1st Edition

The Fundamentals of Creative Photography

By David Prakel Copyright 2010
    210 Pages
    by Routledge

    210 Pages
    by Routledge

    The Fundamentals of Creative Photography offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of applied creative photography. It is concerned with photography in a professional context – images that are to be used in the fulfilment of a brief, rather than those created solely for self-expression. Creativity is important, but must be focused on meeting the client’s needs.The book explores the principles that underpin the discipline, guiding the reader though the practical considerations involved in executing the perfect shot. It includes guidance on acquiring and developing new skills, the practice of self-promotion and self-administration, and a discussion of the image workflow.

    Introduction. Photographic fundamentals: Formal elements - Composition; Principles of design; Technical considerations; Exposure and reciprocity; Language of photography; Putting it all together; Creativity and intent. Communication: Visual literacy; Ownership; Reading an image; Deconstruction; Semiotics - the study of signs; Influences; Talking about photography - technical language; Talking about photography - artistic language; Talking about photography - emotional language. Applied photography: Forms of photography; Commercial and advertising; Editorial; Sports; Architectural; Social; Wildlife and nature; Photojournalism; Fashion; Working within photography. Professionalism: Getting an education; Learning as an assisting photographer; Getting work; Portfolios; Marketing yourself; Representation and agents; Professional bodies. The brief: The client; A common language; How far can your creativity go?; Required outputs; Timing and deadlines; Legal issues; Passing off plagiarism; Model and property releases; Teamwork; Safe working practices. Workflow: Photographic workflow; Basic workflow: Pre-shoot; Basic workflow: Capture; Basic workflow: Transfer; Basic workflow: Process; Basic workflow: Editing; Basic workflow: Optimisation for output; Basic workflow: Archiving; Basic workflow: Cataloguing and digital asset management; Impact of digital; Workflow products. Conclusion. Glossary. Bibliography and webography. Index. Acknowledgements and picture credits. Working with ethics.

    Biography

    David Prakel runs his own photographic training workshops in Northumberland, UK. He has enjoyed a successful and diverse career in journalism, photography and education and has taught at all levels in universities, colleges, schools in both the UK and the US as well as the prestigious Kodak Imaging Training Centre in Harrow, London.

    "From an educator's perspective, this is probably the best book on photography I've come across ... This title covers everything that photographic students need from production and distribution to critical analysis (and everything in between). - Dave Caton, Swindon College, UK A relevant and inspiring book that strikes a good balance between explaining the basics and giving an inspirational look into the world of professional photography. Attractively and clearly laid out with clear graphics and good examples of professional work. - Katherine Baker, Guildford College, UK The style and layout of the book is very clear and accessible which makes the book really practical and easy to use. - Peter Smith, University of Westminster, UK Very up-to-date text/layout style which students have commented on! Set out in a very clear and easy fashion. - Richard Sainsbury, Guildford College, UK This book is an ideal reference to many key areas and modules on our photography courses ... Engaging, easy to read and scan, well illustrated with fresh layout, graphics and typography. - Graham Hembrough, Coleg Llandrillo, UK I will definitely adopt this book in the future. - Diane Meyer, Loyola Marymount University, USA The book deals with the basic underpinning skills and knowledge of photography. I think the students will find it easy to use and may encourage them to read more. - Bernadette Stanley, Rotherham College of Arts & Technology, UK For me, this book does an excellent job of what the tittle suggests; offering an introduction to the fundamentals of creative photography. The sections offer an insight into the technical, creative, commercial, communicative and professional aspects of photography. The text content is very clear and informative and the design/ layout/ text & image ratio is very manageable. - Matthew Lee, Srishti School of Art, Design & Technology, India Very interesting ... ideal for first year students. - Alan Oliver, University of Leeds, UK"