Travel and Street Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots

John is an extremely good writer. He covers an enormous amount of very useful information in a clear and concise way, and this writing style strongly conveys that John really knows his subject matter. For all of these reasons, John's book has become a solid reference in my library that I will return to (and already have) again and again. In addition to chapters on observation vs. engagement, cities & streets, and landscapes & rural life, he also provides chapters on trip planning, legalities, and a bonus chapter on sharing your work (included directly in the kindle version, or a download if you have the paper version.) If you are interested, or think you might be interested, in travel and/or street photography, then I highly recommend this book. For me, it has provided a complete reference.

A good book, with lots of information, but not quite what I was looking for. I have many other books by this author that I really like.

I felt the book was well-written and covered a myriad of topics important to the beginner for street and landscape photography. Not only are suggested techniques provided on how to take good photos, but advice on how to approach and interact with a subject. The book can be a reference for more experienced photographers, too. I like that the author invites people of all skill and commitment levels to partake in photography and that everyone is encouraged to find their own style, but to draw inspiration from many people / places.

Not quite finished with it yet. but I am impressed so far. It says that it is aimed at the beginner and intermediate photographer. I would call myself an advanced intermediate and I feel that I have learned quite a bit from this book. Good ideas expressed in an understandable manner---no technical "mombo-jumbo"! I highly recommend it to anyone interested in travel and street photography.

Well written and easy to follow. Points on workflow make a lot of sense. Still reading but will post thoughts when I get to the end.

I am a serious landscape photographer recently dabbling with street photography. I purchased this book hoping for practical tips on being "street smart". I was not hoping to learn compositional techniques from this book; I would study the works of Steve McCurry, Henri Cartier-Bresson or Raghu Rai if I were looking to elevate my street photographic skills (which I have none now). WIth that expectation set, this book did not disappoint me. However, the author crammed in a lot of information, none of which in great detail, that added little but pages to the book. I understand that the book has to sell to a varied audience but discussions about the exposure triangle, leading lines or Lightroom modules have little relevance with the title of the book and added nothing to my repertoire. The planning part discussed in the book is practical and useful. I am a big planner myself; I plan down to the smallest detail before embarking on a photo trip. Hence, I was able to appreciate many of the planning tips discussed in the book. The tips about street photography are also useful, though nothing that you would not find online for free, except may be not at once place. Depending on your skill level and taste, you may find the images in the book mediocre to good. They will certainly not take your breath away. One last thing: If you purchase the Kindle edition like I did, and not planning on reading it on a 60" TV, also order a magnifying glass. The notes in the "Poring Over the Picture" are simply illegible. I have a 24" monitor and 20/20 vision and I had a hard time reading those. All in all, I am debating between keeping or returning the book. In my opinion, the price is high for what the book has to offer. It does offer some useful information, which is why I am debating keeping it.

I like this book . It is very practical and instructive context. Preparing camera and the way to take travel with examples. The photo-book is not payed attention to the selection of camera and the place to go for nice spot for pictures. The book have many examples to travel and the camera which is used for the nice shots. It is like experiments on photograph starting the preparation of picture.

This book is a good photography book to read and study and then experiment with the camera and what was just learned through reading and studying.

Ok if you enjoy this type of photography. Tried it but it's not my cup of tea. I much prefer landscape.

Arrived with a deep scratch on the front cover but... I don't mind, it's what is in the book who is important! REALLY nice book... a must!

From the first page there is a feeling that the author is by your side keen to share his vast experience with you and make you into a better photographer. Chapters 1 and 2 deal with the all important issues of carrying the necessary but not excessive amounts of equipment and planning work flows and itineraries that are realistic in a day and age when official travel requirements have become so demanding. Chapter 3 covers the nuts and bolts of taking a good picture with an emphasis towards landscape settings. This is a valuable refresher for even long experienced photographers, perhaps only the true expert might be able to claim there was nothing there for him! Perhaps the most important element in any good shot is composition. Chapter 4 examines the key factors of lines, shapes colours and movement but to mention a few. This leads easily into chapter 5 which discusses observation and engagement. How easy is it to see and yet not observe? The reader will find out here! Chapter 6 deals with street photography and how to look for vantage points and props which help give a unique sense of occasion. The author shares with us some advanced creative techniques, some covering nighttime scenes, essential for getting the best from the moment. In chapter 7 the author moves on to rural and landscape scenes showing how best to use nature and its elements to bring life to our pictures rather than just another snapshot. Again there is specific advice on the techniques to use. Chapter8 may be something of a shock for those new to street photography. It covers the legalities of going out there with a camera and offers comprehensive advice based on personal experience to the unsuspecting. Nothing frightening here but a good platform from which to make a start. Turning the full circle chapter 9 deals with how to handle your workflow on returning home. The author discusses the respective merits of various pieces of software, managing folders, backing up, and post processing considerations etc. – very helpful to those who are first photographers and second computer processors! Chapter10 is a download “bonus” It opens up a whole new world explaining how to share photos online and enter into forums on sites such as Flikr and Facebook and how best to create a commercial channel for your work. For readers new to this aspect of photography it will give a great deal of reassurance. Summing up this book will make you a much better photographer. It makes learning a pleasure: something instruction books rarely achieve.

O livro é bem objetivo, mas ao mesmo tempo dá muitas informações e orientações importantes para o desenvolvimento do fotógrafo amador ou aspirante a profissional.

I am a great fan of John Batdorff first reading his book on Nik Software. However, this street photography is the business and I would recommend to anyone looking to better their street prowess!