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Equus
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
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*Amazon: £17.78
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 Customer Reviews
Gems from a Master, 07 Apr 2008
Great read - good anecdotes but definitely not for the beginner looking for technical info.
I couldn't put it down till I'd ploughed through it but I still keep diving in and picking up tips and techniques I can now use in my own (wedding) photography.
The references to how Joe uses the Nikon SB800's as slave units I found particularly useful.
Buy it now - great value for money.
Get inside the photographer's mind..., 10 Mar 2008
... and what a photographer! Joe McNally has a well-deserved reputation as a photographer and is only slightly less well known as a teacher. But for those of us on this side of the pond, attending one of his workshops is, let's face it, financially daunting. No matter. You can buy this book instead!
Here is much photographic wisdom in book form - and (unusually, given the subject matter) a book that can make you laugh out loud and yet teach you at the same time. OK, so some of the shots are ones you'd never get to take yourself as an amateur (hanging out of a helicopter over the Hollywood sign with Michelle Yeoh takes some beating, and as for getting to meet Kermit in the flesh...). But then for others you *can* try and emulate, even if you don't have all of the kit that Joe has available to him. And even if you can't, well, then, as the publisher's own blurb says, this book would look equally good on your coffee table.
From my blog From my blog:, 08 Mar 2008
There are plenty of books that follow a similar format to this. A picture, an anecdote and some information about how the image was taken. Micheal Grecco's Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait is a good example of this style of book. Those of you expecting detailed recipe's with lighting diagrams will be disapointed, the technical information is light but gets to the heart photo. This is by no means a criticism, The Moment it Clicks is absolutely jam packed with great photos, entertaining anecdotes and pithy quotes.
Joe's writes as though he's sitting next to you in a bar, talking in a what I assume is a New York accent, there's even a chapter dedicated to bar talk. Unfortunately, I'm unable to do accents when I'm reading to myself, so it comes across to me like Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins, but no matter, every page jumps out at you, and a lot of the insight he dishes out, will stick with you for life. The pictures, as Joe would say, are all shot with available light, any &*%%@^ light thats available, so there's plenty to excite strobists and strobophobes alike.
Did I mention that this book was packed? I have never seen a book of this style so packed with material. I was about half way through the 240 pages and thinking that this was incredibly generous, I would have been satisfied with half the amount of content.
The geardos among you will drool over the photos and lists of Joe's kit, which get a full four pages towards the end of the book and there is a colourful glossary of terms full of explanations of photographic terms and slang, as well as footnotes on the pages where the terms are used.
Highly recommended
Flawed, but still a gem, 27 Feb 2008
This is a must have book even though there are some shortcomings.
The great
The photos are amazing, the text is snappy and interesting, and is written in a way that lets you dive in selectively.
A must have if you like photo journalism photography, and want to break into this arena.
The book doesn't hold your hand technically, rather concentrates on some of the concepts on dealt with in other books.
The not so great
My main bugbear about this book is the print quality of the photos. These are amazing photos, but the quality they are printed here is disappointing. The prints are good enough for a technical book which this ultimately is, but not up to art book quality (or that of National Geographic from where some of the images are from). Seeing as some of the hype around this book is that it is a coffee-table book, as well as a technical manual I though it was worth pointing out. I would have happily paid an extra £15 for high quality prints.
Some lighting diagrams would have been helpful in places.
That hand-writing font used in places (personal peeve) looks atrocious
Conclusion
It's amazing for what it is: A book of tips and great inspiration from one of the world's best photo journalist.
The tips are not that in depth and a lot of the time you are going to have to fill in the gaps in the technical information yourself. I liked this as it made me think and the book wasn't holding my hand all the way through.
As there is really anything else like it out there is it a must have, beginners will find it useful but will need to find technical information to support the book else where; more advanced photographers will love it.
You'll have to prise..., 22 Feb 2008
this from my dead body before I'd let this walk away.
From one of the worlds most sought after and accomplished photographers comes an instruction book that is revealing as a 'How to' book and shows just how dedicated a photographer is or needs to be to set them apart from all the wannabes.
Even though I say so myself, this was a superb buy by me - well done Paul!
Seriously, this book is a wonderful read.
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Customer Reviews
Gems from a Master, 07 Apr 2008
Great read - good anecdotes but definitely not for the beginner looking for technical info.
I couldn't put it down till I'd ploughed through it but I still keep diving in and picking up tips and techniques I can now use in my own (wedding) photography.
The references to how Joe uses the Nikon SB800's as slave units I found particularly useful.
Buy it now - great value for money.
Get inside the photographer's mind..., 10 Mar 2008
... and what a photographer! Joe McNally has a well-deserved reputation as a photographer and is only slightly less well known as a teacher. But for those of us on this side of the pond, attending one of his workshops is, let's face it, financially daunting. No matter. You can buy this book instead!
Here is much photographic wisdom in book form - and (unusually, given the subject matter) a book that can make you laugh out loud and yet teach you at the same time. OK, so some of the shots are ones you'd never get to take yourself as an amateur (hanging out of a helicopter over the Hollywood sign with Michelle Yeoh takes some beating, and as for getting to meet Kermit in the flesh...). But then for others you *can* try and emulate, even if you don't have all of the kit that Joe has available to him. And even if you can't, well, then, as the publisher's own blurb says, this book would look equally good on your coffee table.
From my blog From my blog:, 08 Mar 2008
There are plenty of books that follow a similar format to this. A picture, an anecdote and some information about how the image was taken. Micheal Grecco's Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait is a good example of this style of book. Those of you expecting detailed recipe's with lighting diagrams will be disapointed, the technical information is light but gets to the heart photo. This is by no means a criticism, The Moment it Clicks is absolutely jam packed with great photos, entertaining anecdotes and pithy quotes.
Joe's writes as though he's sitting next to you in a bar, talking in a what I assume is a New York accent, there's even a chapter dedicated to bar talk. Unfortunately, I'm unable to do accents when I'm reading to myself, so it comes across to me like Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins, but no matter, every page jumps out at you, and a lot of the insight he dishes out, will stick with you for life. The pictures, as Joe would say, are all shot with available light, any &*%%@^ light thats available, so there's plenty to excite strobists and strobophobes alike.
Did I mention that this book was packed? I have never seen a book of this style so packed with material. I was about half way through the 240 pages and thinking that this was incredibly generous, I would have been satisfied with half the amount of content.
The geardos among you will drool over the photos and lists of Joe's kit, which get a full four pages towards the end of the book and there is a colourful glossary of terms full of explanations of photographic terms and slang, as well as footnotes on the pages where the terms are used.
Highly recommended
Flawed, but still a gem, 27 Feb 2008
This is a must have book even though there are some shortcomings.
The great
The photos are amazing, the text is snappy and interesting, and is written in a way that lets you dive in selectively.
A must have if you like photo journalism photography, and want to break into this arena.
The book doesn't hold your hand technically, rather concentrates on some of the concepts on dealt with in other books.
The not so great
My main bugbear about this book is the print quality of the photos. These are amazing photos, but the quality they are printed here is disappointing. The prints are good enough for a technical book which this ultimately is, but not up to art book quality (or that of National Geographic from where some of the images are from). Seeing as some of the hype around this book is that it is a coffee-table book, as well as a technical manual I though it was worth pointing out. I would have happily paid an extra £15 for high quality prints.
Some lighting diagrams would have been helpful in places.
That hand-writing font used in places (personal peeve) looks atrocious
Conclusion
It's amazing for what it is: A book of tips and great inspiration from one of the world's best photo journalist.
The tips are not that in depth and a lot of the time you are going to have to fill in the gaps in the technical information yourself. I liked this as it made me think and the book wasn't holding my hand all the way through.
As there is really anything else like it out there is it a must have, beginners will find it useful but will need to find technical information to support the book else where; more advanced photographers will love it.
You'll have to prise..., 22 Feb 2008
this from my dead body before I'd let this walk away.
From one of the worlds most sought after and accomplished photographers comes an instruction book that is revealing as a 'How to' book and shows just how dedicated a photographer is or needs to be to set them apart from all the wannabes.
Even though I say so myself, this was a superb buy by me - well done Paul!
Seriously, this book is a wonderful read.
WOW, 18 May 2008
This book is truly beautiful. I adore fashion books and this is one of my favourites; whether you are interested in fashion, illustration, art or just want a beautiful coffee table book, this is the one to buy!
Buy this book!, 25 Jun 2007
Whether your studying fashion or you just love to shop this book is an amazing insight into the world of fashion illustration. Each page features a beautiful drawing, information about the author, and the media used (when possible). There are some reading pages throughout out the book highlighting changes in fashion and the influences on fashion illustration. This book is a perfect guide for those studying fashion to find reference and inspiration. Each page is colourful and different from the last. It is definately worth the money and is a great book to have! It would also make a gat gift for anyone with a remote interest in fashion, BUY IT NOW!
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Customer Reviews
Gems from a Master, 07 Apr 2008
Great read - good anecdotes but definitely not for the beginner looking for technical info.
I couldn't put it down till I'd ploughed through it but I still keep diving in and picking up tips and techniques I can now use in my own (wedding) photography.
The references to how Joe uses the Nikon SB800's as slave units I found particularly useful.
Buy it now - great value for money.
Get inside the photographer's mind..., 10 Mar 2008
... and what a photographer! Joe McNally has a well-deserved reputation as a photographer and is only slightly less well known as a teacher. But for those of us on this side of the pond, attending one of his workshops is, let's face it, financially daunting. No matter. You can buy this book instead!
Here is much photographic wisdom in book form - and (unusually, given the subject matter) a book that can make you laugh out loud and yet teach you at the same time. OK, so some of the shots are ones you'd never get to take yourself as an amateur (hanging out of a helicopter over the Hollywood sign with Michelle Yeoh takes some beating, and as for getting to meet Kermit in the flesh...). But then for others you *can* try and emulate, even if you don't have all of the kit that Joe has available to him. And even if you can't, well, then, as the publisher's own blurb says, this book would look equally good on your coffee table.
From my blog From my blog:, 08 Mar 2008
There are plenty of books that follow a similar format to this. A picture, an anecdote and some information about how the image was taken. Micheal Grecco's Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait is a good example of this style of book. Those of you expecting detailed recipe's with lighting diagrams will be disapointed, the technical information is light but gets to the heart photo. This is by no means a criticism, The Moment it Clicks is absolutely jam packed with great photos, entertaining anecdotes and pithy quotes.
Joe's writes as though he's sitting next to you in a bar, talking in a what I assume is a New York accent, there's even a chapter dedicated to bar talk. Unfortunately, I'm unable to do accents when I'm reading to myself, so it comes across to me like Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins, but no matter, every page jumps out at you, and a lot of the insight he dishes out, will stick with you for life. The pictures, as Joe would say, are all shot with available light, any &*%%@^ light thats available, so there's plenty to excite strobists and strobophobes alike.
Did I mention that this book was packed? I have never seen a book of this style so packed with material. I was about half way through the 240 pages and thinking that this was incredibly generous, I would have been satisfied with half the amount of content.
The geardos among you will drool over the photos and lists of Joe's kit, which get a full four pages towards the end of the book and there is a colourful glossary of terms full of explanations of photographic terms and slang, as well as footnotes on the pages where the terms are used.
Highly recommended
Flawed, but still a gem, 27 Feb 2008
This is a must have book even though there are some shortcomings.
The great
The photos are amazing, the text is snappy and interesting, and is written in a way that lets you dive in selectively.
A must have if you like photo journalism photography, and want to break into this arena.
The book doesn't hold your hand technically, rather concentrates on some of the concepts on dealt with in other books.
The not so great
My main bugbear about this book is the print quality of the photos. These are amazing photos, but the quality they are printed here is disappointing. The prints are good enough for a technical book which this ultimately is, but not up to art book quality (or that of National Geographic from where some of the images are from). Seeing as some of the hype around this book is that it is a coffee-table book, as well as a technical manual I though it was worth pointing out. I would have happily paid an extra £15 for high quality prints.
Some lighting diagrams would have been helpful in places.
That hand-writing font used in places (personal peeve) looks atrocious
Conclusion
It's amazing for what it is: A book of tips and great inspiration from one of the world's best photo journalist.
The tips are not that in depth and a lot of the time you are going to have to fill in the gaps in the technical information yourself. I liked this as it made me think and the book wasn't holding my hand all the way through.
As there is really anything else like it out there is it a must have, beginners will find it useful but will need to find technical information to support the book else where; more advanced photographers will love it.
You'll have to prise..., 22 Feb 2008
this from my dead body before I'd let this walk away.
From one of the worlds most sought after and accomplished photographers comes an instruction book that is revealing as a 'How to' book and shows just how dedicated a photographer is or needs to be to set them apart from all the wannabes.
Even though I say so myself, this was a superb buy by me - well done Paul!
Seriously, this book is a wonderful read.
WOW, 18 May 2008
This book is truly beautiful. I adore fashion books and this is one of my favourites; whether you are interested in fashion, illustration, art or just want a beautiful coffee table book, this is the one to buy!
Buy this book!, 25 Jun 2007
Whether your studying fashion or you just love to shop this book is an amazing insight into the world of fashion illustration. Each page features a beautiful drawing, information about the author, and the media used (when possible). There are some reading pages throughout out the book highlighting changes in fashion and the influences on fashion illustration. This book is a perfect guide for those studying fashion to find reference and inspiration. Each page is colourful and different from the last. It is definately worth the money and is a great book to have! It would also make a gat gift for anyone with a remote interest in fashion, BUY IT NOW!
Surprised by how much it helped me, 07 Jan 2001
I only purchased this book because of it's cheap price, as I had a gift certificate. Yet, I was surprised by it's detail on matters not often adressed in drawing books. Usually books are either on drawing portraits, animals or landscapes. This one is about interior, which admitedly isn't as interesting as portraits, but still an important and fun aspect of art.
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Secret Churches
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £8.66
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Customer Reviews
Gems from a Master, 07 Apr 2008
Great read - good anecdotes but definitely not for the beginner looking for technical info.
I couldn't put it down till I'd ploughed through it but I still keep diving in and picking up tips and techniques I can now use in my own (wedding) photography.
The references to how Joe uses the Nikon SB800's as slave units I found particularly useful.
Buy it now - great value for money.
Get inside the photographer's mind..., 10 Mar 2008
... and what a photographer! Joe McNally has a well-deserved reputation as a photographer and is only slightly less well known as a teacher. But for those of us on this side of the pond, attending one of his workshops is, let's face it, financially daunting. No matter. You can buy this book instead!
Here is much photographic wisdom in book form - and (unusually, given the subject matter) a book that can make you laugh out loud and yet teach you at the same time. OK, so some of the shots are ones you'd never get to take yourself as an amateur (hanging out of a helicopter over the Hollywood sign with Michelle Yeoh takes some beating, and as for getting to meet Kermit in the flesh...). But then for others you *can* try and emulate, even if you don't have all of the kit that Joe has available to him. And even if you can't, well, then, as the publisher's own blurb says, this book would look equally good on your coffee table.
From my blog From my blog:, 08 Mar 2008
There are plenty of books that follow a similar format to this. A picture, an anecdote and some information about how the image was taken. Micheal Grecco's Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait is a good example of this style of book. Those of you expecting detailed recipe's with lighting diagrams will be disapointed, the technical information is light but gets to the heart photo. This is by no means a criticism, The Moment it Clicks is absolutely jam packed with great photos, entertaining anecdotes and pithy quotes.
Joe's writes as though he's sitting next to you in a bar, talking in a what I assume is a New York accent, there's even a chapter dedicated to bar talk. Unfortunately, I'm unable to do accents when I'm reading to myself, so it comes across to me like Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins, but no matter, every page jumps out at you, and a lot of the insight he dishes out, will stick with you for life. The pictures, as Joe would say, are all shot with available light, any &*%%@^ light thats available, so there's plenty to excite strobists and strobophobes alike.
Did I mention that this book was packed? I have never seen a book of this style so packed with material. I was about half way through the 240 pages and thinking that this was incredibly generous, I would have been satisfied with half the amount of content.
The geardos among you will drool over the photos and lists of Joe's kit, which get a full four pages towards the end of the book and there is a colourful glossary of terms full of explanations of photographic terms and slang, as well as footnotes on the pages where the terms are used.
Highly recommended
Flawed, but still a gem, 27 Feb 2008
This is a must have book even though there are some shortcomings.
The great
The photos are amazing, the text is snappy and interesting, and is written in a way that lets you dive in selectively.
A must have if you like photo journalism photography, and want to break into this arena.
The book doesn't hold your hand technically, rather concentrates on some of the concepts on dealt with in other books.
The not so great
My main bugbear about this book is the print quality of the photos. These are amazing photos, but the quality they are printed here is disappointing. The prints are good enough for a technical book which this ultimately is, but not up to art book quality (or that of National Geographic from where some of the images are from). Seeing as some of the hype around this book is that it is a coffee-table book, as well as a technical manual I though it was worth pointing out. I would have happily paid an extra £15 for high quality prints.
Some lighting diagrams would have been helpful in places.
That hand-writing font used in places (personal peeve) looks atrocious
Conclusion
It's amazing for what it is: A book of tips and great inspiration from one of the world's best photo journalist.
The tips are not that in depth and a lot of the time you are going to have to fill in the gaps in the technical information yourself. I liked this as it made me think and the book wasn't holding my hand all the way through.
As there is really anything else like it out there is it a must have, beginners will find it useful but will need to find technical information to support the book else where; more advanced photographers will love it.
You'll have to prise..., 22 Feb 2008
this from my dead body before I'd let this walk away.
From one of the worlds most sought after and accomplished photographers comes an instruction book that is revealing as a 'How to' book and shows just how dedicated a photographer is or needs to be to set them apart from all the wannabes.
Even though I say so myself, this was a superb buy by me - well done Paul!
Seriously, this book is a wonderful read.
WOW, 18 May 2008
This book is truly beautiful. I adore fashion books and this is one of my favourites; whether you are interested in fashion, illustration, art or just want a beautiful coffee table book, this is the one to buy!
Buy this book!, 25 Jun 2007
Whether your studying fashion or you just love to shop this book is an amazing insight into the world of fashion illustration. Each page features a beautiful drawing, information about the author, and the media used (when possible). There are some reading pages throughout out the book highlighting changes in fashion and the influences on fashion illustration. This book is a perfect guide for those studying fashion to find reference and inspiration. Each page is colourful and different from the last. It is definately worth the money and is a great book to have! It would also make a gat gift for anyone with a remote interest in fashion, BUY IT NOW!
Surprised by how much it helped me, 07 Jan 2001
I only purchased this book because of it's cheap price, as I had a gift certificate. Yet, I was surprised by it's detail on matters not often adressed in drawing books. Usually books are either on drawing portraits, animals or landscapes. This one is about interior, which admitedly isn't as interesting as portraits, but still an important and fun aspect of art.
Don't think of buying any other book, 27 Sep 2008
This book, simply put, is all you would ever need to get you into taking great shots with confidence. Clearly written and explained so that you do not have to have taken a photography course to understand it. I really recommend this book to all photographers.
Basic.., 28 Aug 2008
This book is OK if you are going to shoot your friends wedding and don't know where to begin in your preparation. However, if you've done any courses on photography and certainly on the art of wedding photography, then you won't learn much from this book. The author tends to like tilting the camera to create interest but I think he overdoes it. I wasn't particularly inspired by his work but if you want to know how to "get the job done" then it's a good place to start. I'd recommend Marcus Bell's book on Wedding Photography for inspiration and aiming high.
A superb guide to newbies and experienced photographers, 10 Jan 2008
This book is a regular fountain of knowledge! Having attended weddings as a bag carrier to another exceptional photographer, I thought I was starting to understand the process and the opportunities presented to a photographer quite well.
I didn't expect this book to tell me much more than I was seeing and hearing... WRONG!!! Mark has taken a very complex activity and staged a book that is readable, incredibly informative and all encompassing. I am soon to be out in the world photographing weddings for myself, as scary and as daunting as that is, having Mark's book as a reminder, guide and expert teacher is a great comfort. The only thing better would be having Mark with me on the day ;o)
If you want a book that gives you an opportunity to learn, buy it. If you want a book that will keep you on your toes, buy it. If you want a book as a reference material that you can keep going back to for inspiration, buy it.
If you think you know everything already... write your own book, then when you realise what you don't know, buy it!
In summary, a good read, amazing content, you can't go wrong.
An Honest and Generous Guide, 11 Dec 2007
This is a great book on Wedding Photography; loads of really useful tips and advice for the photographer delivered in a concise and clear way. What impressed me most is the amount of 'nitty gritty' detail and real-world examples which are followed through step-by-step, not just a picture book full of excellent shots. This honest approach to the craft comes as a welcome change to many of the books on photography that I have read.
AT LAST - a real book on wedding photography, 10 Dec 2007
If you are interested in REAL wedding photography, you REALLY WILL benefit from this book.
There are so many books out there about wedding photography - but this one has been written by a REAL wedding photographer that knows how to do it in the circumstances that present themselves at REAL Weddings.
Read it, learn from it, put it into practice and you will be a successful - and happy - wedding photographer!
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Customer Reviews
Gems from a Master, 07 Apr 2008
Great read - good anecdotes but definitely not for the beginner looking for technical info.
I couldn't put it down till I'd ploughed through it but I still keep diving in and picking up tips and techniques I can now use in my own (wedding) photography.
The references to how Joe uses the Nikon SB800's as slave units I found particularly useful.
Buy it now - great value for money. Get inside the photographer's mind..., 10 Mar 2008
... and what a photographer! Joe McNally has a well-deserved reputation as a photographer and is only slightly less well known as a teacher. But for those of us on this side of the pond, attending one of his workshops is, let's face it, financially daunting. No matter. You can buy this book instead!
Here is much photographic wisdom in book form - and (unusually, given the subject matter) a book that can make you laugh out loud and yet teach you at the same time. OK, so some of the shots are ones you'd never get to take yourself as an amateur (hanging out of a helicopter over the Hollywood sign with Michelle Yeoh takes some beating, and as for getting to meet Kermit in the flesh...). But then for others you *can* try and emulate, even if you don't have all of the kit that Joe has available to him. And even if you can't, well, then, as the publisher's own blurb says, this book would look equally good on your coffee table. From my blog From my blog:, 08 Mar 2008
There are plenty of books that follow a similar format to this. A picture, an anecdote and some information about how the image was taken. Micheal Grecco's Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait is a good example of this style of book. Those of you expecting detailed recipe's with lighting diagrams will be disapointed, the technical information is light but gets to the heart photo. This is by no means a criticism, The Moment it Clicks is absolutely jam packed with great photos, entertaining anecdotes and pithy quotes.
Joe's writes as though he's sitting next to you in a bar, talking in a what I assume is a New York accent, there's even a chapter dedicated to bar talk. Unfortunately, I'm unable to do accents when I'm reading to myself, so it comes across to me like Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins, but no matter, every page jumps out at you, and a lot of the insight he dishes out, will stick with you for life. The pictures, as Joe would say, are all shot with available light, any &*%%@^ light thats available, so there's plenty to excite strobists and strobophobes alike.
Did I mention that this book was packed? I have never seen a book of this style so packed with material. I was about half way through the 240 pages and thinking that this was incredibly generous, I would have been satisfied with half the amount of content.
The geardos among you will drool over the photos and lists of Joe's kit, which get a full four pages towards the end of the book and there is a colourful glossary of terms full of explanations of photographic terms and slang, as well as footnotes on the pages where the terms are used.
Highly recommended Flawed, but still a gem, 27 Feb 2008
This is a must have book even though there are some shortcomings.
The great
The photos are amazing, the text is snappy and interesting, and is written in a way that lets you dive in selectively.
A must have if you like photo journalism photography, and want to break into this arena.
The book doesn't hold your hand technically, rather concentrates on some of the concepts on dealt with in other books.
The not so great
My main bugbear about this book is the print quality of the photos. These are amazing photos, but the quality they are printed here is disappointing. The prints are good enough for a technical book which this ultimately is, but not up to art book quality (or that of National Geographic from where some of the images are from). Seeing as some of the hype around this book is that it is a coffee-table book, as well as a technical manual I though it was worth pointing out. I would have happily paid an extra £15 for high quality prints.
Some lighting diagrams would have been helpful in places.
That hand-writing font used in places (personal peeve) looks atrocious
Conclusion
It's amazing for what it is: A book of tips and great inspiration from one of the world's best photo journalist.
The tips are not that in depth and a lot of the time you are going to have to fill in the gaps in the technical information yourself. I liked this as it made me think and the book wasn't holding my hand all the way through.
As there is really anything else like it out there is it a must have, beginners will find it useful but will need to find technical information to support the book else where; more advanced photographers will love it.
You'll have to prise..., 22 Feb 2008
this from my dead body before I'd let this walk away.
From one of the worlds most sought after and accomplished photographers comes an instruction book that is revealing as a 'How to' book and shows just how dedicated a photographer is or needs to be to set them apart from all the wannabes.
Even though I say so myself, this was a superb buy by me - well done Paul!
Seriously, this book is a wonderful read. WOW, 18 May 2008
This book is truly beautiful. I adore fashion books and this is one of my favourites; whether you are interested in fashion, illustration, art or just want a beautiful coffee table book, this is the one to buy! Buy this book!, 25 Jun 2007
Whether your studying fashion or you just love to shop this book is an amazing insight into the world of fashion illustration. Each page features a beautiful drawing, information about the author, and the media used (when possible). There are some reading pages throughout out the book highlighting changes in fashion and the influences on fashion illustration. This book is a perfect guide for those studying fashion to find reference and inspiration. Each page is colourful and different from the last. It is definately worth the money and is a great book to have! It would also make a gat gift for anyone with a remote interest in fashion, BUY IT NOW! Surprised by how much it helped me, 07 Jan 2001
I only purchased this book because of it's cheap price, as I had a gift certificate. Yet, I was surprised by it's detail on matters not often adressed in drawing books. Usually books are either on drawing portraits, animals or landscapes. This one is about interior, which admitedly isn't as interesting as portraits, but still an important and fun aspect of art. Don't think of buying any other book, 27 Sep 2008
This book, simply put, is all you would ever need to get you into taking great shots with confidence. Clearly written and explained so that you do not have to have taken a photography course to understand it. I really recommend this book to all photographers. Basic.., 28 Aug 2008
This book is OK if you are going to shoot your friends wedding and don't know where to begin in your preparation. However, if you've done any courses on photography and certainly on the art of wedding photography, then you won't learn much from this book. The author tends to like tilting the camera to create interest but I think he overdoes it. I wasn't particularly inspired by his work but if you want to know how to "get the job done" then it's a good place to start. I'd recommend Marcus Bell's book on Wedding Photography for inspiration and aiming high. A superb guide to newbies and experienced photographers, 10 Jan 2008
This book is a regular fountain of knowledge! Having attended weddings as a bag carrier to another exceptional photographer, I thought I was starting to understand the process and the opportunities presented to a photographer quite well.
I didn't expect this book to tell me much more than I was seeing and hearing... WRONG!!! Mark has taken a very complex activity and staged a book that is readable, incredibly informative and all encompassing. I am soon to be out in the world photographing weddings for myself, as scary and as daunting as that is, having Mark's book as a reminder, guide and expert teacher is a great comfort. The only thing better would be having Mark with me on the day ;o)
If you want a book that gives you an opportunity to learn, buy it. If you want a book that will keep you on your toes, buy it. If you want a book as a reference material that you can keep going back to for inspiration, buy it.
If you think you know everything already... write your own book, then when you realise what you don't know, buy it!
In summary, a good read, amazing content, you can't go wrong. An Honest and Generous Guide, 11 Dec 2007
This is a great book on Wedding Photography; loads of really useful tips and advice for the photographer delivered in a concise and clear way. What impressed me most is the amount of 'nitty gritty' detail and real-world examples which are followed through step-by-step, not just a picture book full of excellent shots. This honest approach to the craft comes as a welcome change to many of the books on photography that I have read. AT LAST - a real book on wedding photography, 10 Dec 2007
If you are interested in REAL wedding photography, you REALLY WILL benefit from this book.
There are so many books out there about wedding photography - but this one has been written by a REAL wedding photographer that knows how to do it in the circumstances that present themselves at REAL Weddings.
Read it, learn from it, put it into practice and you will be a successful - and happy - wedding photographer! Best portrait book in the world!, 23 Apr 2008
I love this book, its made me much more aware of chiaroscuro and sfumato than ever before even my landscapes and other studies have improved from this book. The portraits are stunning and you could just admire those if nothing else. Get it, you won't regret it! And I thought I could draw..., 07 Feb 2008
I don't know about you lot, but after a bit of a gap I find I need to rediscover the skills of drawing. Ten years, me. So when I got this little gem in the post, apart from thinking "S**t, this guy can do it," I found his text to be a little like sitting in a lecture. You can almost hear his voice. To benefit from the accompanying drawings, you have to read the introductory chapters - which, if you're serious about the art, is no great hardship. This is one of those "must-haves", a reference for those lazy gits who take their talent for granted. I know, 'cause I'm one of 'em.
Buy it. You won't regret it. Easily the best book on this subject, 21 Mar 2006
I have many books on this subject, but this is by far the best. It is lavishly illustrated throughout, with page after page of delightfully competent examples by Maughan, demonstrating every aspect of the skill. Maughan begins by explaining his methods and preferred materials. The Carbothello pencils he uses are wonderful to draw with. He moves on to explain chiaroscuro, value, form, shadow and so on, all of which I recommend you read it thoroughly before taking on his extensive chapters on the subject of drawing the head. He deals with the subject in ample detail, and to his credit he writes very well too. There is a lot to read but every word of it is useful. His examples (and there are very many) are not the unusably rough pieces found in other books, but are in large scale, often in close-up and annotated, so you can really see in detail what he's doing and how he does it. He also rather cleverly provides equally high quality examples of how NOT to draw - for example, showing what happens when the proportions are incorrect or the lighting is poor. You could use this book to merely ape the Maughan style, but I believe it has much more value than that if you take the time to understand his methods and apply them to your work. Often with such books, the benefit you derive from them depends to some extent on whether you like the artistic style of the author. I happen to like it, but even if you don't, Maughan's tremendous skill and understanding of his subject is such that it would be a shame to miss the opportunity to learn from him. This book has improved my skill greatly. Even if you don't draw, the book makes an excellent coffee table piece. I've had my copy from Amazon for while, but at time of writing (21 Mar 2006) the price is an absolute bargain at £12.89.
A consistent and convincing approach, 11 Nov 2004
The value of any book on drawing technique is very much dependent on the experience of the reader, in particular the questions he or she brings to the book, the problems which are seeking solutions. The advantages of a book like this which takes one specific approach and deals with it in moderate depth are firstly that it is a document from which to work, not just a coffee table amusement, and secondly that one can see straight away whether it is addressing one's specific problems. As drawer of four or five years' experience with a preference for accuracy and what is misleadingly termed "realism", and having started drawing from life a little under a year ago, I found Maughan's approach consistent and convincing because it reinforced some of the directions in which I was naturally being led. The emphasis is on the balancing of light and dark (chiaroscuro) as the fundamental units of composition rather than on line or gesture. These techniques work best with soft pencil or pastel crayon on a slightly toothy surface of intermediate tone. The light and dark are laid in with white and sanguine or sepia. A crucial distinction is drawn between soft and hard edges. The emphasis is on looking and on simplicity and economy. But I have one caveat. Experience also teaches that there is no one right way to draw, that the technique depends on the material, that what convices the eye is how well the hand has rendered the imagined world. In the end line and gesture are as important as the play of the light on the dark.
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Customer Reviews
Gems from a Master, 07 Apr 2008
Great read - good anecdotes but definitely not for the beginner looking for technical info.
I couldn't put it down till I'd ploughed through it but I still keep diving in and picking up tips and techniques I can now use in my own (wedding) photography.
The references to how Joe uses the Nikon SB800's as slave units I found particularly useful.
Buy it now - great value for money. Get inside the photographer's mind..., 10 Mar 2008
... and what a photographer! Joe McNally has a well-deserved reputation as a photographer and is only slightly less well known as a teacher. But for those of us on this side of the pond, attending one of his workshops is, let's face it, financially daunting. No matter. You can buy this book instead!
Here is much photographic wisdom in book form - and (unusually, given the subject matter) a book that can make you laugh out loud and yet teach you at the same time. OK, so some of the shots are ones you'd never get to take yourself as an amateur (hanging out of a helicopter over the Hollywood sign with Michelle Yeoh takes some beating, and as for getting to meet Kermit in the flesh...). But then for others you *can* try and emulate, even if you don't have all of the kit that Joe has available to him. And even if you can't, well, then, as the publisher's own blurb says, this book would look equally good on your coffee table. From my blog From my blog:, 08 Mar 2008
There are plenty of books that follow a similar format to this. A picture, an anecdote and some information about how the image was taken. Micheal Grecco's Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait is a good example of this style of book. Those of you expecting detailed recipe's with lighting diagrams will be disapointed, the technical information is light but gets to the heart photo. This is by no means a criticism, The Moment it Clicks is absolutely jam packed with great photos, entertaining anecdotes and pithy quotes.
Joe's writes as though he's sitting next to you in a bar, talking in a what I assume is a New York accent, there's even a chapter dedicated to bar talk. Unfortunately, I'm unable to do accents when I'm reading to myself, so it comes across to me like Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins, but no matter, every page jumps out at you, and a lot of the insight he dishes out, will stick with you for life. The pictures, as Joe would say, are all shot with available light, any &*%%@^ light thats available, so there's plenty to excite strobists and strobophobes alike.
Did I mention that this book was packed? I have never seen a book of this style so packed with material. I was about half way through the 240 pages and thinking that this was incredibly generous, I would have been satisfied with half the amount of content.
The geardos among you will drool over the photos and lists of Joe's kit, which get a full four pages towards the end of the book and there is a colourful glossary of terms full of explanations of photographic terms and slang, as well as footnotes on the pages where the terms are used.
Highly recommended Flawed, but still a gem, 27 Feb 2008
This is a must have book even though there are some shortcomings.
The great
The photos are amazing, the text is snappy and interesting, and is written in a way that lets you dive in selectively.
A must have if you like photo journalism photography, and want to break into this arena.
The book doesn't hold your hand technically, rather concentrates on some of the concepts on dealt with in other books.
The not so great
My main bugbear about this book is the print quality of the photos. These are amazing photos, but the quality they are printed here is disappointing. The prints are good enough for a technical book which this ultimately is, but not up to art book quality (or that of National Geographic from where some of the images are from). Seeing as some of the hype around this book is that it is a coffee-table book, as well as a technical manual I though it was worth pointing out. I would have happily paid an extra £15 for high quality prints.
Some lighting diagrams would have been helpful in places.
That hand-writing font used in places (personal peeve) looks atrocious
Conclusion
It's amazing for what it is: A book of tips and great inspiration from one of the world's best photo journalist.
The tips are not that in depth and a lot of the time you are going to have to fill in the gaps in the technical information yourself. I liked this as it made me think and the book wasn't holding my hand all the way through.
As there is really anything else like it out there is it a must have, beginners will find it useful but will need to find technical information to support the book else where; more advanced photographers will love it.
You'll have to prise..., 22 Feb 2008
this from my dead body before I'd let this walk away.
From one of the worlds most sought after and accomplished photographers comes an instruction book that is revealing as a 'How to' book and shows just how dedicated a photographer is or needs to be to set them apart from all the wannabes.
Even though I say so myself, this was a superb buy by me - well done Paul!
Seriously, this book is a wonderful read. WOW, 18 May 2008
This book is truly beautiful. I adore fashion books and this is one of my favourites; whether you are interested in fashion, illustration, art or just want a beautiful coffee table book, this is the one to buy! Buy this book!, 25 Jun 2007
Whether your studying fashion or you just love to shop this book is an amazing insight into the world of fashion illustration. Each page features a beautiful drawing, information about the author, and the media used (when possible). There are some reading pages throughout out the book highlighting changes in fashion and the influences on fashion illustration. This book is a perfect guide for those studying fashion to find reference and inspiration. Each page is colourful and different from the last. It is definately worth the money and is a great book to have! It would also make a gat gift for anyone with a remote interest in fashion, BUY IT NOW! Surprised by how much it helped me, 07 Jan 2001
I only purchased this book because of it's cheap price, as I had a gift certificate. Yet, I was surprised by it's detail on matters not often adressed in drawing books. Usually books are either on drawing portraits, animals or landscapes. This one is about interior, which admitedly isn't as interesting as portraits, but still an important and fun aspect of art. Don't think of buying any other book, 27 Sep 2008
This book, simply put, is all you would ever need to get you into taking great shots with confidence. Clearly written and explained so that you do not have to have taken a photography course to understand it. I really recommend this book to all photographers. Basic.., 28 Aug 2008
This book is OK if you are going to shoot your friends wedding and don't know where to begin in your preparation. However, if you've done any courses on photography and certainly on the art of wedding photography, then you won't learn much from this book. The author tends to like tilting the camera to create interest but I think he overdoes it. I wasn't particularly inspired by his work but if you want to know how to "get the job done" then it's a good place to start. I'd recommend Marcus Bell's book on Wedding Photography for inspiration and aiming high. A superb guide to newbies and experienced photographers, 10 Jan 2008
This book is a regular fountain of knowledge! Having attended weddings as a bag carrier to another exceptional photographer, I thought I was starting to understand the process and the opportunities presented to a photographer quite well.
I didn't expect this book to tell me much more than I was seeing and hearing... WRONG!!! Mark has taken a very complex activity and staged a book that is readable, incredibly informative and all encompassing. I am soon to be out in the world photographing weddings for myself, as scary and as daunting as that is, having Mark's book as a reminder, guide and expert teacher is a great comfort. The only thing better would be having Mark with me on the day ;o)
If you want a book that gives you an opportunity to learn, buy it. If you want a book that will keep you on your toes, buy it. If you want a book as a reference material that you can keep going back to for inspiration, buy it.
If you think you know everything already... write your own book, then when you realise what you don't know, buy it!
In summary, a good read, amazing content, you can't go wrong. An Honest and Generous Guide, 11 Dec 2007
This is a great book on Wedding Photography; loads of really useful tips and advice for the photographer delivered in a concise and clear way. What impressed me most is the amount of 'nitty gritty' detail and real-world examples which are followed through step-by-step, not just a picture book full of excellent shots. This honest approach to the craft comes as a welcome change to many of the books on photography that I have read. AT LAST - a real book on wedding photography, 10 Dec 2007
If you are interested in REAL wedding photography, you REALLY WILL benefit from this book.
There are so many books out there about wedding photography - but this one has been written by a REAL wedding photographer that knows how to do it in the circumstances that present themselves at REAL Weddings.
Read it, learn from it, put it into practice and you will be a successful - and happy - wedding photographer! Best portrait book in the world!, 23 Apr 2008
I love this book, its made me much more aware of chiaroscuro and sfumato than ever before even my landscapes and other studies have improved from this book. The portraits are stunning and you could just admire those if nothing else. Get it, you won't regret it! And I thought I could draw..., 07 Feb 2008
I don't know about you lot, but after a bit of a gap I find I need to rediscover the skills of drawing. Ten years, me. So when I got this little gem in the post, apart from thinking "S**t, this guy can do it," I found his text to be a little like sitting in a lecture. You can almost hear his voice. To benefit from the accompanying drawings, you have to read the introductory chapters - which, if you're serious about the art, is no great hardship. This is one of those "must-haves", a reference for those lazy gits who take their talent for granted. I know, 'cause I'm one of 'em.
Buy it. You won't regret it. Easily the best book on this subject, 21 Mar 2006
I have many books on this subject, but this is by far the best. It is lavishly illustrated throughout, with page after page of delightfully competent examples by Maughan, demonstrating every aspect of the skill. Maughan begins by explaining his methods and preferred materials. The Carbothello pencils he uses are wonderful to draw with. He moves on to explain chiaroscuro, value, form, shadow and so on, all of which I recommend you read it thoroughly before taking on his extensive chapters on the subject of drawing the head. He deals with the subject in ample detail, and to his credit he writes very well too. There is a lot to read but every word of it is useful. His examples (and there are very many) are not the unusably rough pieces found in other books, but are in large scale, often in close-up and annotated, so you can really see in detail what he's doing and how he does it. He also rather cleverly provides equally high quality examples of how NOT to draw - for example, showing what happens when the proportions are incorrect or the lighting is poor. You could use this book to merely ape the Maughan style, but I believe it has much more value than that if you take the time to understand his methods and apply them to your work. Often with such books, the benefit you derive from them depends to some extent on whether you like the artistic style of the author. I happen to like it, but even if you don't, Maughan's tremendous skill and understanding of his subject is such that it would be a shame to miss the opportunity to learn from him. This book has improved my skill greatly. Even if you don't draw, the book makes an excellent coffee table piece. I've had my copy from Amazon for while, but at time of writing (21 Mar 2006) the price is an absolute bargain at £12.89.
A consistent and convincing approach, 11 Nov 2004
The value of any book on drawing technique is very much dependent on the experience of the reader, in particular the questions he or she brings to the book, the problems which are seeking solutions. The advantages of a book like this which takes one specific approach and deals with it in moderate depth are firstly that it is a document from which to work, not just a coffee table amusement, and secondly that one can see straight away whether it is addressing one's specific problems. As drawer of four or five years' experience with a preference for accuracy and what is misleadingly termed "realism", and having started drawing from life a little under a year ago, I found Maughan's approach consistent and convincing because it reinforced some of the directions in which I was naturally being led. The emphasis is on the balancing of light and dark (chiaroscuro) as the fundamental units of composition rather than on line or gesture. These techniques work best with soft pencil or pastel crayon on a slightly toothy surface of intermediate tone. The light and dark are laid in with white and sanguine or sepia. A crucial distinction is drawn between soft and hard edges. The emphasis is on looking and on simplicity and economy. But I have one caveat. Experience also teaches that there is no one right way to draw, that the technique depends on the material, that what convices the eye is how well the hand has rendered the imagined world. In the end line and gesture are as important as the play of the light on the dark.
Useful, if Exaggerated, 24 Dec 2006
This is a very useful book to have around and very good for anatomy, in particular his directions in drawing perspective. Few other books cover this and tend to outline muscle and bone in a simple, boring, front - and - side view manner. Hogarth breaks all the rules and stretches and bends the human body to it's limits and I have learnt a few techniques that I still use today (I would probably learn a lot more if I drew more!)
The only downside to the book is probably the exaggeration to the human body. Hands and heads are suggested in very "over the top" dramatic poses while spines are twisted to the limit in some! This is fantastic for those of us drawing fantasy and super heroes but it makes it hard to translate these poses into every day life.
Still, its a great way to go and it's a fantastic reference for drawing 3d figures, and the musculature layout makes it very unique.
Excellent visual reference, outdated language, 29 Dec 2004
Hogarth's drawings take some getting used to, and his use of language sounds like it's firmly rooted in the 50's, but his style of exagerated light and shade really helps to illustrate the landmarks of a figure much better than a "normal" drawing does. The cover illustrations should give you a fair idea of what to expect. By far the best book on the subject I have read.
ýbuy this book it will not disappointý., 11 Aug 2000
The chances are that you are already interested in drawing dynamic style figures before you even choose to look at this book. If this is the case once you have stopped marvelling at the fantastic drawings within, you will quickly start to understand and benefit from them and the accompanying text. It is a book that has already helped me introduce more movement, depth and dimension into the illustrations that I do. If drawing the human figure is essential to you then trust me when I say 'buy this book it will not disappoint'.
An excellent book that lacks the basics, 03 Dec 1999
Burne Hogarth is an excellent artist but DRAWING THE DYNAMIC FIGURE lacks clarity. The book has few if any explanations on breaking the human form into basic shapes and has little in the way of fundamental techniques. It does have some interesting analysis on anatomy etc and is overall of some use to an andvanced artist.
A staple for any artist.. struggling or otherwise, 07 Apr 1999
I've been Drawing Comics for the past eight years and i recomend this book to everyone. Gives great insight into anatomy and not the traditional rehash of 7 1/2 head tall three heads wide etc. This book has helped me out alot giving tips and tricks to prooblem areas like the back muscles and different perspectives and especially those pesky hands. Most other books concentrate on the every day anatomy, this book gives what it says "DYNAMIC!" A MUST if you enjoy drawing comics. Thanks Burne!!
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Sea and Sky in Oils
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Customer Reviews
Gems from a Master, 07 Apr 2008
Great read - good anecdotes but definitely not for the beginner looking for technical info.
I couldn't put it down till I'd ploughed through it but I still keep diving in and picking up tips and techniques I can now use in my own (wedding) photography.
The references to how Joe uses the Nikon SB800's as slave units I found particularly useful.
Buy it now - great value for money. Get inside the photographer's mind..., 10 Mar 2008
... and what a photographer! Joe McNally has a well-deserved reputation as a photographer and is only slightly less well known as a teacher. But for those of us on this side of the pond, attending one of his workshops is, let's face it, financially daunting. No matter. You can buy this book instead!
Here is much photographic wisdom in book form - and (unusually, given the subject matter) a book that can make you laugh out loud and yet teach you at the same time. OK, so some of the shots are ones you'd never get to take yourself as an amateur (hanging out of a helicopter over the Hollywood sign with Michelle Yeoh takes some beating, and as for getting to meet Kermit in the flesh...). But then for others you *can* try and emulate, even if you don't have all of the kit that Joe has available to him. And even if you can't, well, then, as the publisher's own blurb says, this book would look equally good on your coffee table. From my blog From my blog:, 08 Mar 2008
There are plenty of books that follow a similar format to this. A picture, an anecdote and some information about how the image was taken. Micheal Grecco's Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait is a good example of this style of book. Those of you expecting detailed recipe's with lighting diagrams will be disapointed, the technical information is light but gets to the heart photo. This is by no means a criticism, The Moment it Clicks is absolutely jam packed with great photos, entertaining anecdotes and pithy quotes.
Joe's writes as though he's sitting next to you in a bar, talking in a what I assume is a New York accent, there's even a chapter dedicated to bar talk. Unfortunately, I'm unable to do accents when I'm reading to myself, so it comes across to me like Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins, but no matter, every page jumps out at you, and a lot of the insight he dishes out, will stick with you for life. The pictures, as Joe would say, are all shot with available light, any &*%%@^ light thats available, so there's plenty to excite strobists and strobophobes alike.
Did I mention that this book was packed? I have never seen a book of this style so packed with material. I was about half way through the 240 pages and thinking that this was incredibly generous, I would have been satisfied with half the amount of content.
The geardos among you will drool over the photos and lists of Joe's kit, which get a full four pages towards the end of the book and there is a colourful glossary of terms full of explanations of photographic terms and slang, as well as footnotes on the pages where the terms are used.
Highly recommended Flawed, but still a gem, 27 Feb 2008
This is a must have book even though there are some shortcomings.
The great
The photos are amazing, the text is snappy and interesting, and is written in a way that lets you dive in selectively.
A must have if you like photo journalism photography, and want to break into this arena.
The book doesn't hold your hand technically, rather concentrates on some of the concepts on dealt with in other books.
The not so great
My main bugbear about this book is the print quality of the photos. These are amazing photos, but the quality they are printed here is disappointing. The prints are good enough for a technical book which this ultimately is, but not up to art book quality (or that of National Geographic from where some of the images are from). Seeing as some of the hype around this book is that it is a coffee-table book, as well as a technical manual I though it was worth pointing out. I would have happily paid an extra £15 for high quality prints.
Some lighting diagrams would have been helpful in places.
That hand-writing font used in places (personal peeve) looks atrocious
Conclusion
It's amazing for what it is: A book of tips and great inspiration from one of the world's best photo journalist.
The tips are not that in depth and a lot of the time you are going to have to fill in the gaps in the technical information yourself. I liked this as it made me think and the book wasn't holding my hand all the way through.
As there is really anything else like it out there is it a must have, beginners will find it useful but will need to find technical information to support the book else where; more advanced photographers will love it.
You'll have to prise..., 22 Feb 2008
this from my dead body before I'd let this walk away.
From one of the worlds most sought after and accomplished photographers comes an instruction book that is revealing as a 'How to' book and shows just how dedicated a photographer is or needs to be to set them apart from all the wannabes.
Even though I say so myself, this was a superb buy by me - well done Paul!
Seriously, this book is a wonderful read. WOW, 18 May 2008
This book is truly beautiful. I adore fashion books and this is one of my favourites; whether you are interested in fashion, illustration, art or just want a beautiful coffee table book, this is the one to buy! Buy this book!, 25 Jun 2007
Whether your studying fashion or you just love to shop this book is an amazing insight into the world of fashion illustration. Each page features a beautiful drawing, information about the author, and the media used (when possible). There are some reading pages throughout out the book highlighting changes in fashion and the influences on fashion illustration. This book is a perfect guide for those studying fashion to find reference and inspiration. Each page is colourful and different from the last. It is definately worth the money and is a great book to have! It would also make a gat gift for anyone with a remote interest in fashion, BUY IT NOW! Surprised by how much it helped me, 07 Jan 2001
I only purchased this book because of it's cheap price, as I had a gift certificate. Yet, I was surprised by it's detail on matters not often adressed in drawing books. Usually books are either on drawing portraits, animals or landscapes. This one is about interior, which admitedly isn't as interesting as portraits, but still an important and fun aspect of art. Don't think of buying any other book, 27 Sep 2008
This book, simply put, is all you would ever need to get you into taking great shots with confidence. Clearly written and explained so that you do not have to have taken a photography course to understand it. I really recommend this book to all photographers. Basic.., 28 Aug 2008
This book is OK if you are going to shoot your friends wedding and don't know where to begin in your preparation. However, if you've done any courses on photography and certainly on the art of wedding photography, then you won't learn much from this book. The author tends to like tilting the camera to create interest but I think he overdoes it. I wasn't particularly inspired by his work but if you want to know how to "get the job done" then it's a good place to start. I'd recommend Marcus Bell's book on Wedding Photography for inspiration and aiming high. A superb guide to newbies and experienced photographers, 10 Jan 2008
This book is a regular fountain of knowledge! Having attended weddings as a bag carrier to another exceptional photographer, I thought I was starting to understand the process and the opportunities presented to a photographer quite well.
I didn't expect this book to tell me much more than I was seeing and hearing... WRONG!!! Mark has taken a very complex activity and staged a book that is readable, incredibly informative and all encompassing. I am soon to be out in the world photographing weddings for myself, as scary and as daunting as that is, having Mark's book as a reminder, guide and expert teacher is a great comfort. The only thing better would be having Mark with me on the day ;o)
If you want a book that gives you an opportunity to learn, buy it. If you want a book that will keep you on your toes, buy it. If you want a book as a reference material that you can keep going back to for inspiration, buy it.
If you think you know everything already... write your own book, then when you realise what you don't know, buy it!
In summary, a good read, amazing content, you can't go wrong. An Honest and Generous Guide, 11 Dec 2007
This is a great book on Wedding Photography; loads of really useful tips and advice for the photographer delivered in a concise and clear way. What impressed me most is the amount of 'nitty gritty' detail and real-world examples which are followed through step-by-step, not just a picture book full of excellent shots. This honest approach to the craft comes as a welcome change to many of the books on photography that I have read. AT LAST - a real book on wedding photography, 10 Dec 2007
If you are interested in REAL wedding photography, you REALLY WILL benefit from this book.
There are so many books out there about wedding photography - but this one has been written by a REAL wedding photographer that knows how to do it in the circumstances that present themselves at REAL Weddings.
Read it, learn from it, put it into practice and you will be a successful - and happy - wedding photographer! Best portrait book in the world!, 23 Apr 2008
I love this book, its made me much more aware of chiaroscuro and sfumato than ever before even my landscapes and other studies have improved from this book. The portraits are stunning and you could just admire those if nothing else. Get it, you won't regret it! And I thought I could draw..., 07 Feb 2008
I don't know about you lot, but after a bit of a gap I find I need to rediscover the skills of drawing. Ten years, me. So when I got this little gem in the post, apart from thinking "S**t, this guy can do it," I found his text to be a little like sitting in a lecture. You can almost hear his voice. To benefit from the accompanying drawings, you have to read the introductory chapters - which, if you're serious about the art, is no great hardship. This is one of those "must-haves", a reference for those lazy gits who take their talent for granted. I know, 'cause I'm one of 'em.
Buy it. You won't regret it. Easily the best book on this subject, 21 Mar 2006
I have many books on this subject, but this is by far the best. It is lavishly illustrated throughout, with page after page of delightfully competent examples by Maughan, demonstrating every aspect of the skill. Maughan begins by explaining his methods and preferred materials. The Carbothello pencils he uses are wonderful to draw with. He moves on to explain chiaroscuro, value, form, shadow and so on, all of which I recommend you read it thoroughly before taking on his extensive chapters on the subject of drawing the head. He deals with the subject in ample detail, and to his credit he writes very well too. There is a lot to read but every word of it is useful. His examples (and there are very many) are not the unusably rough pieces found in other books, but are in large scale, often in close-up and annotated, so you can really see in detail what he's doing and how he does it. He also rather cleverly provides equally high quality examples of how NOT to draw - for example, showing what happens when the proportions are incorrect or the lighting is poor. You could use this book to merely ape the Maughan style, but I believe it has much more value than that if you take the time to understand his methods and apply them to your work. Often with such books, the benefit you derive from them depends to some extent on whether you like the artistic style of the author. I happen to like it, but even if you don't, Maughan's tremendous skill and understanding of his subject is such that it would be a shame to miss the opportunity to learn from him. This book has improved my skill greatly. Even if you don't draw, the book makes an excellent coffee table piece. I've had my copy from Amazon for while, but at time of writing (21 Mar 2006) the price is an absolute bargain at £12.89.
A consistent and convincing approach, 11 Nov 2004
The value of any book on drawing technique is very much dependent on the experience of the reader, in particular the questions he or she brings to the book, the problems which are seeking solutions. The advantages of a book like this which takes one specific approach and deals with it in moderate depth are firstly that it is a document from which to work, not just a coffee table amusement, and secondly that one can see straight away whether it is addressing one's specific problems. As drawer of four or five years' experience with a preference for accuracy and what is misleadingly termed "realism", and having started drawing from life a little under a year ago, I found Maughan's approach consistent and convincing because it reinforced some of the directions in which I was naturally being led. The emphasis is on the balancing of light and dark (chiaroscuro) as the fundamental units of composition rather than on line or gesture. These techniques work best with soft pencil or pastel crayon on a slightly toothy surface of intermediate tone. The light and dark are laid in with white and sanguine or sepia. A crucial distinction is drawn between soft and hard edges. The emphasis is on looking and on simplicity and economy. But I have one caveat. Experience also teaches that there is no one right way to draw, that the technique depends on the material, that what convices the eye is how well the hand has rendered the imagined world. In the end line and gesture are as important as the play of the light on the dark.
Useful, if Exaggerated, 24 Dec 2006
This is a very useful book to have around and very good for anatomy, in particular his directions in drawing perspective. Few other books cover this and tend to outline muscle and bone in a simple, boring, front - and - side view manner. Hogarth breaks all the rules and stretches and bends the human body to it's limits and I have learnt a few techniques that I still use today (I would probably learn a lot more if I drew more!)
The only downside to the book is probably the exaggeration to the human body. Hands and heads are suggested in very "over the top" dramatic poses while spines are twisted to the limit in some! This is fantastic for those of us drawing fantasy and super heroes but it makes it hard to translate these poses into every day life.
Still, its a great way to go and it's a fantastic reference for drawing 3d figures, and the musculature layout makes it very unique.
Excellent visual reference, outdated language, 29 Dec 2004
Hogarth's drawings take some getting used to, and his use of language sounds like it's firmly rooted in the 50's, but his style of exagerated light and shade really helps to illustrate the landmarks of a figure much better than a "normal" drawing does. The cover illustrations should give you a fair idea of what to expect. By far the best book on the subject I have read.
ýbuy this book it will not disappointý., 11 Aug 2000
The chances are that you are already interested in drawing dynamic style figures before you even choose to look at this book. If this is the case once you have stopped marvelling at the fantastic drawings within, you will quickly start to understand and benefit from them and the accompanying text. It is a book that has already helped me introduce more movement, depth and dimension into the illustrations that I do. If drawing the human figure is essential to you then trust me when I say 'buy this book it will not disappoint'.
An excellent book that lacks the basics, 03 Dec 1999
Burne Hogarth is an excellent artist but DRAWING THE DYNAMIC FIGURE lacks clarity. The book has few if any explanations on breaking the human form into basic shapes and has little in the way of fundamental techniques. It does have some interesting analysis on anatomy etc and is overall of some use to an andvanced artist.
A staple for any artist.. struggling or otherwise, 07 Apr 1999
I've been Drawing Comics for the past eight years and i recomend this book to everyone. Gives great insight into anatomy and not the traditional rehash of 7 1/2 head tall three heads wide etc. This book has helped me out alot giving tips and tricks to prooblem areas like the back muscles and different perspectives and especially those pesky hands. Most other books concentrate on the every day anatomy, this book gives what it says "DYNAMIC!" A MUST if you enjoy drawing comics. Thanks Burne!!
Oil Painting, 17 Sep 2008
I have been painting in watercolor for a number of years now,and Have been asked,!would I do some oils!. Well I got this book by Roy Lang,and found it to be excellent. What Roy has done,is to let people know the kind of pallet to use,I E,plastic,as wood pallets do soak up quite a lot of your paint,so he is saving you money from the start. I know for a fact,that the sea and sky are two of the hardest subjects to paint,but Roy is on hand to get you through it all,with no problems at all. A wonderful book. I hope my review helps you.
Excellent Book, 06 Aug 2008
A great little book for all those artists endeavouring to paint the most difficult of subjects - the wild sea.
Full of useful information, explaining use of oil colours, techniques, reflections, transparency, layout etc ...
Includes two nice painting projects in detail.
Well worth buying.
Excellent sea techniques, 13 Oct 2007
Roy does a basic overview of materials and a very useful guide to starter palette colours. He mentions avoiding Viridian as its a very difficult colour to work with - something I've found from personal experience. When discussing colour and tone he shows a painting of his which has poor use of tone - and thats as good to see as a "good" picture - we can all learn from others mistakes.
the book expands onto tonal under painting and some basic techniques of painting rocks and beaches which are very clearly explained. I found the section on understanding the sea excellent, I live close to the sea, yet it moves so quickly that its difficult to see the actions. This sections shows clearly the difference between calm seas, swells and waves and explains how to make them look realistic. Two excellent demonstrations at the end pull together the individual techniques covered and how to use them and also exactly which colours to use.
This will be an excellent book for those keen to paint realistic skies and seas, and the sea section in particular is very clearly explained and easy to follow.
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Anatomy for the Artist
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Customer Reviews
Gems from a Master, 07 Apr 2008
Great read - good anecdotes but definitely not for the beginner looking for technical info.
I couldn't put it down till I'd ploughed through it but I still keep diving in and picking up tips and techniques I can now use in my own (wedding) photography.
The references to how Joe uses the Nikon SB800's as slave units I found particularly useful.
Buy it now - great value for money.
Get inside the photographer's mind..., 10 Mar 2008
... and what a photographer! Joe McNally has a well-deserved reputation as a photographer and is only slightly less well known as a teacher. But for those of us on this side of the pond, attending one of his workshops is, let's face it, financially daunting. No matter. You can buy this book instead!
Here is much photographic wisdom in book form - and (unusually, given the subject matter) a book that can make you laugh out loud and yet teach you at the same time. OK, so some of the shots are ones you'd never get to take yourself as an amateur (hanging out of a helicopter over the Hollywood sign with Michelle Yeoh takes some beating, and as for getting to meet Kermit in the flesh...). But then for others you *can* try and emulate, even if you don't have all of the kit that Joe has available to him. And even if you can't, well, then, as the publisher's own blurb says, this book would look equally good on your coffee table.
From my blog From my blog:, 08 Mar 2008
There are plenty of books that follow a similar format to this. A picture, an anecdote and some information about how the image was taken. Micheal Grecco's Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait is a good example of this style of book. Those of you expecting detailed recipe's with lighting diagrams will be disapointed, the technical information is light but gets to the heart photo. This is by no means a criticism, The Moment it Clicks is absolutely jam packed with great photos, entertaining anecdotes and pithy quotes.
Joe's writes as though he's sitting next to you in a bar, talking in a what I assume is a New York accent, there's even a chapter dedicated to bar talk. Unfortunately, I'm unable to do accents when I'm reading to myself, so it comes across to me like Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins, but no matter, every page jumps out at you, and a lot of the insight he dishes out, will stick with you for life. The pictures, as Joe would say, are all shot with available light, any &*%%@^ light thats available, so there's plenty to excite strobists and strobophobes alike.
Did I mention that this book was packed? I have never seen a book of this style so packed with material. I was about half way through the 240 pages and thinking that this was incredibly generous, I would have been satisfied with half the amount of content.
The geardos among you will drool over the photos and lists of Joe's kit, which get a full four pages towards the end of the book and there is a colourful glossary of terms f | | |