Secrets of Color in Photography

Jim Zuckerman
Writers Digest Books
ISBN 0-89879-800-0

In the authors intro he states that the first step to working with colour is learning to recognize its many moods. The book offers a hands on approach to ideas that you can translate directly from the book to your photos.

The eight illustrated chapters cover: colour concept, films, filters, colour awareness, making powerful statements with colour, changing colour after the fact, colours of the nights and colour that sells.

A comprehensive guide to digital black & white photography

John Clements
AVA Publishing
ISBN 2-88479-056-X

Does what it says on the tin – a real nuts and bolts guide to digital image manipulation. It covers the various stages of shooting, enhancing to the final result. The seven sections examine the approach to monochrome; digital capture; digital darkroom; manipulations at basic, intermediate and advanced levels; adding extra dimensions, such as toning and infrared effects and presentation.

John Hedgecoe’s – The Art of Colour Photography

Publisher: Mitchell Beazley
ISBN: 1 84000 044 9

A wonderfully illustrated book that starts with a definition to colour, before moving onto chapter about working with colour, picture composition, moods of natural light, using artificial light, subject lighting, materials and techniques and ends with the obligatory equipment and darkroom chapter.

In his introduction the author observes there is “profound difference between a good photographer and somebody who simply aims the camera at the world and trips the shutter.” This book aims to develop and individuals skill & insight and to make you more aware of the creative choices that are involved every time you take a picture.

It was one of the first books I bought on Photography when I was starting out, and I liked it. Points are illustrated with words, but mostly pictures, and I find that’s a good way of learning for me.

The Earth From the Air 366 days

Yanns Arthus-Bertrand, Thames & Hudson, ISBN 0-500-54278-3

The Earth from the Air is a fantastic collection of photographs taken from various types of planes & helicopters - the sky rarely features. I visited this outdoor exhibition at the Natural History Museum last year and it just simply took my breath away. So many moments in time captured at just the right time, and each picture was displayed with its story so you really understood what the photographer wanted to portray.

The Art of Landscape Photography

Chris Coe
Fountain Press Ltd
ISBN: 0-86343-337-5

Landscape Photography - probably the most popular subject with photographers. This is a practical guide to working with the challenges of natural light, with a focus on creating atmosphere.

Seeing Landscapes

Charlie Waite
Collins & Brown
ISBN: 1-85585-711-1

A stunning book written and shot by Charlie Waite. It is a fascinating insight into the work and approach of a passionate photographer at the top of his profession.

The E-myth Revisited is probably one of the only business books I read in a weekend. I just couldn't put it down, and it prompted me to look at my business in a whole new way. Originally I thought it was a book about the internet, but so many people recommended it to me that in the end I just had to buy it to find out what they were on about. Essentially the book is about dispelling the myths surrounding starting your own businesss. Michael Gerber, the author, comments:

“I believe that our business can provide us with a mirror to see ourselves as we are, to see what we truly know and what we don’t know, to ourselves honestly, directly and immediately.”

The truth of the quote above is not to be underestimated, and probably not truly understood until you go solo. It will mean different things to different people.