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| Mastering Landscape Photography: The Luminous Landscape Essays | 
| Author: Alain Briot
Publisher: Rocky Nook
Category: Book
List Price: $39.95
Buy New: $21.98
You Save: $17.97 (45%)
New (29) from $21.98
Avg. Customer Rating:  21 reviews
Sales Rank: 25862
Format: Illustrated
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 280
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.6
Dimensions (in): 9.8 x 7.9 x 0.7
ISBN: 1933952067
Dewey Decimal Number: 778.936
EAN: 9781933952062
ASIN: 1933952067
Publication Date: December 5, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 Very Wordy - Doesn't Say Much! July 13, 2007
23 out of 25 found this review helpful
I was initially offered this book sometime back when it was much more expensive. After seeing it on Amazon considerably cheaper I decided to purchase the book.
I was under the impression by the title that it would cover off on technical and artistic recommendations for landscape photography.
I found the book to be relatively well written, however, very wordy! The author is not succinct and to the point, but rather very long winded. Much of the text is repeated throughout the book as the writer becomes sidetracked - yet again. Therefore, approximately 30% - 50% of the book is extra words and duplicated information. Furthermore, the images in the book do not teach you anything. Many of the images are duplicated in each chapter.
The book is divided into roughly two sections - technical aspects and artistic aspects relating to landscape photography.
I found the technical aspects to be a little lacking. If you are already versed in the basic technically knowledge of photography, you do not require this book. Everything written can very easily be gleaned form other "free" sources. If you are searching for technical aspects - purchase another book.
Art by it's very nature is highly subjective, and it's very difficult to put into words as this author has demonstrated. There are literally pages and pages in which nothing is actually stated - just "mumbo jumbo". Briot goes on endlessly about his success and the reasons for his success. Although interesting in its own right, the book is a photographic book on the technical and artistic approach to landscape photography - not an autobiography! When reading his book I kept thinking to myself, when will it end, what is this guy trying to say, when will he cease to `blow his own horn".
Many reviewers have mentioned that the book was inspiring, and I must agree with them. Briot makes you want to "get out there and give it a go". But this is what autobiographies do - inspire. I bought the book for information which is sourly lacks.
I have a PhD in earth science which focuses my thoughts to the technical side of photography (science is basically technical). I often feel I lack the artistic side required to make images which is why I bought this book. Unfortunately, the book did not convey the information advertised. After reading the book a month ago, all I can remember is the author's personal history. I should be remembering photographic points - not whether he lived in France, Arizona or Colorado, or whether he hired a removal van for 3 days or 6 days, or whether he moved into a house with 3 or four rooms!
I'd suggest borrowing the book from a library rather than purchasing it.
I rate this book as follows:
Readability 2/10
Information 3/10
Biography 9/10
Imagery 3/10I
I suggest you read the follow up comments as well.....
Boring July 5, 2007
13 out of 26 found this review helpful
I read or rather ploughed through Briot's essays when they appeared on the Luminous Landscape website. I kept thinking 'when is he going to say something?'. I look at his photos and wonder why he is considered by anyone as a top landscape photographer.
If you want a really good education and wonderful photos, I highly recommend Working the Light by Joe Cornish. It is a stunning collection of photos, many of which glow with light. The writing is straightforward with lots of valuable suggestions for the landscape photographer. A winner.
 Creating art with your photography June 14, 2007
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
Although there are alot of great books that teach the range of photographic skills from camera usage to Photoshop to composition, this is the first book I've found that helps you discover how to create your own unique art with your photography. While these essays do go into topics such as exposure and lens selection, what sets them apart are the discussions of how to go about creating images that reveal your individual expression and personal vision. Practicing photography is not just about creating better images...it's about creating *your* images, and this is what Alain focuses on in this book.
A Truly Unique Volume June 13, 2007
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
I first discovered Alain Briot's essays while browsing the very popular Luminous-Landscape web site. I found myself drawn to his prints and began to try to analyze his approach and learn from it. I printed his essays to take with me on plane flights to study in depth. Fortunately Mr. Briot not only produces some of the finest photographs available, but also writes freely and openly about how he does so. He has collected the essays, edited them, and illustrated this book with his fine artistry.
Although I have read his essays several times, I find I am repeatedly reaching for this book to re-read and re-study what he has to say. This book gathers no dust and is showing signs of wear. His own web site, beautiful-landscape.com, also contains volumes of essays and is well worth exploring. I hope he will publish additional books of his essays as the book form is much more convenient than the unwieldy stack of printouts I find myself carrying around.
Finally, the photo composition book that tells it as it is May 29, 2007
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I've read at _least_ ten books that purport to show how to conceive and compose a landscape photograph -- for me, this is the only one whose author was brave enough to show both the good and the not-so-good. To share the author's thought processes as well as the technical underpinnings of a fine landscape image. Alain Briot is willing to admit that sometimes it just doesn't work out as you imagined it. When at first you don't succeed, try, try again!
Bravo!
Encore!
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