The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos

Freeman's journey through the the principles of photographic composition is eye-opening, eloquent, and beautifully published.

This is not a book on the basics of taking "better photos," so those who seek information on exposure, cameras, lenses will not find it here. Nor is such shooting information for any photographs included. In a general book on photography, this would be a major defect, but here such information would only distract from the book's primary subject: the composition of a visual image.

On the surface, photographic composition may seem to be a very subjective and idiosyncratic topic: you may like one thing, I may like something else. And if it's all subjective, merely a matter of personal preferences, tastes, and opinions, why bother writing a book about it? Most books on photography thread gently on this shaky, insecure ground, and their authors usually limit themselves to a few simple, predictable pointers: the rule of thirds, and golden section, with a particular emphasis on golden rectangle.

But Freeman quite clearly believes that, although ultimately each photographer makes their own choice about what composition works best for their photograph, good choices are those that are deliberate (not accidental), and informed by being aware of ALL the possibilities that are available. The Photographer's Eye will give any intermediate or advanced photographer a better awareness and grasp of choices that are to be made.

Freeman starts at the edge of the image (chapters about the frame) and moves inwards. Available formats, for example (4:3, 3:2, square, horizontal vs. vertical, etc.) are all carefully explored through numerous, and well-chosen examples. Unlike many books that show different images as examples of different formats, Freeman often selects one, single image and shows how its perception will change, depending on the selected format or compositional principle at play. In the chapters on framing I enjoyed particularly the sections focused on "going against the grain" or against the "natural direction" of an image, i.e., shooting typically "vertical" topics (e.g., a standing man) as horizontal frame, or the other way round (e.g., a sleeping man on a bench shot in a vertical format Freeman uses).

Gradually, the author moves inwards, discussing the content of photographs in the context of forms (curves, lines, etc.) and compositional principles (e.g., symmetry, or a very complete discussion and listing of types of contrast). The closing chapters go totally "outside" of the single image, considering the impact of external framing and space around the photograph (e.g., matting), as well as multi-image compositions (such as book or magazine spreads).

As some readers have correctly pointed out, some of the information has been published before in the author's own previous books, and in other sources; but here, all the observations have been systematically, and very elegantly brought together, in one comprehensive and complete volume.

This book doesn't read easily, or fast. It forces the readers to engage both sides of their brain, since paying close attention to the images is as important here as carefully reading the words. But it is well worth the effort, and the reward, in addition to access to the authors' extensive knowledge, is a new, different way of seeing things which in themselves are not new. For me, this is the function, and definition, of a master-class, and this book certainly deserves to be called that.

great book, easy to skim through or read in detail, clear concepts with great pictures to illustrate, keeping it at the amateur/enthusiast level - a book that will make you shoot better with whatever you have available!

recommended++++

Uno de los mejores libros que he tenido ocasión de leer. Realmente te inspira y te invita a reflexionar sobre los tantos y tantos errores que como fotografo aficionado cometes, sobre todo cuando no estando especialmente inspirado, te olvidas que lo importante es saber mirar, ver y entender lo que tratas de fotografiar y no simplemente querer hacer una buena foto porque si.
Reconozco que me gusta este libro. Lo recomiendo.

High quality productions, great color, easy to read and you simply enjoy the guidance offered through the wonderful examples, tips, and points of view.

There are six chapters with over 50 topics, that make you think through the photographer's decision process.

I am a hobbyist photographer of over 30 years and of all the books I have purchased this one is by far the most outstanding. However, my biggest challenge since getting the book is containing my enthusiasm. I want all the info presented in this book in my brain now, but alas I have a memory like a sieve. So I'm trying to figure out how to absord it all. I find I need to take baby steps, practice, review the photos in context of the points made from the book and continue to the next challenge. You do improve and its amazing! Next, I thought I might try a topic from the book and practice it, this has become my biggest challenge.

Very informative, great reference guide to be read time and time again.

PS: You may also want to check out this book on a different topic that I found quite good Exposure and Lighting for Digital Photographers Only (For Only)

I am writing this review to rest the minds of many posts I have found on forums asking if 'anyone knows where to buy the no longer published book "The Image ..." by Michael Freeman'. I am here to tell you that it is here and now called "The Photographer's Eye". If you are buying The Image just to say you have it and are willing to pay the upwards of $275.00 to the used sellers then that is a different story. If you want the book for the content you can get it right here on Amazon in the form of The Photographer's Eye. I own both books. I recently ordered the image and paid $21.00 including shipping for a slightly highlighted edition because I had heard so much about the book. Although different (not by much concerning the important information) the Photographer's Eye is basically the same book in new packaging and obviously now referencing some digital techniques. Now I must admit I have not actually read the entire book "The Image" and I have about 20 more pages in "The Photographer's Eye" but I have flipped through "The Image" and there is quite a bit of the same information. That is a good thing as far as I am concerned. For those of you wanted Freeman's original, I suggest TPE if you truly want it for content. The book/books are phenomenal as they have been in the past. Definitely a worthwhile purchase.