Book Review: Visual Poetry: A Creative Guide for Making Engaging Digital Photographs

I have been into photography for over 20 years. So I know what motivates me and the places I struggle. But every once and awhile you hit a snag and need a kick in the butt. That is what this book will do for you. Once you get to the meat of the book, it is inspiring, informative and a whole lot of fun. Chris Orwig has set this up in a workshop mode, so you have the option of taking his assignments. You don't have to do them but it's a great way to practice what you're learning.

This a very refreshing change from so many of the technique obsessed photography books. This is a book which inspires you to go take pictures - and think about what and why you are doing. Chris has a more philosophical approach to photography. He mixes the technical with the emotional. I like how Orwig chose to instruct professional and aspiring photographers to look at themselves at search why they like to take pictures and to apply their emotion to photography rather than techniques.

Chris demonstrates how the creative process for a photographer is similar to that of the creative process used by writers. Chris offers inspiration, advise, techniques, and bits of wisdom from the many quotes from famous writers and photographer that can be found scatter throughout the book.

If you LOVE photography, read it. If photography is a chore and you need a no frills manual (use this aperture, this lens, that speed, frame with rule of thirds, etc) look else where. If you are comfortable with camera setting and compositional rules but something is missing, read this book. This is a great guide for armature semi-pro to develop passion in their career.