The Fundamentals of Creative Photography

The Fundamentals of Creative Photography offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of applied creative photography. It explores the basic principles that underpin photography, and guides the reader though the practical considerations involved in executing the perfect shot. The book 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. As such, the Fundamentals of Creative Photography deals in practical advice for photographers as working image-makers, from the importance of communication to useful industry information and advice. 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.