Joel Meyerowitz: How I Make Photographs (Masters of Photography)

Wow what a fantastic insight into this masters mind and methodology. Highly recommended

An excellent book by a fantastic photographer. It is great to get an insight into the photographer’s process and contains lots of great photos!

If you're into street photography this is a great book to add to your collection. The examples are wonderful and the information Joel shares is very inspiring. I like that some images are shown in close up of the salient element, then later on you see the entire photo in the original context. I found that very useful. Some really cool shots to inspire you in your own street photography.

This is a great little book - filled with practical wisdom. Not just for street photographers, but for anyone trying to find their way as a artist photographer

Each section is great, so I can read a page or two and reflect. A gem. Very insightful and the best photography book I've come across. Inspirational.

Brilliant, must read for those in particular, who do candid people street photography. Techniques, philosophy, mind set and history it's all in there.

An excellent little book to carry with you. Loads of fantastic images and a good read too.

As I already knew the photography of Joel Meyerowitz this book was an appealing purchase. Although a slim paperback it is full of interesting information and is an easy read and well illustrated. If you already know Joel’s work this gives the background to how he works, and if not it would be a good starting point for many photographers. Not an expensive book and well worth the money. I would highly recommend it to any photographer.

I’ve been a fan of Joel Meyerowitz ever since discovering videos of him on YouTube many years ago. The way he speaks so eloquently about the craft he loves has always inspired me. I’ve probably listened to every interview he’s done that is out there to find. As soon as I received “How I Make Photographs”, I was impressed with the graphic design, layout and even feel of this DVD case-sized book. The cover has an unexpected satin finish to the paper used. Once you get the book home and are able to study the cover image, you start to notice the brilliance of Meyerowitz’ vision and talent that he implemented into this particular capture. So many things happening at once and yet you begin to notice how the various subjects are interacting. This, of course, is one of his M.O.’s. One reviewer mentioned that some of Meyerowitz’ works in this book were cropped considerably from their original form to a detriment. This wasn’t done to too many of the photographs. Even when they were cropped down, usually for a chapter introduction, they were later shown in their entirety on a following page. The interesting way Joel captures moments in a frame, is that often times, there are multiple photographs being captured at once. Meyerowitz’ approach to image creation and the way he describes his methods throughout the book are simple and refreshing. He offers insights to some of his most famous photographs. I found myself studying each image in its printed form as I have mainly only seen these on videos in the past. Some have negatively commented on the printing quality of the images in this book. I feel overall, though, they are printed to a satisfactory level. One thing to keep in mind, we are looking at images captured with technology that wasn’t capable of the tac sharp images we have come to expect today. Famous photographer, Art Wolfe, once said that the more time goes by, the softer his older photographs become. No matter where you are in your journey as a photographer, you’ll enjoy having this book in your collection. At this price point, just go for it.

Joel Meyerowitz, great author, good book.. master of photography, stimulation for pro photographers.

It is nice affordable quality, Joel Meyerowitz is one of my favorite photographers, his works are great and inspirational. I highly recommend it, but when I bought it in Amazon packaging of this product is not good at all, the corners are damaged be careful. But this one not that much damage but the other 2 books are damage, i returned it the day it was came to me.

Joel - Leica's style street photographer. In this short, easy to read book, all the key concepts that he shared on many youtube videos - nicely documented in this book. I knew about this book as it was recommended in dpreview website (I think it was one of the ideas for Christmas gift to photographers). I did some research about Joel, watched some youtube videos featuring him, and decided to get the book. No regrets!

I have a passion for street photography. This is a book I'd highly recommend to anyone interested in street photography; from beginner to advanced, you'll find something to help you here. Joel Meyerowitz says, "Once you have a camera in your hand, you have a license to see." Meyerowitz talks of his relationship with his father, who encouraged him to look at everyday stories in the street. The enthusiasm of the father was soon to become the same for Joel. Working at an agency he assisted renowned photographer Robert Frank; and that one day of assistance led him to the passion of his life. From that day onward he embraced the smells, the colors, and the stories of the streets. From that one day he saw everything differently. Starting out he says that the process is all about finding your identity as an artist and as a human being who is interested in the world around you. He encourages me, the reader, to accept my insecurities ... act... and the very act of taking photographs will lead me to becoming a better photographer. He talks of the importance of books as reference... immersing myself in the work of others ... inspiration will give me ideas. He encourages me to analyze the how and why. And he tells me that when the well has run dry, and I've lost the inspiration to shoot, to look to books to reinvigorate and motivate. He draws on photographic examples from Henri Cartier-Bresson and Diane Arbus, explaining his thoughts on their different styles. He encourages me to own the street, understand that I share it, and I have the right to take photographs. He inspires me to be courageous, be pleasant, smile - ultimately to engage with people in the street. He encourages me to understand that those important moments will come... to keep shooting, stay present, watch for occurrences or stories that will develop and present themselves. Be ready.. watch.. anticipate. Watch & be present for emotions, gestures or actions that will lead me to that special moment. He suggests making connections with subjects, and trying street portraiture. He says, "Once you begin making a portrait, a special energy between you and the subject comes into being. You have entered their private existence and engaged with them, and they have accepted your move." He writes about finding the story. Ultimately this is what the street photographer wants - a compelling story told by a photograph. An example is his famous Paris photograph showing a man who's fallen to the pavement. People step over and around him, seemingly uninterested in making an effort to help him. He encourages me to be open to the humorous events or situations that unfold around me. He tells me that sometimes, the small gestures or happenings can have the greatest impact, so ... get in close. Look for the details that will help me make a great story, He tells me to embrace my head as well as heart; looking for the elements that will, in combination, make a great photograph. The right light, the right angle, and subject. To always be on the lookout for the right subject, time and place. He talks of body language and communication, moving to affect your shot or affect your subject in their movement. Being respectful.. being invisible at times.. introducing yourself at times... to accomplish a result. The right camera and the right style.. they're personal choices. He encourages me to be creative in the placement of my subject in the frame. The center isn't necessarily best. He offers me notes on composition, encourages me to push myself to create something bigger than myself. He inspires me to create projects and collections. "As you become more sensitive to the way photography works, and to your own instincts, you will enlarge your emotional and visual capacity, and that will allow you to see your world in a richer, more complex way." This book is an easy read. Not a table top book - nothing fancy - perfect size for your camera bag. Five stars for the inspiration alone. Highly recommended.