Teaching with Photo Books

No one can argue that the best way to learn photography is to grab a camera and shoot as much as possible. But without some frame of reference, learning the ins and outs of the technical side of photography can be extremely difficult to master. The difference between an amateur and professional photographer is established in the technical mastery.

A professionally printed photo book is a great way for a professional photographer to create their own how-to guide for assistants to learn from and reference.

It’s hard to explain what you see through a lens, even harder to understand what someone else is seeing. While digital cameras have made it so we can see the shot instantly after taking it, there is no substitution for seeing it printed, where even small differences produce strong results.

When training someone, having visual samples on hand is the easiest way to get the point across. A photo book created as your hands-on training guide lets you do just that. You’ll find that it’s easier to:

• Show the difference between ISO settings
• Demonstrate how different flash position can change the lighting the same shot
• Show the numerous outcomes when combining various F-stops and shutter speeds

Photo guide books provide a strong base for young photographers to lean on. If the circumstances of the shot are A, B and C, then they must do X to get the best result. Photography may not be that formulaic, but for someone just starting out it helps to have an idea of where to begin when composing the frame. Over time, they may start recognizing similar lighting situations, for example, and remember how to cope with them without the need to reference your guide.

A professionally printed photo book lets you add text to your images, so the information is always readily available even when you might not be. You can fit multiple images on a single page, making it easier for side-by-side comparison. And because it is your photo guide, you decide what tips and tricks your assistant needs to learn to become a successful professional photographer.

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