The Visual Toolbox: 60 Lessons for Stronger Photographs

by David duChemin

Simply having a certain camera or lens isn’t going to make you a better photographer. So, what will? Understanding your camera. Thinking differently. Studying photographs and knowing what they provoke in you, and why. Giving the craft time to grow. Looking to painters, designers, and others who work in two dimensions and learning from them. Relentlessly looking for light, lines, and moments. Making photographs–thousands and thousands of photographs. There’s no magic bullet to achieving success, but in these pages you will learn the value of studying, practice, and remembering that your most important assets as an artist are imagination, passion, patience, receptivity, curiosity, and a dogged refusal to follow the rules.
THE VISUAL TOOLBOX is photographer David duChemin’s curriculum for learning not just how to use a camera–but how to make stronger photographs. He has developed 60 lessons, each one a stepping stone to becoming more proficient with the tools of this art, and the means to create deeper visual experiences with your images. David introduces you to the technical side of the craft but quickly moves on to composition, the creative process, and the principles that have always been responsible for making great photographs; he shows you these principles and invites you to play with them, turn them on their heads, and try a different approach to create beautiful, compelling images with your camera.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Art

286 pages, Paperback

First published August 7, 2015

About the author

David duChemin is a world & humanitarian photographer, best-selling author, and international workshop leader.

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

duChemin's books have influenced me more than any other photography books. I have not learned a lot of techniques or "how to". What I have learned is to enjoy being a photographer. I am not worrying so much about the technicalities of what I do. I just enjoy what I enjoy. I was once asked what I thought was the definition of good art. My response was simple; good art is what I like and enjoy. I feel a lot of that attitude now about my photography. I like what I like.

[Sheena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a friend 5+ years into her photography work, as I was just starting mine. It’s my turn to recommend it. This is a beautifully written and structured lesson book for any photographer, no mater how long you’ve been working at your art. DeChemin gives such sound advice and guidance. You can tell he wants you to achieve the best you have in you.
Do yourself a favor and BUY this book. It’s affordable and worth every penny. I plan to mark the assignments in the book and work through them through the year, and then maybe come back to them in another year or so. This book inspires me and encourages me to look at my “hobby” for what it is: how my soul creates art that speaks to me. It’s not just about the photographs.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by David duChemin that I've read, although I've followed his blog for a couple of years. The majority of the lessons were very helpful and made me think more about the art of photography rather than the equipment. I would suggest this book to anyone interested in photography.

[Arron Weir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

This book was wonderful I just finished it and want to reread it to gather whatever gems I may have missed. It is definitely worth the buy and I can't wait to work on the assignments he gives.

[Shannon D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful photos illustrate the lessons and activities to help one improve their craft and explore their expression of it. Technical without being over-technical and easy to understand. He has a laidback, encouraging writing style.

[Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic lessons for beginners with nuggets of improvement for more intermediate shooters

[Michal Porzozynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best photography book I've read. It has many answers to 'why' instead of 'how'. That makes the difference.

[Bhuvan N · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate photographer, this is an excellent book to read to firm up the Technical, Creative, & Psychological fundamentals of Photography.

David duChemin provides nuance & depth even to well-known topics.

Loved reading it!

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a book I will be coming back to again and again. I've highlighted a lot of passages, as duChemin's advice and insight is excellent. Also, beautifully and simply written, with great photo examples. it's not a technical manual, it's about how to take photos you love for many different reasons.

[DARYL E SIMON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight and advice about what photography is and is not about.

I chose five stars because as a beginner in photography, this book helped me understand why my pictures typically stink ... no heart, not being in the moment, not being willing to fail a lot in order to get better. The book is easy to read with practical advice to help me develop technique as well as my art.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiration this man is to photographers. Just when my own inspiration well had run dry, his words and his devil may care attitude have filled me up again, and push me onward.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book with lots of details on how to advance your photography!!