The Moment It Clicks: Photography secrets from one of the world's top shooters (Voices That Matter)

Mr. Steffens makes a number of very solid points in his thoughtful review of this book, and I would certainly caution potential readers to take note of what he is saying as I was hoping for more direct insight in terms of how to recreate some of the truly amazing photos that Mr. McNally has captured over the years. If you are looking for a point by point instruction set on how to pose a subject, or exactly where to place lighting (in more than general terms), this is probably not the book for you. That said, I still give the book high marks. There is plenty of information that is useful for the experienced photographer about how to make some informed decisions when working on an assignment. The work presented is certainly inspirational, and it's hard to imagine a step-by-step guide from a photographer who has had worked with any number of celebrities and captured award winning images. The vast majority of photographers simply are not going to find themselves presented with many of the types of work that Joe has encountered (we can always dream though). I still recommend that anyone who wants to learn more about Joe's work pick up this book, both for a source of inspiration and instruction.

The book is just perfect for me!
Great photographs, lots of talk about lighting and stories that is just long enough.

The book has won more praise from photographers of all ilk than just about any other book ever, though as I discovered $55 later, Joe McNally's blue-collar celebrity and incredible photographic versatility don't guarantee that everything he publishes is as cool as he is. The party line is that the book "has one foot on the coffee table and one in the classroom," which amounts to two few feet, as I see it; each image is paired with a very soft technical explication that merely suggests that McNally is, in fact, alive (and proud of what he's done while alive). Sure, the novice with little imagination may feel treated to privileged perspective thumbing through the candied panoply of McNally's greatest hits, but unless you're at ground zero with this novice, this book will not elevate your craft at all (even though Joe is cool).

The first photography book I've read cover to cover in one sitting.
Beautifully written, A lifetimes worth of tips and advice shared in a lighthearted way. The more I reread it the more aha moments I have. Joe Mc Nally is a great phototographer who's walked the walk.

simply one of the best photography books ive read, beautiful photos, lots of technical and amusing anecdotes, and lots to learn and love!