The Photographer's Eye Digitally Remastered 10th Anniversary Edition: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos

This is a really important book. Most photography books are solely concerned with cameras and lenses, but this book focuses (pun intended) on the psychology of the way images are interpreted and understood by people, which I think is far more important than equipment. The book is beautifully written and filled with gorgeous photographs illustrating the photographic and artistic concepts explained within. Photography has become bigger than ever before, and with the affordability of high-quality DSLRs and the image-sharing world of social media, everyone is a photographer today. In and of itself that is not a bad thing since Photography as a medium of documenting life as well as a medium for creative self-expression should be available to everyone. The problem, I feel, is that we've become too obsessed with technology, and we've forgotten that understanding the psychology and philosophy involved in all visual art is of paramount importance in creating images. Most books and YouTube videos are dedicated to catering to the consumer mentality. Everyone wants the newest, most expensive cameras with the most bells and whistles and highest megapixel counts, not realizing that you can take a great photograph with ANY camera, even point and shoot cameras and mobile phones. But the way to do that is to understand the elements of a good photograph and to think deeply about your compositions. That's where a book like this comes in. The author also wrote another book entitled The Photographer's Mind, which is equally a great book and also deals with the psychology of image making. Both books should be on the bookshelf of any serious photographer or artist.

I read The Photographer's Eye as a long time photo enthusiast who also uses photography as meditation. I have a strong technical background but no formal training in art, so I enjoyed approaching photography from the aspect I am less familiar with.Learning about design and composition may help us become better photographers, but I recommend Michael Freeman’s book for a different reason. Photography is the art of seeing. Even taking pictures only to capture family moments, looking for photo opportunities and capturing our story in pictures helps us see the world in a more subtle way.The Photographer’s Eye, in return, helps us develop our eyes further. It helps us see photos from angles we may have not even thought before. By introducing the tools and language of visual design and composition, the book helps us contemplate photos mindfully. The effort to apply what we learn in our own photography then helps us see aspects and angles we have never seen before.A special strength of the book lies in the beautiful photos illustrating the concepts. The collection of images accompanying the text let us immerse in visual exploration and transform reading into a meditative journey.

I thought this book is packed full of useful information but the presentation is too academic. In addition, the font is too small to read comfortably. It would be helpful if the material was presented in a way that better connects with people trying to learn all aspects of photography in a more meaningful manner. The bottom line is that the material presented is useful and helpful.

This book is an excellent look at the framing and composition of photos. It is very comprehensively written and beautifully illustrated. While composition is something that is ultimately, in the eye of the photographer, Freeman operates on the principal that you need to understand all the basics before you can specialize. Not only that, but the underlying knowledge of many different ways to compose a photo allows a photographer to create the best setting for each one, instead of always relying on the rule of thirds or the golden rectangle. The way that the information is presented, essentially from the outside edge inward, requires the reader to pay close attention and think about what's being said - this is not a quick and simple "just do this and all your pics will be InstaGram worthy!" book, but a book for artists who are seeking a deeper understanding of this important design principle. Freeman writes very well and intelligently about some difficult, often passed-over ideas. He is not afraid to delve into areas like the intention or message behind a photograph, and how best to communicate those ideas. His book is definitely the comprehensive guide to this subject.

An old style photography book that might be helpful to a beginner. It did help me confirm my eye for photos. He is a reporter and though I report on nature, my photography is a little different from his. I'm glad I read it as a reminder of some basics in photography. But not really worth the higher than average price I paid for a digital book. Photography books are better on paper.

Most of my photography books are quite comprehensive with lots of attention on gear, post processing, light, etc. This book, however, is much more of a theory based book focused on composition.The chapters are bite-sized which makes it easy to dip into. In many chapters, there are multiple images of the same subject, all slightly different, with explanations of how the composition changes the overall effect. There are also illustrations accompanying some images, again explaining the process and theory.I found this to be quite a specialised book and it is perhaps suitable for people who are already comfortable with all the photography basics and also post processing, who want to instead focus on composition – which is pretty essential for any standout image.All in all, a good read but bear in mind the narrow (albeit important!) subject matter. If you are newer to photography you might want something more over-arching and comprehensive.

This is a 10th Anniversary 're-mastered' edition of the original book - the re-mastering' evidently refers to digital printing - I have the original version and there's no apparent difference in quality of the printing (which was good in the original). the content is the same. I had expected an update- at least in some new images or 'reflections' so I do find the re-mastering unnecessarily confusing. Nevertheless, the book is excellent - Michael Freeman is one of the very best authors, thoughtful, learned, academic - so not a light read. A great deal is presented in as accessible manner as is possible without over-simplifying.

At first I thought I had found what I was looking for - a book which was all about improving the image rather than going on about gear, Lightroom etc. Certainly gear is never mentioned, and the text applies equally to smartphones, medium format and everything in between. But it seems to me that some of the basics of composition are skipped over too quickly.Also, the author's forte appears to be travel photography, so that's what the examples are drawn from. Don't expect much on composition for portraits, family groups, or street photography.Finally, as others have said, the book stops very suddenly, as if the printer left out the last chapter by mistake. I for one would have found it useful if it had ended with a summary of key points to take away.

I gave this as a gift but am enjoying it myself. Perfect for those who may be technically competent with a camera but feel they lack the artistic or creative flair that turns a simple snapshot into true art. How to get a picture to tell a story? After just a few days the recipient began rearranging things in the house, commenting on their colour, or the light level, and found a renewed joy in their camera - taking it out even on a morning commute, taking pictures of the same old buildings but with new eyes. The photos are a revelation, with much improvement to composition - subjects made interesting by their angles, choices of perspective, lines.It might not be for the complete beginner - they would need something regarding camera settings and basic usage - but once those are mastered, this is the guide to take your photos to the next level and to bring some personality and soul into your work.The book is well written, easy and conversational, but with a deep and reassuring sense of knowledge and expertise.

If you are new to photography and have bought your first DSLR or mirrorless camera, this is the second book I'd recommend after  Understanding Exposure, Fourth Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera . Once you understand exposure, then composition is the next critical lesson. There is no better book imho than this one to explain the fundamentals of composition - lines, colours, timing. It's all there. It's a tenth anniversary edition for a reason - I've read plenty of books on photography, but I find myself coming back to this one for a reason - clearly written and beautifully illustrated. It deserves to be on every photographer's bookshelf. Understanding Exposure, Fourth Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera