Which Art Books to Study for Photography??? (Page 3): Look at the PPA 12 elements of a merit image as guide to help your study. I agree with ricardo that PSA and affiliated clubs and...

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

ricardo7 wrote:

Initially I would stay away from anything that is "How to" such as composition, lighting, color etc. Go to museums and look at everything and try to figure out what it is that makes a painting/drawing/sculpture special. Explore the internet for the master painters/artists. Ditto the masters of photography. Stay away from Camera Club pictures.

Look at the PPA 12 elements of a merit image as guide to help your study. I agree with ricardo that PSA and affiliated clubs and organizations is not the best examples. I have found that PPA and affiliated organizations set better standards for images and appreciate creativity more than others.

Yooper 2 Loc: Ironwood, MI

[quote=Kuzano]

He attributed all his photo work to his background in Art History, and told me often the best background was the study of Art History. I took a few of his classes and it helped considerably in how to see and visualize.

Most really good artists seem to have a natural 'artist's eye', They naturally understand composition, light, and color. Going from artist to photographer was a piece of cake for me once I understood my camera. I was drawing stick figures with correct proportions at 4 years old. At 8 I was drawing realistic horses with depth and detail. By high school I was selling my art. A person without that natural ability has to develop the 'eye'. I studied art in school but I wouldn't study it for photography. I do enjoy looking at good paintings and drawings and can understand how light, composition and color contribute to the beauty of the pieces.

Rolly Loc: Newport, Oregon

In John Suler you introduced me to a writer of significant interest to me. Thanks for finding and sharing what I had heretofore been ignorant.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

ricardo7 wrote:

Initially I would stay away from anything that is "How to" such as composition, lighting, color etc. Go to museums and look at everything and try to figure out what it is that makes a painting/drawing/sculpture special. Explore the internet for the master painters/artists. Ditto the masters of photography. Stay away from Camera Club pictures.

I slightly disagree with the last sentence. It certainly is instructive to examine fine art and understand why, but it is also instructive to examine bad art and learn why. Further, the whys come from 'art critics' and when 2 or more are trapped into a room you are in for one hilarious show. I would guess art can not be taught, but certain compositional principles can be learned.

Yooper 2 Loc: Ironwood, MI

John_F wrote:

I slightly disagree with the last sentence. It certainly is instructive to examine fine art and understand why, but it is also instructive to examine bad art and learn why. Further, the whys come from 'art critics' and when 2 or more are trapped into a room you are in for one hilarious show. I would guess art can not be taught, but certain compositional principles can be learned.

I agree. I learn from the bad as well as the good. I just went through my first year's photos. I learned from the bad. There weren't many good ones.

CO

John_F wrote:

I slightly disagree with the last sentence. It certainly is instructive to examine fine art and understand why, but it is also instructive to examine bad art and learn why. Further, the whys come from 'art critics' and when 2 or more are trapped into a room you are in for one hilarious show. I would guess art can not be taught, but certain compositional principles can be learned.

I think you're right that it's instructive to examine bad art and learn why. I have a photography book that does that with photos. It's called "Your Photos Stink!" by David Busch. They'll show a not so great photo first and describe why it's not good. They then show improved photos that were either re-taken or edited and explain what they did to improve it.

Kuzano

burkphoto wrote:

The Time-Life Library of Photography is also worth a look. It's technically dated, but the thousands of photos are classics.

Yes, and art history is technically dated.... Hmmm

My friend said study Art History. Hmmm.... what to do?

bkellyusa Loc: Nashville, TN

Impressionist wrote:

Try to visit art museums that may be close to you. You will find them worth the pilgrimage. There is nothing that will teach you as much as seeing a masters work up close. For a visual artist, seeing something like a Monet painting up close is a spritual experience. Visiting a place like the Clark Institute is is like going to church. Many have classes and guided tours. Bring your camera. When you leave you will have a new eye.

I've had the Monet "spiritual experience." Up until I saw a few in person I thought I had seen Monet since he has been so well covered in print and elsewhere but seeing his work in the flesh was a real experience.

Thanks or your great advice.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Kuzano wrote:

Yes, and art history is technically dated.... Hmmm

My friend said study Art History. Hmmm.... what to do?

Study art history and photography history.

My remark about the T-L Library should be given context --- it teaches FILM photography circa 1980. I would strongly suggest that beginners start with digital processes if at all possible. But if you want/need to learn film, T-L Library is still relevant. And the volumes are chock full of great images.

texaseve Loc: TX, NC and NH

When I want to study I go to my nearest Barnes & Noble, get a coffee, go pick out photography and art books and devour them. I pick the best of them to purchase and use my coupons.

LA TIGRESA

Read!!! Robert Henri "The Art Spirit" nobody should be without this book period. You will keep it for life.
Study!!! Rembrandt use of light and shade (chiaroscuro method)
Study!!! Jean-Simeon Chardin simple yet effective composition
Study!!! Monet Color and movement

You will be amazed...

bkellyusa Loc: Nashville, TN

texaseve wrote:

When I want to study I go to my nearest Barnes & Noble, get a coffee, go pick out photography and art books and devour them. I pick the best of them to purchase and use my coupons.

I think this is a good idea. It says a lot about the value of a real bookstore. I'll think I'll go to Barnes & Noble this weekend.

I also ordered these two books.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/185669660X/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1587170302/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks for the great idea.

bkellyusa Loc: Nashville, TN

chapjohn wrote:

Look at the PPA 12 elements of a merit image as guide to help your study. I agree with ricardo that PSA and affiliated clubs and organizations is not the best examples. I have found that PPA and affiliated organizations set better standards for images and appreciate creativity more than others.

Please explain what PSA and PPA mean. Thanks in advance.

ricardo7 Loc: Washington, DC - Santiago, Chile

PPA 12: Professional Photographers of America 12 Elements of a Merit Image (See Google)

PSA: Photographic Society of AMerica

bkellyusa Loc: Nashville, TN

emmons267 wrote:

Nice guitar. Looks like an Epiphone.

It is a nice guitar. I still have it. For a long time I played out with it rather than carrying my L5 around to gigs and getting it beat up.

Thanks!