Fundamentals of Creative Photography

David Prakel runs his own photographic training workshops in Northumberland, UK. He has enjoyed a successful and diverse career in journalism, photography and education and has taught at all levels in universities, colleges, schools in both the UK and the US as well as the prestigious Kodak Imaging Training Centre in Harrow, London.

• Introduction. Photographic fundamentals: Formal elements - Composition; Principles of design; Technical considerations; Exposure and reciprocity; Language of photography; Putting it all together; Creativity and intent. Communication: Visual literacy; Ownership; Reading an image; Deconstruction; Semiotics - the study of signs; Influences; Talking about photography - technical language; Talking about photography - artistic language; Talking about photography - emotional language. Applied photography: Forms of photography; Commercial and advertising; Editorial; Sports; Architectural; Social; Wildlife and nature; Photojournalism; Fashion; Working within photography. Professionalism: Getting an education; Learning as an assisting photographer; Getting work; Portfolios; Marketing yourself; Representation and agents; Professional bodies. The brief: The client; A common language; How far can your creativity go?; Required outputs; Timing and deadlines; Legal issues; Passing off plagiarism; Model and property releases; Teamwork; Safe working practices. Workflow: Photographic workflow; Basic workflow: Pre-shoot; Basic workflow: Capture; Basic workflow: Transfer; Basic workflow: Process; Basic workflow: Editing; Basic workflow: Optimisation for output; Basic workflow: Archiving; Basic workflow: Cataloguing and digital asset management; Impact of digital; Workflow products. Conclusion. Glossary. Bibliography and webography. Index. Acknowledgements and picture credits. Working with ethics.

"From an educator's perspective, this is probably the best book on photography I've come across ... This title covers everything that photographic students need from production and distribution to critical analysis (and everything in between). - Dave Caton, Swindon College, UKA relevant and inspiring book that strikes a good balance between explaining the basics and giving an inspirational look into the world of professional photography. Attractively and clearly laid out with clear graphics and good examples of professional work. - Katherine Baker, Guildford College, UKThe style and layout of the book is very clear and accessible which makes the book really practical and easy to use. - Peter Smith, University of Westminster, UKVery up-to-date text/layout style which students have commented on! Set out in a very clear and easy fashion. - Richard Sainsbury, Guildford College, UKThis book is an ideal reference to many key areas and modules on our photography courses ... Engaging, easy to read and scan, well illustrated with fresh layout, graphics and typography. - Graham Hembrough, Coleg Llandrillo, UKI will definitely adopt this book in the future. - Diane Meyer, Loyola Marymount University, USAThe book deals with the basic underpinning skills and knowledge of photography. I think the students will find it easy to use and may encourage them to read more. - Bernadette Stanley, Rotherham College of Arts & Technology, UKFor me, this book does an excellent job of what the tittle suggests; offering an introduction to the fundamentals of creative photography. The sections offer an insight into the technical, creative, commercial, communicative and professional aspects of photography. The text content is very clear and informative and the design/ layout/ text & image ratio is very manageable. - Matthew Lee, Srishti School of Art, Design & Technology, IndiaVery interesting ... ideal for first year students. - Alan Oliver, University of Leeds, UK"