The Passionate Photographer: Ten Steps Toward Becoming Great (Voices That Matter)

Steve Simon certainly is a passionate photographer and his book could not be more aptly named. Passionate people inspire others and that is exactly what he has done with this wonderfully crafted book which introduces ten steps to becoming a better photographer. From the beginning until the end of this book I felt like I was travelling through the career of Steve Simon and listening to his gentle advice and ideas which he seems to have learnt through trial, error and experience. From tips about design and composition to different ways of working the scene, changing vantage points and waiting patiently for the missing element of an image to sharing your vision with the world on websites. This book has inspired me with practical tips, ideas and fantastic photographs. I would recommend it as a wonderful read and reference for anyone who has has yet to find or would like to rekindle their passion for photography.

As the title of the review points out, this is a great book for inspiration and motivation in photography. I don't think it's for beginners; it certainly doesn't teach you all the basics. Rather, it's for people who want to take their photography to the next level. It's written as a how-to guide (ten steps to improve your photography), but I didn't see that aspect of the book as its main contribution, except insofar as it organizes the author's thoughts. So what's so special about the book? The actual content of the advice is very good. I also like the inspirational/motivational tone. But I primarily like the way it reads. The author really has a passion for photography, and it comes across. And it does so accessibly. Some people are just better writers than others, and I think Steve Simon is excellent. I like his writing so much that I'd read his next book, even if it were for complete beginners (although I am beyond that stage). As I read the book, I just felt like I was taking private lessons from a friend who happens to be an expert in photography. Highly recommended!

This is an excellent book and one that photographers should re-read once a year. The book is not about f-stops and shutter speeds. It is about the photographers attitude and mindset. If you have a closed mind and think that you can take great photos and don't need anyone's advice, skip this book. If you are open to suggestions and willing to sit down and "listen" to the suggestions being given, you will be a better photographer as a result. Everyone one that takes pictures, even the well seasoned photographer can benefit from reading Simon's book.

This book is unique. Most how-to books teach specific skills. In "The Passionate Photographer", Steve Simon, instead, covers the learning process itself. His 10 steps address ways to practice photography. Yes, some are skill based, but most cover methods relating to practice and attitudes. It takes practice to get good at anything. But practice needs to be done with attention and intention to effective. Just going out and shooting 10,000 frames won't make us good. With the super fast burst modes that modern cameras offer, a determined photographer, with enough batteries and memory cards, could shoot that many photos in a single day. That wouldn't be attentive practice, though. Steve Simon offers a very well though out method of approaching practice, one that aligns with the latest learning process theories. The method isn't rigid or cookie-cutter. It allows plenty of room for personal goals and vision. It also gives us permission to go out and make terrible photographs. Indeed, Simon encourages us to do so. If we don't fail, we haven't pushed beyond the comfort zone of routine. There are also specific recommendations for dealing with common fears like shyness and the inevitable flat spots of inspiration. If you want to become a better photographer, there is no other book that covers this material in as concise and thorough a manner. It's a bonus that the writing is easy to read, conversational and well thought out. It doesn't hurt that the book is filled with excellent photos either. I couldn't recommend it more highly.

Schon wieder ein Buch aus der Reihe "Wie Sie ein Top-Fotograf werden!"? Nein, Steven Simons Buch ist eine erfrischende Abwechslung von den vielen oberflächlichen Brochuren, die gebetsmühlenartig stets die gleichen Konzepte aufwärmen, damit sie auch der letzte derer versteht, die es offenbar nicht schaffen, eine Bedienungsanleitung eines Fotoapparates zu lesen und auch zu verstehen. Anstatt zum zigsten Mal den Zusammenhang von Verschluss, Blende und Filmempfindlichkeit zu erklären, plaudert hier ein Profi aus dem "Nähkästchen". Simon zeichnet einen Weg in zehn Schritten vor, was einen Profi (ihn) von einem Amateur unterscheidet, bzw. welchen Weg dieser vor sich hat um jener zu werden. Die fotografischen Grundlagen vorausgesetzt (auch wenn er eine sehr brauchbare Erklärung des ETTR-Konzepts bietet), liefert er Beispielhaftes aus dem Leben eines Fotografen. Zwar sind die zehn Schritte ihrer Priorität nach aufgebaut (der erste Schritt ist demnach der wichtigste). Ein Folgeschritt beinhaltet aber nicht den vorhergehenden, wodurch das Buch auch bedingt quergelesen werden kann. Wobei der Autor wiederholt dazu motiviert, Schritte zurück zu machen, um erst dann "weiterzuschreiten", wenn das Bisherige voll und ganz verinnerlicht und zum Alltag geworden ist. Was das Buch so von anderen abhebt, ist der Einblick in den "workflow" eines Profifotografen, der Fotografie hier als äußerst mechanisierte, handwerkliche Arbeit darstellt, ohne ihren künstlerischen Charakter außen vor zu lassen. Der ständige Querverweis auf Größen der Fotografie und deren "workflow", rückt die nötige Einstellung zur Fotografie (nämlich sich dieser Kunst zu verschreiben, einen Gutteil seiner Zeit ihr zu widmen), die man mitbringen muss, um darin quasi meisterhaft zu werden, in den Vordergrund. Was mir an dem Buch darüber hinaus so gut gefällt, ist die Selbstverständlichkeit, mit der Steven Simon über sein "Handwerk" schreibt. Ich habe es einige Male gelesen (unbedingt notwendig), um die viele Information "zwischen den Zeilen" mitzunehmen. Was in anderen Büchern leider oftmals plump plakativ und quasi als Allheilmittel dargestellt wird, um den Leser nur ja nicht vor eine eigene Wahl zu stellen (welches Bildbearbeitungsprogramm, etc.), wird hier nur indirekt vermittelt. Simon will weder missionieren, noch aufdringlich sein. Er schreibt schlicht und ergreifend wie es er handhabt. Weder ein Buch für den Urlaubsfotografen, noch für den unerfahrenen Amateur, sondern für die Enthusiasten und angehenden Profis.

... durante un workshop, ci sono spunti interessanti ma nel complesso un'opera non indispensabile. No, non sono soldi buttati, l'approccio dell'autore è comunque serio...

I very much enjoyed reading this book and found the tips useful and practical. The format of the book is to base each chapter around a "step" towards becoming a better photographer, with the format of introducing what you need to do and giving a rationale for why this will increase your skill level. I liked the way it was written, and considered the advice to be very sound, and in most cases not just a repetition of what most people know anyway or a regurgitation of the contents of a hundred other books. I am quite happy to recommend it. It may not make you a great photographer, but for most people it will make you better.

I have followed Steve through his blogs, training videos and now this ebook. He always explains in a simple and easy manner. His considerable knowledge is reflected and accessible in layman lingo.

Everyone hates finding out the ending of a book before they manage to read to the end themselves. I had the good fortune of attending one of Steve's Passionate Photographer seminars when he was in Vancouver before the book came out. The material was terrific. I have been taking pictures for over 35 years and I learned a few new things. More importantly, the entire set of material he presents makes for a great formula for better pictures and better photographers. Long time photographers will intuitively know most of the individual elements already, but you do not often see them presented in such a clear and logical fashion. There was a little there about using your camera, but it was more about what you need to do to consistently raise the level of your game as a photographer. It includes everything from your preparation and training to editing and presenting your work. The only really important item that was missing from Steve's seminar was some good backup material, like a book. Well, the book is here and it is every bit as complete as the seminar. The only things you will miss are Steve's good nature, wit, and useful critique of your portfolio (none of which should be undervalued). My only disappointment was that I already knew the ending as the correlation between the seminar and the book is very high. That said, it works well both on its own or as a companion to the seminar to help reinforce the material long after Steve has left town. I set my camera to back-focus following the seminar and I have never looked back. Thanks Steve!