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Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision
Within the Frame (2009) received critical recognition for its humanity and practical teaching, and in this revision of his classic best-selling book, David duChemin encourages you to search for what matters to you and not give up until you convey it through your photography: I m chasing my vision, and you will chase yours in the places best suited to that. What s important is that you chase that vision intentionally and with passion, refusing to let it be anything but yours and yours alone. Through a heartfelt discussion about creating photographs of people, places, cultures, and the discovery of a personal point of view that makes those stories compelling and authentic, David teaches how to seek and serve your creative vision through the art of photography by highlighting images from his adventures around the world. Regardless of the setting, it s the lessons about the central role of vision and expression in photography that sets this book apart, even if you never wander far from home. David shares the nuances of approaching different subjects, the value of scouting locations (and wandering in unfamiliar places), techniques for photographing landscapes, how to capture a sense of place and culture with sensitivity through images of food, festivals, art and faith, and more. This edition includes new images, creative exercises, updated chapters, a streaming companion video, and discussions about changing perspectives, including an increased focus on landscape photography. Most importantly, David maintains the crucial theme of vision and he helps you find, cultivate, and pursue your own, and then fit it within the frame. If the book simply stayed right there in the realm of how-to, go-to advice, it would be a wonderful book indeed. But it crosses the line from useful to inspired because David opens up much more than his camera bag. He opens his considerable heart and mind, both of which belong to a masterful storyteller driven by an acute sympathy for the human condition, coupled with an intense curiosity and respect for both the differences and the sameness of the world. Joe McNally, photographer, author ofThe Hot Shoe DiariesandThe Moment It Clicks David does something here that few have ever done he not only shows his absolutely captivating images, he shows the thought process behind those images, as well as how to start capturing the types of images we all long to take. People will be talking about this book for years to come. It s that good! Scott Kelby, photographer and best-selling author Some photographers inspire you with how great their photographs are, while other photographers inspire you to be a better photographer; David duChemin does both inWithin the Frame. John Paul Caponigro, photographer "
264 pages, Paperback
Published July 3, 2016
139 people are currently reading
2153 people want to read
About the author
David duChemin
83 books167 followersDavid duChemin is a world & humanitarian photographer, best-selling author, and international workshop leader.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
November 3, 2023
کتاب متواضعانه توضیح میده که از مسائل فنیِ عکاسی چندان حرفی نزده اما در واقعیت به اندازه کافی به تکنیک و فن عکاسی با مثال‌های موردی پرداخته و در کنار این مسئله از دل فرهنگهای متنوع تصاویر زنده‌ای ارائه کرده و درباره هرکدوم به اندازه کافی توضیح داده.
February 20, 2023
لطيف لو حد مش عارف اوي اساسيات التصوير ف هيتفرج ع الصور وهيتبسط
بس اعتقد انه مهم للمصورين اكتر لأنه مع الصور ف كلام كتير وشرح لبعض تقنيات التصوير وبعض النصائح ✨
بس اعتقد انه مهم للمصورين اكتر لأنه مع الصور ف كلام كتير وشرح لبعض تقنيات التصوير وبعض النصائح ✨
July 6, 2014
بغض النظر عن الحشو الزائد والتكرار الذي لا يكاد يخلو من هذه الكتب، الكتاب له ميزة عن باقي كتب التصوير والرحلات التصويرية، وهي: محاولة مخاطبة الشاعر/الفنان في المصوّر؛ ففي حين الكثير من الكتب تتحدث عن المعدّات، ونصائح عملية لاتقاط الصور، يحاول دوشمين أن يعيدنا لأصل الحكاية التي تدفع أي مصوّر فوتوغرافي لهذا الاهتمام، أعني الرؤية؛ فبدلاً من وضع قواعد ثابتة نسير عليها للقطات الشوارع والناس في الرحلات والسفر على سبيل المثال، يُذكّرنا ديفيد بالهدف من اللقطة، ماهو؟ هل أريد لبريق عيناه أن يظهر؟ أم أريد أن أجرّد الشخص (إما بسرعة غلق بطيئة، أو لقطة ظلّية) فيكون هذا الشخص عبارة عن تمثيل لأناس هذه البلد ولا أقصده بذاته؟ المقصد هنا أنه لاتوجد قواعد ثابتة، أو قواعد لا تُخرق، كل هذا يرجع إلى هدفك من التصوير، ورؤيتك الفوتوغرافية بالدرجة الأولى. كتاب جميل.
February 15, 2016
This is a beautiful book, in the truest sense of the word. Not a beautiful coffee table book, but a beautiful collection of ideas, photographs, insights, tips, and thoughts about a photographer's life, written by an experienced, introspective, and articulate professional. More than anything, duChemin speaks to the phenomenon that, in the era of mind-blowing digital photography technology, it's easy to forget that the photographer's eye (or vision) is a key (OK, the primary or dominant) component of a great photograph (or an iconic, lasting image), much as modern technology more easily empowers people to translate what they see into a photograph they can share.
I can't imagine recommending the book to someone who doesn't carry a camera, and I'd be curious to see how the book would resonate with a committed mobile-phone Instagram street photographer. Maybe it would appeal, but I don't know.
My only criticism of the book was that it never flowed for me, and I'm not sure why. I felt like I was outside, looking in, rather than fully along for the ride. Maybe I was working too hard to figure out what the book was (the author's personal exposition, a broad array of helpful suggestions for thinking holistically about photography not only as a technique, but as an art or a personal expression, a collection of excellent photographs with insights as to why they work or resonate with viewers) versus what it wasn't (an instruction manual, a ten-step learning module, a coffee table book, etc.). I also found that I didn't rush to pick it up, nor did I ever find myself unable to put it down. I read a few pages a day over a lengthy period of time. And maybe that's the best way to go about it.
And now, a random, rambling thought on book pricing and formats. At $45, this is rather pricey paperback book, even if it is slightly over-sized (but not so large that it's more decorative than functional). And, quite simply, it's worth every penny. The photos are gorgeous, the layout is clean, the font is crisp and readable, and the technical properties of each photograph are easily accessible. But (and here's the random bit), it did get me thinking about how the Kindle era has expanded the range of book prices. Kindle reading - for a number of years - meant never paying more than $9.99 (or a little more) for a book that, to me, was as good, if not better, than a hard back (except if there were photos or maps or diagrams). Part of me hopes this serves the author community - my experience has been that that modest price of Kindle versions, plus the convenience, has me buying many books that I might otherwise have picked up in the library. In any event, years ago, I stopped reading pocket-sized "mass market" paperbacks (under $10) because I didn't like the page, and I was more than willing to pay more (say, a price point around $15) for the larger format and more attractive "B" format or even the full-size "trade" format. Now that hard back books have drifted towards $30 (although who pays full price for a hard back book???), I rarely buy them (in part because I don't like to carry them, and I feel more pressure to get rid of them as soon as I finish them). There's no real point to any of this, but my guess is that the author isn't getting rich on this book, which I'm assuming was expensive to produce - so - again - don't pass over the book because of the price!
I can't imagine recommending the book to someone who doesn't carry a camera, and I'd be curious to see how the book would resonate with a committed mobile-phone Instagram street photographer. Maybe it would appeal, but I don't know.
My only criticism of the book was that it never flowed for me, and I'm not sure why. I felt like I was outside, looking in, rather than fully along for the ride. Maybe I was working too hard to figure out what the book was (the author's personal exposition, a broad array of helpful suggestions for thinking holistically about photography not only as a technique, but as an art or a personal expression, a collection of excellent photographs with insights as to why they work or resonate with viewers) versus what it wasn't (an instruction manual, a ten-step learning module, a coffee table book, etc.). I also found that I didn't rush to pick it up, nor did I ever find myself unable to put it down. I read a few pages a day over a lengthy period of time. And maybe that's the best way to go about it.
And now, a random, rambling thought on book pricing and formats. At $45, this is rather pricey paperback book, even if it is slightly over-sized (but not so large that it's more decorative than functional). And, quite simply, it's worth every penny. The photos are gorgeous, the layout is clean, the font is crisp and readable, and the technical properties of each photograph are easily accessible. But (and here's the random bit), it did get me thinking about how the Kindle era has expanded the range of book prices. Kindle reading - for a number of years - meant never paying more than $9.99 (or a little more) for a book that, to me, was as good, if not better, than a hard back (except if there were photos or maps or diagrams). Part of me hopes this serves the author community - my experience has been that that modest price of Kindle versions, plus the convenience, has me buying many books that I might otherwise have picked up in the library. In any event, years ago, I stopped reading pocket-sized "mass market" paperbacks (under $10) because I didn't like the page, and I was more than willing to pay more (say, a price point around $15) for the larger format and more attractive "B" format or even the full-size "trade" format. Now that hard back books have drifted towards $30 (although who pays full price for a hard back book???), I rarely buy them (in part because I don't like to carry them, and I feel more pressure to get rid of them as soon as I finish them). There's no real point to any of this, but my guess is that the author isn't getting rich on this book, which I'm assuming was expensive to produce - so - again - don't pass over the book because of the price!
April 6, 2012
This was the most enjoyable photography book I've read in ages. I've followed David duChemin's work for several years and appreciated his approach and his heart and soul in the images he creates. This book was an extension of that heart and soul.
Photography books are often either highly technical and not particularly useful at the craft side; or they're overly simplistic and repetitive; or they're high-view fine art things that make a reader roll eyes.
Within the Frame is a deep look beyond technique and composition and into the humanity of photography - that of the photographer and of her or his subjects. It's focused a bit on travel photography, but really it's a look at passion, craft and vision.
There are plenty of practical tips that are well-communicated (I really appreciated his discussion of layering fore/mid/backgrounds), and the usual discussion of shapes and colors and contrasts. However, the author writes humbly and easily, with a voice that is comfortable and friendly. The photos are generally excellent (even if some of the author's style is just not that attractive to me); and the paper and images are of excellent quality. Those little touches mean something.
Perhaps the best way to describe this book is 'inspirational' - not that I will go shoot like duChemin, but inspiring me to shoot like myself.
I'll reread this one many times.
Photography books are often either highly technical and not particularly useful at the craft side; or they're overly simplistic and repetitive; or they're high-view fine art things that make a reader roll eyes.
Within the Frame is a deep look beyond technique and composition and into the humanity of photography - that of the photographer and of her or his subjects. It's focused a bit on travel photography, but really it's a look at passion, craft and vision.
There are plenty of practical tips that are well-communicated (I really appreciated his discussion of layering fore/mid/backgrounds), and the usual discussion of shapes and colors and contrasts. However, the author writes humbly and easily, with a voice that is comfortable and friendly. The photos are generally excellent (even if some of the author's style is just not that attractive to me); and the paper and images are of excellent quality. Those little touches mean something.
Perhaps the best way to describe this book is 'inspirational' - not that I will go shoot like duChemin, but inspiring me to shoot like myself.
I'll reread this one many times.
January 12, 2011
Great book, great expression of inner power of photography. Simple words, but they're changing my photo results. Book helps me to understand, what is photography and why it's art. So simple now to make thousands of photos with one click of shutter. But photo isn't about HDR, quantity and wow factors. For me it's a story, journey, interesting moments and people. You need to earn right to show it to world.
June 25, 2021
This quite an inspirational book, challenging the reader to observe and express a personal vision through photography. It attempts, quite successfully, to find words to articulate the essence of photographic vision. In fact, that word essence sums up a lot of my take-away from the book. I’d like to photograph the essence of things…
February 8, 2017
الكتاب رائع جدًا ؛ الكاتب يوصل لك الفكرة بشكل مدُهش وبسيط ؛ المفردات المستخدمة بحد ذاتها جميلة.
أظن بأنني سأعاود قراءته مرة أخرى بإذن الله.
أظن بأنني سأعاود قراءته مرة أخرى بإذن الله.
April 7, 2019
I enjoyed viewing all Mr. De Chemin's exotic travel photos, taken in places all over the world, but the wisdom that David De Chemin imparts within the text was more of an educational journey for me. Reading it, boosted my confidence in street photography (which he admits can be a real challenge)! He claims photographers need to spend more time researching their photo opportunities to avoid the shots that have been taken over and over again by so many photographers. He says we need to think in advance what story we may want our photos to tell (poetry as David sees it) though we recognize timing is very important. Typically he tries to include people in most of his pictures. If we are in love with the job, we must respect nature, the religion, and customs of people, and we need to wait for that shot or for that matter, get permission to take it. We need to be more organized, more prepared and ready to try several techniques, not just "point and shoot". So much for shooting from the window of the car or leaving the tripod, extra battery and another SD card at home! Yes, he is human and admits he is guilty of the same sins! Along with many tips on how to achieve shots such as he has taken, he advises us how using an appropriate lens can help improve the story we hope to tell. Through experience, trial and error, and as we "learn to see" our techniques should improve.
I look forward to reading David De Chemin's next book.
I look forward to reading David De Chemin's next book.
December 14, 2009
Photography how-to books that try to help people take better (in terms of aesthetics) photographs never really deliver on their promise. I guess it's something people learn on their own, through trial and error, and can't be taught...at least in book form. His photographs are really nice, although sometimes the wow factor comes less from the composition and more from the exotic locales.
Doesn't really succeed as an instructional manual, but it's a nice collection of photographs.
Doesn't really succeed as an instructional manual, but it's a nice collection of photographs.
February 15, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. It was one of the few truly helpfull photography books. I appreciated the detailed information under each picture and their stories as well.
Also, there were few photos that I didn't wish I had shot.
Also, there were few photos that I didn't wish I had shot.
January 18, 2013
Lots of great photos and advice about everything photographic...
December 1, 2020
This is a terrific book about the art and practice of photography. The author focuses (pardon the pun) on vision. The book is light on mechanics, instead examining more thoroughly what makes a good photograph and a good photographer.
David duChemin has a gift for language nearly as much as for photography. His statements are succinct and memorable, and his descriptions about how he arrived at a photograph are poetic stories. Here are a few of the gems:
* Gear is good, vision is better
* There is no un-suck filter
* Stop looking and begin seeing
He illustrates every statement with at least one photo and the journey by which it was made. He has great love for the people and places he photographs, and it comes through both in the pictures and in his sensitive description of them.
While the books on mechanics have their place (Bryan Peterson’s Understanding Exposure comes to mind), this is the artistic how-to manual I have been looking for.
David duChemin has a gift for language nearly as much as for photography. His statements are succinct and memorable, and his descriptions about how he arrived at a photograph are poetic stories. Here are a few of the gems:
* Gear is good, vision is better
* There is no un-suck filter
* Stop looking and begin seeing
He illustrates every statement with at least one photo and the journey by which it was made. He has great love for the people and places he photographs, and it comes through both in the pictures and in his sensitive description of them.
While the books on mechanics have their place (Bryan Peterson’s Understanding Exposure comes to mind), this is the artistic how-to manual I have been looking for.
January 17, 2023
Gear is good but vision is better. Once you've figured out the exposure triangle on your camera, this book should be among the first resources photographers devour to get them thinking about their own artistic vision.
Part philosophy book, part self-improvement manual, Within the Frame as the author states in the introduction is a why-to book split across seven chapters. duChemin's experience with NGOs as a humanitarian photographer bring poignancy to his photographs and accompanying tutelage on how to respect and capture images that are about people, places, cultures and things rather than photos of these things.
The book asks photographers to meditate on the images their making to bring forward universal themes and subjects from photographs rather than simply creating voluminous, well edited images. This is a photo book, I hope to re-read and engage with via its creative exercises.
Part philosophy book, part self-improvement manual, Within the Frame as the author states in the introduction is a why-to book split across seven chapters. duChemin's experience with NGOs as a humanitarian photographer bring poignancy to his photographs and accompanying tutelage on how to respect and capture images that are about people, places, cultures and things rather than photos of these things.
The book asks photographers to meditate on the images their making to bring forward universal themes and subjects from photographs rather than simply creating voluminous, well edited images. This is a photo book, I hope to re-read and engage with via its creative exercises.
April 17, 2021
This is one of the best photography books that I’ve read. It’s often difficult to find a photography book that is able to blend the “how-to” of taking photos with the creative aspects of how to plan for, compose and capture images that evoke a feeling.
The technical part of this book is light... if you are not at least a moderately skilled photographer you may struggle to understand how to replicate some of the camera techniques that he discusses. However, the ideas he shares about how to plan for photos, how and when to break “the rules” and tips about how to pull emotions out of your shots will make this one well worth your while.
This book is not long, contains many beautiful photos that demonstrate the text and feels like it was written for those who are less concerned with the features of their cameras, and the output that comes from spending time with them.
The technical part of this book is light... if you are not at least a moderately skilled photographer you may struggle to understand how to replicate some of the camera techniques that he discusses. However, the ideas he shares about how to plan for photos, how and when to break “the rules” and tips about how to pull emotions out of your shots will make this one well worth your while.
This book is not long, contains many beautiful photos that demonstrate the text and feels like it was written for those who are less concerned with the features of their cameras, and the output that comes from spending time with them.
June 23, 2019
This book was not written for me. I don't want to be a professional photographer, I don't want to spend whole hours, much less days, searching for the perfect image. Nor carry a tripod, and a bag full of lenses and filters.
And yet, this book has stirred something inside of me. Not, maybe, a new passion or direction for *my* life, but an appreciation for different cultures, and how to experience them.
In a way, this book has been more of a travel journal to me, than a photographic guidebook. Either way, I am glad I read it.
And yet, this book has stirred something inside of me. Not, maybe, a new passion or direction for *my* life, but an appreciation for different cultures, and how to experience them.
In a way, this book has been more of a travel journal to me, than a photographic guidebook. Either way, I am glad I read it.
January 25, 2024
I think this is the first book about photography that I've read and it's beautiful. It focuses on creating and capturing your photographic vision and provides excellent photos to show just how important it is.
I think this book is pretty inspirational, too: I decided I need to start shooting in manual and even try a wide-angle lense. But what's more important, it encouraged me to keep shooting the way I see it.
I think this book is pretty inspirational, too: I decided I need to start shooting in manual and even try a wide-angle lense. But what's more important, it encouraged me to keep shooting the way I see it.
August 6, 2022
David duchemin is a master storyteller and an educator. I've followed David duChemin's work for many years and this is the first book I read when I started pursuing photography in 2010. And after working for more than decade I can say that this has been one of my favorite photography books. And yes, It has a great collection of photographs.
April 28, 2024
I expected to get more out of this book than I felt I did. Maybe it’s his style of writing. Maybe it’s his style of photography. Or maybe it’s the stage I’m at in my own photographic journey.
It reminded me of text books in school and I found myself simply skimming (or skipping completely) and looking at the pictures to determine if the section might interest me more.
It reminded me of text books in school and I found myself simply skimming (or skipping completely) and looking at the pictures to determine if the section might interest me more.
February 18, 2018
Amazing
Easily one of the best books I've read on photography. It captures the emotion, the honor, the peace in taking photos. It was practical and compelling. I want to do so literally everything Dave has illustrated, and it's reignited a passion for capturing the world again.
Easily one of the best books I've read on photography. It captures the emotion, the honor, the peace in taking photos. It was practical and compelling. I want to do so literally everything Dave has illustrated, and it's reignited a passion for capturing the world again.
December 1, 2019
A very good book for photographers of all levels. David includes plenty of examples and things to try. The photography is stunning, as are the words of advice. The book itself is of the highest quality paper and binding. If you are serious about photography, buy this book!
December 29, 2021
"In the end, as long as you’re not shooting for a client who demands a certain
image, no one knows which ones you didn’t get. You’re only as good as the
images you create, not the ones you miss. So go easy on yourself; regret and
self-loathing do nothing good for your creativity."
image, no one knows which ones you didn’t get. You’re only as good as the
images you create, not the ones you miss. So go easy on yourself; regret and
self-loathing do nothing good for your creativity."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2022
An inspiring book, illustrated with brilliant images mostly of travel and people, and a passionate exhortation to think more deeply about why we take pictures, and the importance of discovering your inner photographic purpose.
March 6, 2024
Excellent
Artistic and thoughtful execution of a gorgeous combination of technical teachings and heartfelt soul. I would recommend this to anyone interested in capturing more than just a snapshot of your travel adventure….💛
Artistic and thoughtful execution of a gorgeous combination of technical teachings and heartfelt soul. I would recommend this to anyone interested in capturing more than just a snapshot of your travel adventure….💛
October 30, 2017
It is a must for every photographer
July 8, 2020
Like a fine wine it gets better with age.
I first read this 10 years ago, I was inspired then and boy did it inspire me even more on second read. This is a true classic.
I first read this 10 years ago, I was inspired then and boy did it inspire me even more on second read. This is a true classic.
December 17, 2020
8 chapters of passionate pursuit of photographic art! <3
August 8, 2021
ترجمه و ویراستاری میتونست بهتر باشه ولی در کل کتاب خوب و مفیدی بود. همچنین بیشتر تمرکزش روی عکاسی در سفر و از فرهنگهای مختلفه ولی برای زمینه های دیگر هم کاربردیه.
October 9, 2021
powerful
March 19, 2023
5/5
A magnificent book that can broaden your horizons in photography.
Learn to see different a scene, and find out how you can frame your subject in other ways.
Highly recommended!!
A magnificent book that can broaden your horizons in photography.
Learn to see different a scene, and find out how you can frame your subject in other ways.
Highly recommended!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews