The essential concept for which there is no Auto mode, quality composition is what distinguishes a snapshot from a phenomenal photograph. Learn how to develop your photographic eye not to only seek out engaging subjects, but also to approach them from the best angle, in optimal light, for maximum effect. Going beyond the basics, Michael Freeman reveals why certain photographs succeed, demystifying the abstract aesthetics to give practical rules and real-world advice that will enhance your images and inspire your creativity. Presented in a straightforward, down-to-earth method, these compositional principles will become second nature, giving you the creative freedom to seek out new, stunning shots of your own. What's more, you will develop reliable skills to approach a wide variety of subjects - from portraits to landscapes and everything in between - and to consistently present them in a strong, compelling composition.

Photography is international best-seller Michael Freeman’s life, and in this book he works together with fellow photography experts to share his and their knowledge with anyone who wants to learn not only how to take better photos, but also why those photographs work and where they fit in with the history of the craft. Inspired by the structure of a college course and the benefits of a collective learning environment, this book teaches the fundamentals of photography not just through comprehensive lessons and instructions, but also through challenges in which readers can participate. Sample work from Michael’s students provides inspiration, and critical evaluations of the results ensure that the core concepts are being grasped every step of the way. Additionally, readers can join in by sharing their work via the series’ dedicated website.

Designed by expert professional Michael Freeman, this complete course will let you take exceptional photos and develop a deeper understanding of what makes a great photo work. Inspired by the structure of a college course and the benefits of collective learning, in-depth lessons are punctuated by shooting challenges, encouraging you to get out and practice your new skills. Start by taking creative control of your images, learning the science behind exposure, getting comfortable with the full range of camera controls, and leaving Auto mode behind. Next, learn to read the light itself and capture consistently high-quality images even in the most difficult lighting conditions. Then take a step back and develop your photographic eye to recognize potential design and compositional choices, making the most of stunning scenes as they occur. Once you get back to your computer, wrap it up with a complete overview of the most important digital-editing techniques, cutting through the clutter and honing in on the tools and workflows that are relevant to your own photographic style. By the end of this course you will understand the principles of photography, you'll know what makes a successful photograph, and you'll have the skills to take excellent photos yourself.

Designed by expert professional Michael Freeman, this complete course will let you take exceptional photos and develop a deeper understanding of what makes a great photo work. Inspired by the structure of a college course and the benefits of collective learning, in-depth lessons are punctuated by shooting challenges, encouraging you to get out and practice your new skills. Start by taking creative control of your images, learning the science behind exposure, getting comfortable with the full range of camera controls, and leaving Auto mode behind. Next, learn to read the light itself and capture consistently high-quality images even in the most difficult lighting conditions. Then take a step back and develop your photographic eye to recognize potential design and compositional choices, making the most of stunning scenes as they occur. Once you get back to your computer, wrap it up with a complete overview of the most important digital-editing techniques, cutting through the clutter and honing in on the tools and workflows that are relevant to your own photographic style. By the end of this course you will understand the principles of photography, youOCOll know what makes a successful photograph, and youOCOll have the skills to take excellent photos yourself."

Composition is the single most powerful tool in a photographer's armoury. Unconstrained by any outside influence, it can be a pure expression of individuality, and this is what makes it so important. Freeman details both why and how composition works, from perception to visual imagination, including many practical compositional templates - varying from the Walk-in to the Frame Break to the Fibonacci Point - ready to be applied to a range of camera situations. - All-new content from the master of photography guides - Concise and easy-to-follow format clearly explains the vital ingredients of composition - Real-life examples of composition in practice ably demonstrate the key elements - Unique visuals and illustrations cut through the jargon and make the subject simple

Michael Freemanour top digital photography author and a worldwide namepresents the most comprehensive book yet on black-and-white digital photography. Oversized, beautifully illustrated, and far-reaching in scope, this guide is destined to be a standard reference for years to come. Freeman covers all aspects of black-and-white digital photography: its fine art tradition as well as its techniques. Learn how to see and expose in black and white, digitally convert color to monochrome, and develop a black-and-white digital workflow. Explore creative choices and how to interpret various subjects most skillfully in monochrome. Finally, get an expert s advice on printing and displaying black-and-white photographs to best effect. "

Visual Research: A Concise Introduction to Thinking Visually is the first text to present a concise overview of the significant ethical, theoretical, and practical considerations for conducting research with images. The capacity to take photos and video on handheld devices and the ability to store, post, and share such imagery online all offer tremendous opportunities for social research. The rapid development and popularity of such technology means that little technological proficiency is required, and even less theoretical and ethical consideration. This book provides an accessible introduction to doing visual research in the social sciences. Beginning with ethical considerations, this book highlights the importance of thinking visually before engaging in visual research. Further themes involve creating, organizing, and using images and are presented so as to help readers think about and work with their own visual data. Boxed case studies and further reading suggestions enhance the utility of this primer. Concise and highly focused, Visual Research will be an invaluable resource for visual, media, and communications students and researchers and others interested in visual research in the social sciences.

Michael Freeman shows the techniques and all the technological advances available to take digital portraits to a higher, more professional level. Readers will find out about the more formal side of portrait photography, from posing your subject, planning the shoot and selecting the scene to choosing lenses.