'Visually Speaking' is full of advice for established photographers and those looking to improve their practice. Some chapters caught my attention more than others. As someone who at times finds themself in a bit of a creative rut, I had hoped this book might help fire me up again. Unfortunately it wasn't quite what I was after. The author clearly knows his subject - I just didn't come away feeling particularly inspired or armed with new information.

Visually Speaking is just what I needed to get out of a photography rut. It's not your average book on photography focusing on technique. This one is more philosophical; good to read if you're in a rut, want to go in a different direction, or just expand your craft. Forbes also mentions tons of photographers so if you're like me and are out of the loop, you'll have lots of names to research. I actually went to buy it after I finished reading and it looks like it isn't available right now. Hopefully it comes back in stock soon.

I would like to express acknowledgement and grateful thanks to NetGalley and Cider Mill Press publishing for the opportunity to read and review this e-ARC: 'Visually Speaking — Mastering Photography as a Visual Language by Ted Forbes. All opinions are my own and are not a reflection of the publishers and/or author, of which I have no association with.

Five out of five stars (5/5 stars).

Of all the photography books this is the one that will be forever useful to me.

"Dedicated to mastering photography as a visual language, this book helps you explore what to shoot and how to understand your own work. With 21 detailed chapters on photography techniques and practices, Forbes teaches you not only to establish yourself as a photographer, but how to create a legacy" — the blurb from the official NetGalley website.

Teb Forbes is one hell of a teacher. This is the book that I should have been reading while doing my photography diploma as I spent most of the time absolutely clueless to what the tutors wanted from me. I was always left doubting myself and my work because I didn't understand what they were asking of me. After reading this, happily and easily, I have finally learned what they were trying to teach me while still retaining my own style and aesthetic.

I struggled with my course because I already had creativity and they wanted me to stop it and just do what they wanted without properly teaching us what it meant. We were given links and were expected to understand it and take it in. Well it didn't work for me, but this was incredibly helpful.

The author has spent a lot of time thinking about what makes a photographer and what separated them from people that just point and click.

This is a book that I'm going to buy and read multiple times over. I can't wait to purchase it in Kindle so that I can leave notes and examples in it as I learn more things and find world experiences of the skills talked about.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in photography, and fine arts.
Those five stars have been well earned.

An extraordinary book, "Visually Speaking" isn't just a dissertation on making great photography. This book explains, step by step, important elements to grow as a photographer, guiding the reader through the development of how to think as a photographer, considering elements from composition to equipment to how to think like a photographer and be creative beyond the traditional rules typically learned by those learning photography.

"Visually Speaking" also is illustrated with excellent photography by the author. I've been a photographer a long time, and I found myself nodding along to much of Ted Forbes' advice, taking time to contemplate other things, and, like so many great works, being inspired by this great book. Well worth the time of anyone who has an interest in the art of photography!

Probably the first photography book I’ve read from cover to cover instead of just looking at the pictures. That said the NetGalley app split a lot of pictures over 2 pages so didn’t quite work. This book touches on most of the technicalities in a way I’ve never understood before but now feel a lot more confident about. However it also pushes you to find your own speciality. Look for your inspiration but put your own stamp on it. Well worth a read.

Thanks to NetGalley.co.uk and the publishers for this ARC.

The book is jam packed with good information. It is a title that one truly would want in their permanent library to digest the high level of information and knowledge shared by the author.

I recevied this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Visually Speaking is a book full of tips and tricks and has lots of photographs. There is a lot of emphasis on technical things like focus and perspective which i found to be repetitive and boring. This wasnt particularly impressive.

Visually Speaking is a book which firstly is lovely to look through as it is full of photographs to demonstrate the authors tips and ideas.
It is also a technical book discussing cameras digital and analogue as well as the visual techniques such as focus and perspective in a photograph.
The book is well written and very interesting to read. I found it very interesting and informative.

I have been interested in photography for a long time. I've read books about it and taken workshops, but they never seemed to fully explain what makes a good picture. They would use all the right terms, but not what they meant outside of the definition. This book goes beyond the definition and tells the meaning of what makes good pictures. It takes the knowledge and puts it into context and action.

It ignores the idea that you have to have certain brands and equipment to get the desired look and shows how to work with what is available. Photography is taken down to the essentials and gives readers the foundation to build upon and learn. This book is good for all skill levels.

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!