Customer Reviews:
 Second read January 13, 2008
After the first read I felt exactly like L Miles "Mind Numbing" review. However, before writing a scathing review I decided to re-read the book and analyse why and summarise what David Ward had and had not said. The second time round it felt like a completely different book. I had a feeling of the penny dropping and gained useful insights that I believe will take my own approach to a new level. The subject matter that David Ward tackles is very elusive and difficult to explain - with its own language. So maybe it is not surprising that one might not get it first time round. I am glad I persevered and recommend this book to anyone else who is prepared to work at moving their landscape photography up a level. A thought-provoking set of essays on the phychology and subtle qualities that lie behind a great landscape image and particularly inner landscape abstraction. I found the pictures, which tell their own story, did not follow the text particularly well and trying to read the sub-titles at the same time as the main text made it harder to read. I suggest that going through the book and looking at all the pictures and sub-titles before reading the book will make it easier to follow. Then read it again!
 Mind Numbing June 7, 2006
5 out of 16 found this review helpful
A very dry book. The author writes in a style which is definately not a pleasure to read [just to an search inside book to see what I actually mean]. I suspect that this maybe why the previous reviewers here have had to read the book again.
I found myself left at the end of paragraphs wondering what the author was actually trying to say. I expected this to be an inspiring book but alas it wasn't.
I'm sure it has a place on someones book shelf but if you are really, and I mean really interested in photographic styles throughout the history of photography then you maybe interested in this book. If not then I wouldn't bother.
 Photo Philosophy January 31, 2005
18 out of 19 found this review helpful
I can't agree more with ileake's ealier review... This book is a thought-provoking gem! Rather than go through chapters covering depth of field and the sunny 16 rule, Ward's book barely touches on the technical aspect of Landscape Photography.Instead, it covers the philosophy behind the creation of the landscape image; how to think about what you are doing in order to create provocative and emotive images; what it is that you're creating and also, what it represents. I've just finished reading it once, and like ileake, I'm going straight back to read it again. I was stuck in a bit of a landscape rut at the end of last year - I wasn't happy with any of the images that I was producing and I was starting to move away from taking landscapes. This book has provoked me into thinking a little more and shooting a little less and I have started to see some pretty special results - I've just sold my first landscape shot at a local gallery! I can't recommend this book highly enough. Not as a manual full of guides, rules and figures, but as an aid to your thought process and an encouragement.
Inspirational Writing November 29, 2004
18 out of 19 found this review helpful
This is not a book for someone who wants to read about equipment and technique, nor is it for someone who just wants to see lots of great photos (though there are many of these inside). But if your looking for a well written, insightful and thought provoking book on landscape photography illustrated with a large number of David Ward's fantastic photographs, then this should be on your "must read" list. I finished it yesterday and tonight I'm starting again...
|
