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 - Great inside view on profesional photographyReally 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. Rating:  - Pretty, but doesn't explain how.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. Rating: - Inspiring, PerfectI 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. Rating:  - A fun read.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. Rating: - Great Narrative, Tips May Require Some Working Knowledge.This book if filled with brilliant images, and some great auto-biographical narration. However, while some of his explanations may work for beginners, I feel that most may become frustrated without some more in-depth information. As a senior, working on a BFA in photography, I found this book to be incredibly helpful and insightful, but it does require some foreknowledge. I am looking forward to discussing some of these things with my professors, so that I can better achieve some of the techniques that he discusses. A couple of years ago, though, I think that I may have been disappointed, and unable to get much from the book. Certainly, any experience level could appreciate and learn some amount from this book. I think it's important to keep in mind that, really, no photograph should be replicated just for replication's sake. Is it realistic to apply this knowledge to my photographs? Yes! Would I try to copy exact ideas, etc? No. I just don't see the point of reinventing an identical wheel. If that's your intent when thinking of buying this book, I don't think you'll find it satisfactory. Just my honest opinion.... -E
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