Extracts and hints from the book:
the celebrated war photographer Ropert Capa once said that if your pictures aren't strong enough, you're not close enough. Shooting at close range can make both natural and artificial subjects startling by what is revealed. It not only excludes unwanted detail and concentrates exclusively on the subject, but it has the further effect of intensifying colour and form.
the best conditions in which to photograph gardens are under hazy, overcast skies as this gives an even, soft light and intensifies colours.
Pay attention to the depth of field when photographing reflections. If the reflection is close to the lens at least part of it may easily be out of focus. Use a wide-angle lens and a small aperture to keep everything sharp.
Something so small can have a tremendous impact on an image; it can be everything in a photograph. Itseffect is like that of looking at a small, completely still lake reflecting the dusk sky. The scene is one of solitude, peace and tranquillity, but one small stone cast into the middle of the lake breaks this mood and creates tension. Your eye is at once directed to the ripples that radiate from the centre out towards the edges of the frame. This is the essential ingredient that is needed to complete the story, create new conceptual meaning, and give direction for the eye that might otherwise be left to wander aimlessly through the scene.
