Since the beginning of the twentieth century, photographic composition has been taught mostly by applying principles from the field of graphic design. But the factor that distinguishes the work of master photographers is their ability to see and describe scenes visually. This book follows contemporary educational methods used to teach fine arts such as drawing and painting, concentrating on teaching the perception of critical visual elements and understanding how they will be rendered photographically. Unlike other composition resources, The Photography Exercise Book uses cognitive science to help photographers develop greater artistic proficiency. In this thoroughly revised new edition, lessons are presented as a series of exercises sure to help photographers see and perceive their environment differently. Chapters and exercises cover:

Developing an intuitive sense of composition to create better photos
Understanding how the human brain perceives images
Honing visual acuity by studying art and photography
Understanding the effect of light on images
Thinking and working like an artist
Choosing the right camera equipment

Illustrated by more than 250 color photographs, and covering a wide variety of genres including street documentary, photojournalism, nature, landscape, sports, and still-life photography, this informative guide will help photographers develop cognitive skills and take compelling photos.

Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, publishes a broad range of books on the visual and performing arts, with emphasis on the business of art. Our titles cover subjects such as graphic design, theater, branding, fine art, photography, interior design, writing, acting, film, how to start careers, business and legal forms, business practices, and more. While we don't aspire to publish a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are deeply committed to quality books that help creative professionals succeed and thrive. We often publish in areas overlooked by other publishers and welcome the author whose expertise can help our audience of readers.