Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color & Composition in Photography (Updated Edition)

Now totally rewritten, revised, and expanded, this best-selling guide takes a radical approach to creativity. It explains how it is not some gift only for the "chosen few" but actually a skill that can be learned and applied. Using inventive photos from his own stunning portfolio, author and veteran photographer Bryan Peterson deconstructs creativity for photographers. He details the basic techniques that went into not only taking a particular photo, but also provides insights on how to improve upon it—helping readers avoid the visual pitfalls and technical dead ends that can lead to dull, uninventive photographs.

This revised edition features the latest information on digital photography and digital imaging software, as well as an all-new section on color as a design element. Learning to See Creatively is the definitive reference for any photographers looking for a fresh perspective on their work.

* New edition of a best-selling title
* Updated to include digital
* All new artwork, and a totally revised and expanded text
* All-new section on color as a design element
* Written by one of Amphoto's bestselling authors

If you are a beginner then this is a must read book. If you are more advanced and generally happy with your images then read this book anyway and look again. Were any of you images `ho-hum, so-so'? Need to move on to the next level?

This is the best book on composition I have read. I believe this book has helped me and can help you improve your images no matter what level you are at. Yes, even if you are a point and shoot photographer. For me this one is a keeper. Enjoy. ASC.


Worth every penny...Bryan you did it again   October 12, 2005
Terry Byrum (Virginia)
30 out of 32 found this review helpful

After reading Bryan's book Exposure, I couldn't wait to read this one and he didn't disappoint. This is an excellent book for beginners (and a refresher for more advanced).

I really like the presentation of the "average" picture along side his view of how the picture should have been shot. His clear text with specific insights was excellent. The exercises were useful in conveying his points.

For the beginner, I would purchase Exposure along with this book. For the intermediate, I believe it is still worth the price. Of all the photographic books I have read (most written for a more seasoned photographer), his simple approach was refreshing and helpful. I believe that my recent work has improved due to his suggestions. Thanks Bryan...keep writing!



Change Your Perspective and Start Taking Dynamic Pictures   June 18, 2003
Therese M. Woolley (Warren, MI USA)
28 out of 30 found this review helpful

I have to admit, this is the first photography book that I've actually read from cover to cover. Each chapter contains valuable information that teaches the reader to shift their perspetive and see the world differently.

As a student photographer I constantly struggle with the mistaken assumption that I have to have something of value to photograph or that every picture I take has to be of something momentous. Not so. With this book I learned that I can look at a field of flowers along the side of the road and by simply "flopping down on my belly" see the world from an different perspective. This is what the author teaches. How to shift your view of the world around you and find true inspiration in the common and ordinary.

The author teaches when to use a telephoto and when to use a wide angle lens and also talks about the usefulness of the much maligned 50mm lens. The reader also learns how to incorporate color into photographs, how to interpert and accomodate line, form and texture.

The sample photographs are in full color and provide the reader with examples that illustrate the lessons beautifully.

One word of caution, if you're looking for a book that discusses the more technical aspects of photography such as apeture, shutter speed or depth of field charts, this is not the book for you. This books assumes you have a basic working knowledge of photography and is written to take you to the next level beyond the fundamentals of photography.

I highly recommend this book. It has helped me tremendously. Now I look for reasons to go out and shoot and no longer bemoan the lack of subject matter. The world has opened up and my photographs have definitely improved.


revolutionize your photography   May 21, 2006
Gavin Todes (Washington, DC USA)
18 out of 19 found this review helpful

a cousin recommended this book to me a long time ago so i went and bought it. hands down, this book helped me improve my shooting DRASTICALLY. it teaches you to answer the questions "what is it about this scene that i want to express?" and "how can i convey that feeling/idea in a photo?". these may sound like simple questions but you really have to step away from the normal way of seeing things in order to take great photos.

the principles in this book apply not only to photography, but to any art form where an understanding of visual principles applies: graphic design, painting, drawing, etc. this book is a great primer on visual literacy.

peterson helps you to compose a photo based on its intended effect by providing a pair of photos for each idea that he is trying to explain: one of the photos is taken without giving much thought (a snapshot, if you will) and the other is taken after peterson addressed the questions above (what do i want to express? how can i translate that to a photo?). he uses the "pair method" to illustrate topics like form, shape, color, perspective, and a variety of others.

i just couldn't put this book down. and i'm not kidding when i say it improved my photography drastically. do yourself a favor and buy this book.