This is a masterclass in photography, the way the information and tips/tricks are laid out in this book is just perfection. It feels like a work of art on its own. Definitely a solid read for the photography lovers out there.

I came away from this book feeling like it is a vanity piece. It is technically well written and produced, but I did not find anything original or exciting in either the images or the writing. If anything, the world doesn't need more rehashing of platitudes, shallow discussion of topics like visual language (covered much better in more philosophical and academic writings on art and photography), and the unfortunate proliferation of questionable concepts like the "rule of thirds."
To me, this book illustrates the unfortunate effect of "influencer culture": a charismatic content producer aiming for popularity by appealing to a low common denominator of readership and not venturing too far from already-vetted templates, thus perpetuating and legitimizing mediocrity.
3 stars for high production value and good writing, but I don't think the book is likely to lead to any great improvement or progress for serious and experienced photographers looking to grow their skills and understanding of artistic expression.

I wish a book like this was available when I took my first university level photography course in the early 2010’s. Great book that talks clearly and succinctly about the art of photography.

The author’s former experience as an educator shines through: they know how to quickly get to the point and expertly explain why visual communication works on a human level and why it matters.

They have a demonstrable passion for the practice of photography - the goal of this book is to encourage the reader to think about what they want to communicate and create meaningful photographic art in the process. This requires intention and effort versus just pointing the camera aimlessly (especially without at least a creative crop in post production.)

From a young age the author notably had access to experts in the commercial art and photography industry (they probably unconsciously internalised what made quality work at a young age). They pepper excerpts of their interactions with these renowned experts - effortlessly connecting them to the wider book themes.

It is refreshing to hear you don’t need the “best” equipment to make good photography. It is fun and enjoyable reading their approach to creativity - especially using different vintage cameras. They encourage the reader to see equipment challenges/limitations as learning opportunities.

Chapters are clearly and logically outlined. Great photography is depicted and shown at the appropriate times to further the narrative and demonstrate aspects of what and why they work to create a quality composition. Relevant and useful to beginner photographers and even intermediate/professional photographers who want some fresh creative encouragement from a peer.

This is a work of art in itself, and will most definitely be on my bookshelves at some point this year. I've learned a lot by reading this book, and putting that knowledge into practice, and will recommend it to my photography club. This would be a great gift to any aspiring photographer in your friend group!

Ted Forbes’ *The Art of Photography* is like a masterclass in book form, guiding you through not just the mechanics of photography but its artistry and heart. Forbes doesn’t just teach you *how* to take a picture; he dives deep into the *why*, helping photographers of all levels think about their work in meaningful ways.

The 21 chapters cover everything you’d expect—lighting, composition, exposure, and gear—but also delve into big-picture topics like what it means to be an artist, building a legacy, and navigating the ever-evolving social media world. Forbes blends technical know-how with a passion for creativity, making it both educational and inspiring.

If you’re a fan of his popular YouTube channel, this book is a natural extension of his thoughtful approach to photography. Whether you're aiming to up your Instagram game or aspiring to build a career behind the lens, Forbes’ expertise and encouragement are like having a mentor by your side. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to tell stories through images and leave a lasting impact.

This book talks about photography in an artistic perspective that is helpful for photographers of all levels to better understand the medium and themselves as artists. It also provides great insight into the understanding of how photography works next to other art mediums.

As a film educator and writer, I have read my fair share of visual storytelling and language books, and this is one of the most detailed and useful ones that I have come across.
Emphasis is on both the craft and the art.
Amazing.

I loved this book. I'm unfamiliar with Forbes' YouTube channel, but I am so glad I got to read this incredible book. I inhaled it in it's entirety in one sitting. I am an artist by hobby photography, though I have had the good fortune of seeing my work in art galleries.

What I enjoyed about the book is it's informality and way of making photography so accessible. The author noted (rightly so), that the field is full of books and manuals that are excessively focused on technicality and gear. It's not a bad thing, but for someone seeking or clarifying a photographic and artistic voice, this is a beautiful volume.

Forbes sees photography as a way of speaking visual language and gives the reader a masterclass in fluency. Ways of seeing become ways of taking photos that speak to the photographer, rather than exactitude of technique. He shows readers what it is about black and white photography for example, that is so profound a way of seeing and refining composition techniques. He also works with the idea of syntax, metaphor, in addition to some more basic technical skills including: lines, shadows, rule of thirds, framing (and subframing), as well as making use of the positive and negative space in an image.

The book speaks to all skill levels and is filled with the kind of language that had me excited to take photos again. In this sense, the book also manages a fait accompli: conveying Forbes' enthusiasm for the craft in a way that gets the reader just as excited. I cannot wait to talk up this book with library customers and hope that it becomes a go-to Readers' Advisory pick for many!