Color Version: Photography Lover's Handbook

Author: Lin Lu (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-10-01
Features: This manual is revised based on the best-selling book "Photography Lover's Manual (Illustrated Edition)" awarded as the National Bestseller of 2003. It has transformed from black-and-white images to full color. Additionally, it has been adjusted, supplemented, and enhanced in content, making it more suitable for learning and appreciation.
People often ask me: What makes a good photograph? Some say it’s an unsolvable question because aesthetic space depends not only on the characteristics of the objective subject but also on the cultural background, life experiences, and countless other complex factors of each subjective participant. However, if we broaden our standards and allow aesthetic judgment to have greater space, perhaps we can still find relatively convincing criteria to bridge the gap between the photographer and the audience.
The first thing that comes to mind is that a photograph is merely a moment—the selection of that moment often forms the foundation of a good photograph. Camera manufacturers designed shutter speeds of a thousandth of a second and above not only for exposure purposes but more importantly, to allow photographers to more precisely divide the flow of time and capture a passionate wave. So, how can one take a good photograph? This is again a very complex question. The freezing of a moment first determines the exact moment the photographer presses the shutter. In real life, moving objects change instantly, and pressing the shutter slightly early or late can create entirely different images, even with completely different meanings. If we encounter such moments and find a scene we cannot witness on-site but are eager to see, and if we can fully obtain the necessary information or be deeply moved to varying degrees, then the image frozen from such a moment might just be a good photograph. The more unique and irreplaceable the significance of such a moment, the greater its value in preserving time. Time passes, but photographs endure.
Practice has proven that the fleeting moment in photography possesses eternal charm because behind the press of the shutter lies the photographer’s wisdom and dynamic way of thinking, as well as the fundamental techniques and skills they must master. Despite the high level of intelligence or "point-and-shoot" automation in modern photography technology, anyone can easily press the shutter. However, the value of the moment you capture and whether the aesthetic concept you wish to express is truly conveyed through skilled techniques is not an easy task. It is a process of long-term accumulation and a journey of dedicated learning. Thus, from the basics of photography to the creation of photographic art, becomes the main content of this book.
The entire book covers essential photography knowledge, from equipment to shooting techniques, including the latest digital photography. It truly has it all. Additionally, it dedicates significant space to training the mind and expanding aesthetic horizons, helping readers master various everyday photographic subjects and strive to make every photograph a moment worth cherishing. Especially with the revised edition, the book has been updated with a wealth of colorful images, offering more pleasing visuals that are not only suitable for learning but also serve as a space for creativity and appreciation.
Each chapter in the book is both independent and interconnected. Everyone can learn from it starting from the beginning, select the sections they need, or browse at will. No matter which approach you choose, I believe you will find it rewarding.
We have entered an "image-reading era," a space where images are everywhere. We not only consume images but also have the ability to create them. With your camera, capture some memorable images for beautiful scenery and this passionate era, make every photograph more extraordinary—this is exactly what this book hopes to achieve!