Customer Reviews:
 Inspirational September 7, 2008
If you use or are interested in using off camera lighting, this is a must read. Why would you? Photography is about light and McNally teachs how to modify or change existing light so you are not stuck with the poor or boring light you find. McNally is an artist with light. His writing style is enjoyable and is humor makes this an easy read yet this is packed with information. This book was the brainchild of Scott Kelby, and even goes beyond his on line seminars taking a subject that could be dry and makes it enjoyable reading. This book received alot of hoopla about its release- with good reason. Read this with Lowell's Matter of Light and Depth for structured instruction and the Strobist website for portable, inexpensive gear and your photography will move to an entirely different level.
Great inside view on profesional photography September 7, 2008
Really great book on how Joe McNally achieves his photowork. Great for developing a view on creating great photo's yourself. Written in small chunks. Every page dscribes a photo. Fun to read due to easy to read language. Professional terms explained.
 Pretty, but doesn't explain how. September 5, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Although the photos in this book a great there is minimal information on how to set the photo up. In addition, most of the hints are not for the beginner or tourist as they involve light boxes and various other pieces of equipment. I was disappointed with this book. If you're interested in learning more about the composition of a photo (with your camera as your only piece of equipment) I would suggest The Photographer's Eye by Freeman. I bought these two books at the same time and have found Freeman's book very instructive, although there are many other how-to books on composition that are probably just as good. But as for McNally's book, its now on my coffee table amongst the other pretty to look at books.
Inspiring, Perfect September 2, 2008
I found Mr. McNally on Nikonusa.com, was looking at all the different photographs taken on it, as i frequently look for official press release, and non(lol), on the nikon site and other sites. I happened to see the photograph of the firefighter from NYC,NY, and instantly fell inlove with his work. I read on, looking at websites, finally i found his, and then his blog. it was amazing. This book continues to show his great career, and life, as a photographer. This is not a book about how to become ansel adams, joe mcnally, or yousof karsh, its merely an inspirational, i did it this way, can you see that mistake(?), these are my life experiences, book. It brings you to laughs, tears, and amazement. At how one man, was able to tackle, what so many of us photographers want to have, a successful, proud career, where your work is admired by millions.
 A fun read. September 1, 2008
This was a great read. It mixes a lot of the "practical" behind the scenes aspects of putting a shoot together with the technical parts of how the shot was taken. McNally is frank about the hardships and sacrifices of trying to become a professional photographer and doesn't pull any punches about the effects on his family life. But for the most part the book is light hearted and fun to read. It's probably not the best book on the technical aspects of lighting/photography, but if you have any interest in portrait/slice-of-life photography you'll definitely enjoy this.
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