Joel Meyerowitz: How I Make Photographs

I’ve been a fan of Joel Meyerowitz ever since discovering videos of him on YouTube many years ago. The way he speaks so eloquently about the craft he loves has always inspired me. I’ve probably listened to every interview he’s done that is out there to find. As soon as I received “How I Make Photographs”, I was impressed with the graphic design, layout and even feel of this DVD case-sized book. The cover has an unexpected satin finish to the paper used. Once you get the book home and are able to study the cover image, you start to notice the brilliance of Meyerowitz’ vision and talent that he implemented into this particular capture. So many things happening at once and yet you begin to notice how the various subjects are interacting. This, of course, is one of his M.O.’s. One reviewer mentioned that some of Meyerowitz’ works in this book were cropped considerably from their original form to a detriment. This wasn’t done to too many of the photographs. Even when they were cropped down, usually for a chapter introduction, they were later shown in their entirety on a following page. The interesting way Joel captures moments in a frame, is that often times, there are multiple photographs being captured at once. Meyerowitz’ approach to image creation and the way he describes his methods throughout the book are simple and refreshing. He offers insights to some of his most famous photographs. I found myself studying each image in its printed form as I have mainly only seen these on videos in the past. Some have negatively commented on the printing quality of the images in this book. I feel overall, though, they are printed to a satisfactory level. One thing to keep in mind, we are looking at images captured with technology that wasn’t capable of the tac sharp images we have come to expect today. Famous photographer, Art Wolfe, once said that the more time goes by, the softer his older photographs become. No matter where you are in your journey as a photographer, you’ll enjoy having this book in your collection. At this price point, just go for it.

A very talented photographer

Joel Meyerowitz is generous in sharing his wisdom. This is a wonderful collection of 'lessons' -- useful for any photographer, young or old.

First off, if you write a book called, "How I make photographs" and you are indeed a prolific photographer with a multi decade body of work, then who can say you are wrong? Obviously this is the working methodology of the author. It works for him and you can pick and choose any, all or none of his many suggestions to apply to your photography. I know the author's work and have several of his previous books including his compendium of his full career spanning photography. This book uses several of his famous and lesser known images to illustrate each topic that forms the basis of each chapter. Each chapter begins with a statement such as, "be inspired", "anticipate the moment" or " be one with your camera". There are 20 such chapters and they are not sequential. You can start at page one or you can open randomly and read the chapter you land on. Then you can either mentally contemplate the material or grab your camera and hit the streets with a lesson to work on. One odd choice (for me, anyway) was to lead off several chapters with a cropped image from the photographer's catalog of famous photos, seemingly to extract the intent of the chapter's lessons. Some of these shots are world famous and have been presented full frame in dozens of books and expositions. It seems strange to crop them to reveal what has always been there. It's almost like saying he left too much in the frame. Physically, the book is quite small, (think DVD case), but the cost was not too much for the size. This book should be fine for street photographers that would like to get in the head of one of the masters of the genre.

Joel Meyerowitz is one of a few artists who can speak as beautifully about his art as his art speaks for itself. Great book. On a scale of one to five, the reproductions here are a zero. They’re a muddy, blurry mess. But the content is a ten. I love the book. Horrible Printing. Beautiful Photos. Inspiring & Instructive Words.

Love info

Inspiring and insightful is how I would describe this book. Joel has a wonderful way of expressing himself. This book has caused me to look deep within myself to try to find my own voice and to then translate that to a photograph. Every time I pick up this book, it gets me thinking, which in turn, gets me out there shooting.

This book and the knowledge I have learned has been great.

Wow what a fantastic insight into this masters mind and methodology. Highly recommended

Joel Meyerowitz, great author, good book.. master of photography, stimulation for pro photographers.

It is nice affordable quality, Joel Meyerowitz is one of my favorite photographers, his works are great and inspirational. I highly recommend it, but when I bought it in Amazon packaging of this product is not good at all, the corners are damaged be careful. But this one not that much damage but the other 2 books are damage, i returned it the day it was came to me.

Joel - Leica's style street photographer. In this short, easy to read book, all the key concepts that he shared on many youtube videos - nicely documented in this book. I knew about this book as it was recommended in dpreview website (I think it was one of the ideas for Christmas gift to photographers). I did some research about Joel, watched some youtube videos featuring him, and decided to get the book. No regrets!

I have a passion for street photography. This is a book I'd highly recommend to anyone interested in street photography; from beginner to advanced, you'll find something to help you here. Joel Meyerowitz says, "Once you have a camera in your hand, you have a license to see." Meyerowitz talks of his relationship with his father, who encouraged him to look at everyday stories in the street. The enthusiasm of the father was soon to become the same for Joel. Working at an agency he assisted renowned photographer Robert Frank; and that one day of assistance led him to the passion of his life. From that day onward he embraced the smells, the colors, and the stories of the streets. From that one day he saw everything differently. Starting out he says that the process is all about finding your identity as an artist and as a human being who is interested in the world around you. He encourages me, the reader, to accept my insecurities ... act... and the very act of taking photographs will lead me to becoming a better photographer. He talks of the importance of books as reference... immersing myself in the work of others ... inspiration will give me ideas. He encourages me to analyze the how and why. And he tells me that when the well has run dry, and I've lost the inspiration to shoot, to look to books to reinvigorate and motivate. He draws on photographic examples from Henri Cartier-Bresson and Diane Arbus, explaining his thoughts on their different styles. He encourages me to own the street, understand that I share it, and I have the right to take photographs. He inspires me to be courageous, be pleasant, smile - ultimately to engage with people in the street. He encourages me to understand that those important moments will come... to keep shooting, stay present, watch for occurrences or stories that will develop and present themselves. Be ready.. watch.. anticipate. Watch & be present for emotions, gestures or actions that will lead me to that special moment. He suggests making connections with subjects, and trying street portraiture. He says, "Once you begin making a portrait, a special energy between you and the subject comes into being. You have entered their private existence and engaged with them, and they have accepted your move." He writes about finding the story. Ultimately this is what the street photographer wants - a compelling story told by a photograph. An example is his famous Paris photograph showing a man who's fallen to the pavement. People step over and around him, seemingly uninterested in making an effort to help him. He encourages me to be open to the humorous events or situations that unfold around me. He tells me that sometimes, the small gestures or happenings can have the greatest impact, so ... get in close. Look for the details that will help me make a great story, He tells me to embrace my head as well as heart; looking for the elements that will, in combination, make a great photograph. The right light, the right angle, and subject. To always be on the lookout for the right subject, time and place. He talks of body language and communication, moving to affect your shot or affect your subject in their movement. Being respectful.. being invisible at times.. introducing yourself at times... to accomplish a result. The right camera and the right style.. they're personal choices. He encourages me to be creative in the placement of my subject in the frame. The center isn't necessarily best. He offers me notes on composition, encourages me to push myself to create something bigger than myself. He inspires me to create projects and collections. "As you become more sensitive to the way photography works, and to your own instincts, you will enlarge your emotional and visual capacity, and that will allow you to see your world in a richer, more complex way." This book is an easy read. Not a table top book - nothing fancy - perfect size for your camera bag. Five stars for the inspiration alone. Highly recommended.