Every photographer, from weekend enthusiast to professional, can learn by studying the "greats". In Why Photographs Work, author/photographer George Barr analyzes 52 striking images by some of the world's top photographers. Accompanying Barr's analysis of each image is an explanation by the photographer describing the circumstances of making the image, including not only the how, but also the why. Also included is each photographer's biography, a reference to his or her websites and publications, and brief technical descriptions of the equipment used in making each image.
With guidance from Barr, we learn to decipher that certain intangible "something" that makes an image go beyond the ordinary. As we gain an understanding of and appreciation for the elements that make an image truly great, we are bound to improve our own images as well.
Included are images by: Charles Cramer, Bruce Barnbaum, Harald Mante, Dan Burkholder, Nick Brandt, Hans Strand, Roman Loranc, Huntington Witherill, Susan Burnstine, Ryuijie, Beth Moon, Phil Borges, Shaun O'Boyle, David Ward, Michael Levin, Michael Reichmann, Michael Kenna, Cole Thompson, George Jerkovich, Bengt Ekelberg, Sandra Davis, Brian Kosoff, Joe Lipka, Gordon Lewis, Lawrence Chrismas, Craig Richards, and many more.
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About the Author
George Barr is a photographer living in Calgary, Canada. Serious about photography since age 12, working initially with a WWII Zeiss Ikonta in a basement-bathroom "darkroom", he has progressed through medium format, 4X5, and now digital SLR's. He earns his living as a family doctor with a special interest in psychiatry but his primary passion has always been the fine art print.
Major milestones include learning to make quality prints from Fred Picker, learning to really "see" photographs from Hubert Hohn of the Edmonton Art Gallery, looking at Edward Weston prints bare, attending workshops, working with galleries, and being published.
George has had his images published in the magazines Black and White Photography, Black and White, Focus, Lenswork, and Outdoor Photography.
By the time George closed his darkroom, he was making very high quality prints and carried on this quality with digital cameras and inkjet printing, producing some of the finest inkjet prints made, surprising many traditional 4X5 photographers with the level of quality.
Throughout his life George has been a teacher of medical students & residents, patients, and fellow photographers. A writer of understandable patient newsletters and handouts, it was a short step to writing essays on photography. George has bravely tackled the challenging subjects of aesthetics, seeing, and composing in a style that is clear, practical, and applicable to many.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By G. A. Heiss
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I've been debating wether to buy this book for a while after hearing susan Burnstine was one of the featured photographers. It finally ended up delivered today in a massively oversized cardboard box..(??)
The actual book is a soft back book and although my first impressions are of a very interesting discussion about 52 different photographers and the image selected from each persons portfolio..the book is seriously marred by very thin paper stock.. so thin you can see the images and text on the reverse of each page.
Its actually making me reject this book outright as being substandard.. I'm torn as I do rate the text and the concept very highly. Its fantastic to have the photographers discuss the ideas behind the images and the contexts that apply to the images..
The actual book is a soft back book and although my first impressions are of a very interesting discussion about 52 different photographers and the image selected from each persons portfolio..the book is seriously marred by very thin paper stock.. so thin you can see the images and text on the reverse of each page.
Its actually making me reject this book outright as being substandard.. I'm torn as I do rate the text and the concept very highly. Its fantastic to have the photographers discuss the ideas behind the images and the contexts that apply to the images..
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By L. Spencer
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
There are clearly those to whom this book will appeal (see the various 5 star reviews).
I found it so disappointing that I have been moved to write a review. I don't write many.
It disappoints me because I find the selection of photos so very narrow. They are all what you might call pretty, or "picturesque". They would all look fine in a frame on a wall in a posh living-room. The trouble with such a selection is that the photos DON'T NEED EXPLANATION. They were intended to appeal. It is obvious why they appeal.
There are no intriguing or startling images that repay commentary or analysis. I really thought that a book of 50+ images with a title like this would cover the whole gamut of photographic practices and give us commentary which would have some universal or even rather general resonance.
What it does it does well. If you like this kind of photography you may find this a good read. But this is really a bit of promotion for a select bunch of "pictorialists". I should have investigated further before parting with my money.
I found it so disappointing that I have been moved to write a review. I don't write many.
It disappoints me because I find the selection of photos so very narrow. They are all what you might call pretty, or "picturesque". They would all look fine in a frame on a wall in a posh living-room. The trouble with such a selection is that the photos DON'T NEED EXPLANATION. They were intended to appeal. It is obvious why they appeal.
There are no intriguing or startling images that repay commentary or analysis. I really thought that a book of 50+ images with a title like this would cover the whole gamut of photographic practices and give us commentary which would have some universal or even rather general resonance.
What it does it does well. If you like this kind of photography you may find this a good read. But this is really a bit of promotion for a select bunch of "pictorialists". I should have investigated further before parting with my money.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Bobkat
Format:Paperback
This is a great book for photographers of any ability as it has useful nuggets of information in there for all. Photography is a continual learning process and I only wish I had had access to this book sooner. It reviews photographs and explains what makes them great. It doesn't matter whether you like the photo or not to understand what makes it work as a composition, or as a technically good photograph. By taking this informaiton, you can choose what to add to the mix of your own creative process. Or not. Easy to read and understand, I have found it useful.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
A larger format than usual from Rocky Nook and sadly no shine on the cover. The printing is first class and both the comments on the pictures, the view of the photographer and their background are well done. All photo club judges should read and preferably own a copy
4 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Bennettskaya
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The style of this book is for the author to critique a photograph and then for the photographer to do the same and to give details of his or her background as a photographer.
I found myself skipping sections of the author's comments and jumping straight to the photographer.
I agree with the inclusion of most of the photographs and that they deserve to be in the book - but who am I to say? Unfortunately, I can say that about the author or about anyone. The fact that I like the photographs does not mean other will do so.
All in all, I found myself limping along with it - getting something out of it -but it would not be the first book to go on my 'favourites' bookshelf.
Sorry.
I found myself skipping sections of the author's comments and jumping straight to the photographer.
I agree with the inclusion of most of the photographs and that they deserve to be in the book - but who am I to say? Unfortunately, I can say that about the author or about anyone. The fact that I like the photographs does not mean other will do so.
All in all, I found myself limping along with it - getting something out of it -but it would not be the first book to go on my 'favourites' bookshelf.
Sorry.
3 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
52 Images with Two Commentaries on Each, a Brief Technical Note, and a Biography
12 April 2011
Format:Paperback
"Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, 'Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.'" -- Luke 10:23-24 (NKJV)
The common theme in this book is a composition that goes beyond your expectations into new realms of seeing. As a result, I found my ability to "see" and appreciate images was expanded and enriched. The images are well produced so that you can appreciate many of the subtle effects.
Each image is followed by an essay in which photographer and photography commentator George Barr explains why he chose it and describes some of the most appealing qualities to him. These essays are good to picking up on details that might be missed on first viewings. The commentaries by the photographers vary a lot in their insights. A number are disappointingly superficial. The technical details are also quite sketchy in places.
The book succeeds as a perspective about what makes an image lift above what we expect. I was particularly interested to see the works done in abandoned and all-but-ruined buildings by capturing unusual light and surfaces. My favorite image is Circular Chimney by Bruce Barnbaum. The accompanying essays are also among the best. It's a challenging and rewarding work.
Those who are fascinated by sweeping vistas, news journalism, and nudes won't find much to attract their attention in the work.
I liked the idea of finding 52 outstanding works rather than looking at 52 works by an outstanding photographer. It's a tastier dish to feast the eyes on.
The common theme in this book is a composition that goes beyond your expectations into new realms of seeing. As a result, I found my ability to "see" and appreciate images was expanded and enriched. The images are well produced so that you can appreciate many of the subtle effects.
Each image is followed by an essay in which photographer and photography commentator George Barr explains why he chose it and describes some of the most appealing qualities to him. These essays are good to picking up on details that might be missed on first viewings. The commentaries by the photographers vary a lot in their insights. A number are disappointingly superficial. The technical details are also quite sketchy in places.
The book succeeds as a perspective about what makes an image lift above what we expect. I was particularly interested to see the works done in abandoned and all-but-ruined buildings by capturing unusual light and surfaces. My favorite image is Circular Chimney by Bruce Barnbaum. The accompanying essays are also among the best. It's a challenging and rewarding work.
Those who are fascinated by sweeping vistas, news journalism, and nudes won't find much to attract their attention in the work.
I liked the idea of finding 52 outstanding works rather than looking at 52 works by an outstanding photographer. It's a tastier dish to feast the eyes on.
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