessities of surviving in the business of it all is truly an enormous undertaking. But Michael does it with seeming aplomb and good-natured humor.
I found the book inspiring in that I will do what I can to apply some of his principles and techniques to my more modest world of amateur photography, but it surely gave me a much greater appreciation and understanding for the work of those who do photography for a living.
Bill in Burbank
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Not your ordinary photography book
7 Jan 2010
Format:Paperback
I found this book to be an excellent addition to my library of Photography books. I have never before read a photography book where the photographer has reflected so intensely and honestly as Michael Stern does in this book. The deconstruction of his creative process is an invaluable and enlightening experience. I think for readers who are looking for a book that gives short and non-creative technical answers to complex photographic tasks, then this is definitely not the book you are looking for. If, on the other hand, you are looking for something completely different and are prepared to accept Michael Stern as an honest and valuable mentor to guide you to become a better photographer then this book is a rare find indeed.
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