Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision

• #16 in Best Photography Books

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I've bought and read dozens of how-to photography books over the years. I enjoyed Peterson, Freeman and many others. In the digital age we have a glut of books on digital photography and post-processing by well-known self-promoters churning out the product. Until now, the only two remaining on my shelf were Galen Rowell's Inner Game of Outdoor Photography and Bob Krist's Spirit of Place.
Within the Frame will join them. When millions of photos are snapped by cameras and phones or produced via software, David eloquently reminds us that vision, creativity, sensitivity and thought are (and always have been) at the core of making (not just taking) meaningful images. This book is a must-read, and one which you'll return to again and again for inspiration and insight. Deserves to be in hardcover, and easily earns the right to be called a classic.

After I have read so many positive reviews of this book, I decided to order it. What struck me is the fact that not many photography books have rating that high at Amazon, and most of them have valid criticism. DuChemin's books seemed like an exception to the trend. I cannot tell you how much my expectorations went up but I was very eager to get it.

Let me first say that I'm new to photography and as many others looking for things that are most valuable to get started and continuously improve, that is- train my eye, search for vision, get inspired whenever I grab my camera and go out. Under these circumstances you have to consider things how much you travel and what you like to photograph. David DuChemin is inspired by visiting new places and meeting new people, he is inspired by sacred houses of worship, new cultures etc. The title itself contains the main theme of the book: journey of photographic vision.

However, after one reads the reviews, one gets the feeling that it does not matter if the book talks so much about travelling, it is all about bringing out your vision. The only question I have how? The book does give you some valuable tips like what accessories you should take with you, how to interact with people from different cultures, should you pay people for photographing them etc. Do these things really help you to bring out your vision?

Moreover, I was not impressed with the photos in the book, but I like examples how light influences the portraits. The lighting tips were the most useful even though they are thrown here and there.

Now my advice for potential buyers and beginners in photography would be omitting this book and buying Photography and the Art of Seeing by Freeman Patterson and The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos by Michael Freeman. The former has very valuable tips that could help to improve your creativity, inspire you and most importantly it's very practical. The latter will show you what to look for in photographs and teach you many valuable things about composition and design.

Taking a picture is easy. You aim the camera, fiddle a few dials if you have a digital single lens reflex camera, and press a button. Taking an image that speaks to people, perhaps even rises to the level of art, is much harder. You have to add a secret ingredient, vision, to get that kind of image.

There are tons of books that talk about technique, like exposure, composition, post processing and so forth. As far as I know there are only a handful of good books that tell about how to get the secret ingredient. This book is one of them.

A description of the chapter headings doesn't do justice to the book, or even a look at the subheadings. What can one learn about a book from a heading like "Indecisive Moments" in a chapter called "Within the Frame"? It all sounds so vague.

A few years ago in a review I wondered whether you can teach someone to be creative (which I took to be similar to developing vision.) The author took issue with me in a conversation, even though I had praised her book. Now six years later I still wonder if you can teach someone vision.

Vision is not like exposure. It's not a matter of setting menus and dials and getting feedback from a histogram. It's vague and amorphous and not everyone will view a subject and see it with vision. Yet it's critical to photographic success.

DuChemin gives the effort to teach vision a good shot. For example early in the book he urges the reader to "shoot what moves you". Good advice that almost doesn't need any explanation, although the author's discussion certainly reinforces the point.

In the later chapters, the author provides more specific guidance about things to look for in certain subjects. For example he notes that in photographing places we should "slow down" and "try going deeper rather than broader".

The author's images are all striking and support his thesis. Moreover he notes that post-processing is essential to realizing the vision you had when you captured the image. It is a minor quibble but I certainly wished that he could show how this worked with a few more of his images. Almost none of the books on post-processing do this. Perhaps that can be a subject for his next book.

Maybe it's because I've been watching "In Treatment" on television, but it seems to me that the author can't teach you how to get good photographic vision. Rather he can just walk along with you and point to things while you find your vision buried deep within you. Fortunately duChemin is an excellent walker and pointer and most serious photographers will benefit from reading this book.

Given the nature of this book, especially the point regularly made that seeing is more important to a photographer then is equipment, it seems almost sacrilegious to point out that there is an additional chapter on line about gear for the traveling photographer.

Yep. I'm ambivalent about this book. No question that David DuChemin is a very gifted photographer, but this isn't a coffee table book. It's about vision, but what the other reviews don't seem to mention is that his vision is not about photography in North America or the west in general, but Kathmandu, Havana, Cairo and the banks of the Ganges. The advice he gives appears very sound, but approaching somebody in Kathmandu and somebody in Des Moines strike me as quite a different tasks. Most of us are far more limited in creating our vision than the author and I'm sure I'd have enjoyed it and gained much more from it if he had shot more in his hometown of Vancouver.

His vision is beautifully executed, but I'd have liked an indication before I bought this book that it was more about travel photography.

I'm surprised at all the glowing reviews here. David's a great photographer but I don't think this is a great photography book. I was disappointed. Almost all the example photographs (Middle and Far East) are of subjects and/or situations that 99% of us will never get the chance to experience. If it was a coffee table book -- great. But as an instructional effort I find it difficult to take the "lessons" and relate them to something that would help me go out and take better photographs.

As an admirer of David duChemin's photography as well as an habitual reader of his blog, my expectations for his first book were extremely high. Following weeks of impatient anticipation, "Within The Frame" arrived on Monday. Remarkably, he has managed to exceed my expectations. David duChemin is a gifted communicator. He has written a book that is full of information and inspiration. More than reading, it's like sitting in a leather chair around a cozy fire in an Adirondack lodge on an Autumn day, while engaged in captivating conversation about vision and photography with David himself. It's inspiring, rewarding and, yes, comfortable. I'd like more. Much more.

David duChemin has clearly not only thought about what he wished to say but also how the reader would digest the information. For example, he mentions panning, and, is if he can see the reader's curiosity peak, he adds a bit of how-to into his vision manifesto.

This is definitely not a how-to photography book that will collect dust on your shelf. This is all about personal vision and the whys of photography without being nerdy or scientific. There is indeed how-to information that sneaks into the book, but it's just enough to help less-experienced photographers without boring more-seasoned photographers. And the book is overflowing with inspirational images.

This book is a no brainer. It's a must for anybody interested in photography. After having read this book, you will never look through your viewfinder in the same way again, and your photographs will almost certainly be better as a result.

Majority of the photos in this book are taken in 3rd-world countries. In my opinion, these photos stand out, not because they are meaningful or full of vision, but because they are different. Anyone who came from a similar background would immediately recognize certain photos as blank stares by weathered, aged, and wrinkled people. They are different and might evoke certain emotions from people who are so far removed from certain parts of the world. Local photographers with vision and understanding take far more interesting and emotional photos of the same people. The author's style of photography would have never stood out had the subjects been in North America or Europe.

The author repeatedly painted himself as a respectable worldly photographer with vision and humility. However, below are his own words:
"She (a Hindu woman) graciously allowed me to photograph her for five minutes, then invited me in for chai. Fearful that she'd marry me off to her daughter, I declined. In retrospect, I wish I'd accepted(the chia, not the daughter)."

I find this statement utterly degrading and demeaning to a different culture. The author effectively took the photo for his own benefit, and smeared an entire population sector with his insensitive and presumptuous words.

Overall, I find this book self-promoting and un-interesting. Then again, the author's got Joe McNally for foreword, Vincent Versace for afterword, and Scott Kelby for a few words.

Sigh!

Perhaps it's me, but I purchased this book with the idea that it would reveal the artist's thoughts on composition and technique, and in this regard, I found it disappointing. Although it includes plenty of wonderful and well composed photographs, there's very little accompanying dialog explaining the thought process behind the technique. Nothing really wrong with that, but I suppose if I wanted a coffee table book of photographs, this wouldn't have been my first choice.

In my den I have a table sitting next to my chair. On the bottom shelf are the books I call 'the inspiration books.' The books of photography, not so much the books about photography. I've read the books about photography. Many of them over the years. To learn. To get ideas about how to perform a specific task or set of tasks to create an image. But it is 'the inspiration books' that I turn to when I'm looking for more than the technical. Looking for my vision.

Withing the frame will not join that shelf of inspiration books. It will go on my desk and I suspect that within a year or so I will be looking to buy another copy. I plan to have this one worn out by then. Falling apart from overuse.

This is one of the best books about the art of photography that I've read in recent history, perhaps ever. Its style is straightforward, written simply, but with great insight and inspiration. It is a cohesive statement of the power of vision in telling a story with a photograph, of sharing a statement of how I view the subject and expressing my experience with the subject. It encourages connection to the subject, of slowing down to experience what is around you and then sharing visually the experience.

This book will serve as inspiration for me for a long time to come. I believe it will influence how I experience the 'inspiration books' and will serve as a guide for reminding me that the photographic journey is as important as the photograph itself.

I love this book. It works on so many levels. Appeals to both the geek and the artist in me. And manages to put every other aspect of photography into perspective. With a firm grasp on vision (the 'why')... everything else becomes clearer.

The book itself is gorgeous. Filled with some of my favourite photographs. Kudos to Peachpit Press for making such a beautiful book. I have two of David's prints hanging on my walls, so I was curious to see the print quality. It's really very good. Also loving the square format!

Teaching "geek" photographers how to see creatively is big challenge. There is a book by Bryan Peterson, Learning to see creatively. Bryan's book is doing a good job in showing how to use compositions and perspective to create a stronger photos, but fail to teach reader how to acquire a creative eye.

David's book, is another book that addresses this problem. David stresses heavily on the importance of having a good vision, but like Bryan, he fails to teach readers how to acquire a good eye. Instead of teaching, David is trying to inspire readers to be self aware, and aware on anything around us that might be a good photo opportunity.

The other theme that is emphasized in the book is about story telling. Individual photos might be compelling, but a series of photos are able to tell story better and more complete. It can potentially change the world.

For David, post processing is also an important factor in photography. He argues that post processing is essential to enhance some elements to convey certain moods or exclude elements that might be distracting such as color.

The rest of the book is assorted tips on David's experience photographing around the world. Many are helpful and practical. Unfortunately, in many chapters, I feel the discussion is not in-depth. Advanced photographers will likely to be bored on many repetitive topic such as basic composition, telephoto vs wide angle lens and so on.

This book is definitely not a how-to or technical books. David assumes that you did your homework, understanding basic photography such as exposure, and learn how your gears work. But don't worry, David also gives you some small practical tips in almost every chapter on how to make your photo better. The book has no less than 150 great photos in 255 pages. Check out my blog radiantlite.com for other books and gears reviews.

I recommend this book for beginners and the geeks.

If you are a professional photographer that has much experience shooting overseas already, you won't learn much from this book. The author gives solid advice, but it is mostly aimed at those with little to no experience abroad. The book will seem condecending for any pro that has much international experience. Your money would be better spent examing the work of the great photojounrnalists.

What amazed me in reading duChemin's book was what an impact it had on me. I am not into travel photography personally, and have little desire to travel; although I will say that I have a great appreciation for other cultures and all that that implies; I am especially affected by the spirituality of other people. Furthermore, other than my family, I don't photograph people often (unless it is part of a workshop assignment). I love the natural world, and am very attracted to macro photography. Upon reflection, I think (and "think" probably is not the right word; maybe "intuit" is better) that I feel a mystical connection with the author. duChemin, coming through his book, touches something deep inside of me. I have tried to learn the technical side of photography well enough that it has become integrated within me. Now when I photograph, it truly is a mystical type of activity (again, maybe "experience" is a better word). It is the Versace side of duChemin (how appropriate that he wrote the Afterword) that speaks most directly. I'm trying to get every photographer that I know to read this book.

Overall this is quite an insightful book about photography, from the inside. Ideal for the college professor looking to provide students with a meaningful story (this is no text book) about why we try to capture the world in this way, and many of the things we should be cognizant of when photographing. It's not really a book about technical details, but about the attitude you carry. How you see the world you're photographing, how you communicate it, how you treat those who allow you the privilege of capturing them with a camera.

There are plenty of books on exposure, Kelby-style tricks and and Photoshop gimmicks, etc. This book -while I wish it did have a few more tips on composition and equipment for specific scenarios- is about the why more than anything else. If it makes you think and understand your own motivations better, then it's worth the price for that alone because that's what can make you a better photographer beyond just bracketing or tone curves.

I'm gonna make this really simple. Buy David's Book!

David duChemin, one of the most talented (yet humble) photographers I've ever known has written a truly wonderful book about the "craft" of photography called Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision. Not your run of he mill "techie", "geeky" gear guide (you know the kind, this button does this and that button does that and for golly's sake don't touch that button fool!) but a real book about learning photography from the heart. A book about the vision and mission that allows a photographer to create meaningful and lasting images.

Its a book about learning to see the world around you in a new way and using that knowledge to tell a compelling story through photographs. But its not just some esoteric lecture. It contains down-to-earth, practical examples on the toughest photographic issues like how to approach people that don't speak your language and how to be mindful of the values and taboos of other cultures.

It contains answers to those photographic questions that both amateurs and professionals alike don't learn in a classroom. Answers that come from David's own experiences, values and his unique vision. The best way I can sum it up is to use a phrase that David often uses, "Gear is Good, Vision is Better".

Its also a book that contains some of the most incredible and beautiful images you'll ever see. Images that leave you yearning to meet the people David's photographed over the years and to become part of the story David tells. Its not often I read a book that leaves me saying "Wow".

Many, many books have been written about the How in photography. They range from all encompassing to specifics on a certain technique or photographic process. They all have something new and useful to learn. I usually read them in a casual manner, tending to gloss over what I already know and attempting to memorize the new bits that may prove useful someday.

Once in a great while, a photography book comes along that, instead of only teaching the How, first pushes you to seek and understand Why. Within the Frame does just that, and that is why I am taking my time with it. Each day I absorb it bit by bit, meditate on what I've just read, and will keep doing that until I come to the point of internalizing it. I feel it's that important.

I am an avid reader of photography books. I like to read the "how to" books but am tiring of them as it all seems to mush together. I was looking for inspiration when a friend suggested this book in an email. I was close to a book store when I got the message, so I sat and read a bit. Of course I waited till I got home to purchase the book from Amazon! I'm just finishing up the book now and have enjoyed it very much.

This is not a book about technique but rather a book about having vision and what it takes to get to the next level in your photography where your images touch and resonate with people. Getting to this level takes more than technical knowledge (as important as it is) it involves having a vision and being in touch with your feelings about your subject and then knowing what to do to capture that! To this extent, David does a fine job leading the reader to understand how important these things are giving examples with appropriate images to express his ideas.

While most of the book is geared toward the type of photography David does which I'll call Travel/Destination photography the concepts all apply to whichever type you do. David proclaims he is not a Landscape Photographer but still tackles the subject briefly toward the latter part of the book.

Like another reviewer at times I felt some of the ideas were a bit repetitive and rudimentary and may bore the more advanced photographer. That said there are enough gems in the book especially the beginning that make it a worthy purchase for all. A refreshing change of pace for a photography book!

The book is of high quality illustrated with many amazing images and associated stories that inspire and motivate the reader to go out and up their game. Get a copy and enjoy.

Even though I've only read the first few chapters and scanned a few more pages for their images so far, I can safely say this is one of the best photography books I've ever laid eyes on. The author/photographer, David duChemin, uses a very simple, lay-person, non-technical approach to deciphering the methods for achieving one's photographic vision. It is NOT a how-to book; rather, it focuses more on the why-to. And, it is a breath of fresh air among the stuffy, thick, over-technical extensions of camera manuals trying to pass as inspiration. On the flip side, it offers a unique, open, and introspective view to the heart and vision of an incredible photographer that one would usually not find in a coffee table photo book. Yet, the images are so powerful, it will undoubtedly find its home at the top of the stack of books on my coffee table... just as soon as my sons are old enough to know not to destroy it. :)

For anyone looking to hone their own vision, or just find a bit of inspiration, I HIGHLY recommend this book!

This is one of the books I was looking for. It will tell you how do you have to look inside you and search for the hidden photographer. It will guide you during the introspective process. However, if you are looking for tips and tricks or how to make the best possible composition, it may disapoint you. It is not meant for that!

I have never reviewed a book before but this book has clarified so many things about photography that I feel it is a must read for anyone who has ever picked up a camera. David has written what I feel is the most important book on photography I have ever read. There are a lot of books on how-to and very few on why-to.
The book reads like a conversation with him about the reasons to photograph the world around us. There are enough technical bits to help with the making the photos that are in your head but the most important parts of this book are about finding those photos inside you.
Well written and easy enough to read over and over. David has a real gift for showing you what to look for to find your passion/vision.

This is a book that goes way beyond travel books, or how to shoot travel pictures. It is about how to create engageing, inspired, captivating pictures of any type of photography that represent the vision you have for the image.

"Gear is good, Vision is better." This is something that David has said many times before the book, and part of what this book does is explain how you can use your gear to get your vision into your pictures. What is your vision? What do you want it to be? This is something that is hard to understand for many people, but that is the other part of this book. By reading this book you will come to understand what David means by vision. As you start to comprehend this concept you will start to understand that many times in the past you have created a technicaly perfect picture, but it doesn't grab people. It doesn't resonate.

How you get pictures that are full of emotion and feeling is not always easy, but that should be our goal as photographers. This book will go a long ways toward getting what you want others to see in and feel from the image, into the image.

See a "sort of" interview with David here: [...]

Daily reading of David's blog lead me to anticipate this book some time and I certainly was not disappointed. I have hoped for a photography book this well done and I must say it is rare to find one not all wrapped up in techy language and author ego. It is one of those books that we will look back on and mark as a watershed book - I can almost see all the copycat publications lining up to offer their "Vision" but this is a first - at least for me - and offers so much inspiration and practical knowledge wrapped into a very welcoming presentation. I could easily sit and read my way through it in a couple of sessions but have choosen instead to take it slow and digest all the information that comes out in each page. It will find a permanent place on my bookshelf and I am sure I will be returning time and again to its pages.

So what exactly is Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision (Voices That Matter)? That's a good question and it's not an easy one to answer.

It's not a coffee table book of lustrous photos. But it is filled with wonderful example's of duChemin's art (and it wouldn't be out of place on a coffee table).

It's not an armchair travel book. But there are travel stories in the book.

It's not a geek fest of pixel peeping delight on digital photography. Though by his own admission duChemin is something of a geek and one chapter of the book is "The Artist and the Geek."

I think this is a hybrid, a book that blends genres with ease. It's one part inspiration, ("Shoot What Moves You" page 11). One part hardware, ("Choose Your Lens Based on Behavior." page 50). One part nuts and bolts, ("The Eyes Have It" page 107). Hanging it all together are his photos, which are wonderful.

What I thought set this book apart from so many other travel photography how to's is Chapter 7, "Photographing Culture," more than 20 pages on the importance of cultural sensitivity when we are privileged enough to photograph other cultures. (For example, "Respect: Different Isn't Wrong" page 212).

It's all written in a breezy, conversational style that is easy to understand but stays with you long after you've finished the book. And, then there are the photos, which are wonderful (and include some exif data to appease our inner geek).

David duChemin describes himself as a "freelance humanitarian and world photographer. An unashamed do-gooder." When he's not writing books he does a lot of work for NGOs like World Vision. And when he's not working for World Vision he's maintaining one of the best photo blogs on the internet. His blog, like his book, blends genres from business to geek to aesthetics the way the Coen brothers blend genres in their movies (only without the choreographed random violence).

Even though David would say it's not just about travel photography (and it isn't), it certainly spoke to my vision of what travel photography is, or should be. It talks about developing your vision and style, then gives you creative tools to help make that vision a reality.

This isn't a book about megapixels and which camera to buy, in fact there's very little gadgetry in here at all. That's fine as you can get that from any number of books on photography.

What you can't find are books on how to put "soul" into your photographs - and that's where David's book is unique. He writes in a clear, easy to read style that will help you refine your vision through both mental and photographic techniques, and has wonderful examples of his own photography to illustrate them.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to take their photogrpahy to the next level.

I think the title of the first chapter "It's All About Vision" attracted me to buy this book. But I am sorry to say that my vision isn't the same as duChemin"s. His book is about taking images in many places of the world, and of primarily either old or young people. That is his thing and I respect him for it. So if that is your thing "go for it".

I have read many photographic books over many years and this is this first one that didn't "turn me on" in any way. Just to check myself I leafed through the book to take another look at the images. I found only two that somewhat appealed to me. I am primarily a landscape photographer, always looking for some new scene, some new challenge of light, some new technique to work with.

I agree with the opinion that Freeman Patterson's books are really good. They were all published some time ago, from 1977 to 1985, before the digital age. But they are well worth reading. The titles are

"Photography for the Joy Of It"
"Photography of Natural Things"
"Photography & The Art of Seeing"

Sincerely,

Jack Porter

As a newcomer to DSLR photography, I have read quite a few books on technical issues on how to use DSLR specific functions, which I didn't have in my previous point and shoot cameras. Now I felt I was ready to digest books in the field of composition. When reading "Whithin the Frame" I fell in love with the way the author, David duChemin, passionately writes how to get the feeling and essence of what you are photographing and try to translate this into a picture that hopefully viewers later can get a taste of.

This is the real craft of photographing. Stop taking photographs and start creating photographs. Stop looking and start seeing. I found this book to be so much more than composition.

It's a book about photographic vision. It's a book about caring and feeling for what you photograph. It is highly recommended.

I have been taking photo's for over 50 years. Today and tomorrow I hope to be making photographs that as Vincent Versace said in David's "Within the Frame" book, will allow me to "create images that change the world of those who view them". Buy this book. There are 241 pages packed with brilliant, priceless suggestions for opening up your mind and eyes to seeing "picture taking" in a whole new way. For example, page 150, "make it about something, so people who see your image feel something", and page 185, become more patient, intentional, passionate about making photographs and push beyond the "shoot-and-run or minute effort". After reading David duChemin's book, I feel better equipped, not just having the best and latest camera technology, but the correct "vision" to shoot photographs like never before. I am a richer photographer today following David's enlightments in this excellent book. I will not regret or bemoan my earlier 50 years of missing opportunities taking pictures, but as he said in the book "just chase new ones" going forward.

I've been leading nature photo hikes for a year and am tired of shooting the same style, looking for books on art photography. After reading this book, I realized the meaning of photography, not on "of" the image, but on "about" the image, ie, telling the story. Although some of the photos in the book are hard to "get it" without sidebars. This book gets me thinking. I can read no more than 5 pages and have to put it down to fully digest its concept, especially visual leading lines. The book is all about people and places, more of a documentary type. Suprisingly well use of wide angle. An excellent book if you are fully familiar with complete camera setups and basic compositions. When you're ready for the breakthru, this is a book for you.

Besides the fact that the images in this book are stunning, duChemin shares not just his knowledge, but his vision of what it means to be a photographer. He discusses how to develop ones own vision and how it goes hand in hand with becoming successful. This is simply the most valuable photography book I own.

David duChemin is not only a fine photographer but a gracious and generous teacher as well. While the book does contain many practical tips for making certain kinds of photographs (people, places, culture, faith), this is not a "recipe book" for creating those types of shots or for learning how to use your camera. It is instead a book about creativity, connecting with people and places through the camera lens, and telling stories--in short, a book that encourages the reader to think intentionally about what's going on within the frame (and why you want to shoot it) before pressing the shutter.

David duChemin's passion for what he does and for the people and places he photographs are evident. He loves this, and teachers who love what they do are always the best from whom to learn. Highly recommended.

First off I want to say that I am planning a trip overseas and was looking for great travel writing. This was not that. Though it was actually as good as many others on the topic, it does not try to be a travel photography book. However the guidance given for travel photography in this book is some of the best I have found.

I am also always on the lookout for good photography books. I have read more than my fair share of both. I typically do not rate photography books well, because most are so sorely lacking in something that they are all but a waste of time. Only 3 photography books have ever been a true success in my eyes and this is one of them. I am not talking about photo books, books of photos, I am talking about books written about how to make/take photos. This book is actually just as much about the why as the how, in fact more so. it is also very much, in certain ways, about the when and the where. The who is left up to you entirely.

I can go into minute detail about this book and why it is good, but I will spare you and just tell you that in my experience with literally dozens and dozens of photography books in the nightstand drawer that this has been my favorite and only one of 3 worth reading along with Light:Science and Magic and Kelby's 'Photography book' series.

Matt

I've read dozens of how-to books on photography. It's how I learn the best advice. There are some gems out there - Joe McNally's books are some of my favorites. Same with Scott Kelby. What sets this book apart from the ones I've mentioned - and others - is that while there is a bit of 'how-to'in this book . . . this book is more of a 'why-to' read.

Within the Frame came out at the right time in my budding career as a photographer. I've got most of the technical aspects down - or at least I think I do . . . Right now, I'm in a place where I am wondering WHY am I choosing to shoot the things I do . . . this book gave me such insight into my own work! I am approaching my image making with renewed passion and confidence.

David's writing style is conversational - easy and enjoyable to read. You feel like you're sitting and having a one-on-one conversation with him. And of course the photography stunning. It's funny - while reading the book (I've read it twice now - first to take it all in - second to soak it all in!) I was in a constant battle between turning the page or tossing the book aside to go out and take some images! The book is that inspiring.

With a foreword by one of my heroes, Joe McNally and an afterword by Vincent Versace, Within the Frame is now a well worn, dog eared and cracked spine of a book, sitting on the top of my bookshelf - ready for another perusal!

I love this book. I'm on my second read through. I'm an amateur photographer who decided in mid-life to pick up the camera and this book has not only inspired me but confirmed that I am on the right path. I feel the book speaks to me. Bravo David duChemin.

I really enjoyed this book, it doesn't waste pages explaining the 'digital photography revolution' or what your 'digital darkroom workflow' should be. It's a book about you, your camera and the world and how they inter-relate. Described by a very experienced and very well-traveled photographer. It definitely includes some technical tips based on the author's years of experience, but it's more about photographing people and places and how you as a photographer can have a productive and symbiotic relationship with the people and world around you. Thanks for writing this David!

What an amazing book! Unlike many of the other reviewers, I am relatively new to David's work. I found out about the book, purchased one, and read it through in a matter of a few days. It's been very inspiring and informative. Many of the other photo books I have spend so much time on the "How" that often they forget the "Why." This book covers both beautifully. I would and have recommended this book.

In my opinion, this book succeeds in two valuable aspects. The autor clears out and persuade us about the necesity and obligation of the photographer to search for a personal vision and interpretaion of reality before shooting at anything. Also, the structure of the book and the narrative is so well concieved that manages to motivate the reader to stop the lecture and go grab the camera and go out to take some pictures. But not everything in the book is a bed of roses. The autor relies too much in his own concept of culture, and maybe culture is the second most used word inside the book, second just after the word vision. The problem arouses in the theoretical framework that sustains his concept of culture, beeing religion, religious festivals, the food, the villians and heroes of a country and things as such the main expressions of a culture. But those things fall more in the category of folklore and not on the actual concept of culture. So his insights about the photographer and the need to understanding "culture" are misleading. To understand the "otherness culture" and our own whe should be looking for power relations and the way hegemony and geopolitics acts on a particular local context. So in resume, we should pay atention to his method of taking photos, but we should disscard his personal vision for the sake of the people we photograph.

This is a book primarily about travel photography. We are treated to great shots that are explained. The advice is practical, non-technical and hands-on.

I like books about composition and I have found that the best approach is to buy books from different authors. Many authors have multiple books, but they all tend to be kind of similar. So my key advice is to go for diversity.

I've bought my first DSLR and also bought 15 photography books on amazon. I'm evaluating the books from the perspective of a somewhat knowledgeable amateur.

Your book has tremendously helped me to not only get started, but also naturally brought me to a new insight to understanding story telling within the frame. The flow of content is gradual and easy to follow through. It's awesome that this book is not too technically inclined. I get hands-on immediately to taking better photos. Thank you so much!

I've read lots of how-to books on photography, many of them quite good. While there's always more to learn when it comes to HOW to create a great photo, too many of us ignore the WHY. This is where David duChemin's book comes in. Yes, he covers technique and gear, but the focus of this book is on creativity and vision. It's probably been said before in other reviews, but I'm going to say it as well: This book inspires creativity in the reader. The book is filled with beautiful photos and stories from David's travels around the world that any photographer, in any place can learn from.

More important than changing how I work, this book changed how I see. After reading this book, when I go out and shoot, I find myself thinking about and interacting with my subjects differently and not coincidentally, bringing home better photos. That makes it worth far more than any other photography book I've read recently.

This is an excellent book, if you know what to expect. It is probably not for beginners (although I probably qualify as a beginner). It does not teach very much about the science of photography or technical skills. Rather, it inspires you to think like a photographer. It guides you in thinking about photography, about the world, and about the frame. Along the way, it does give some helpful tips. But that's not what the book is about. It is about vision.

The author's passion is for people, places, and culture. You won't learn much about landscapes here, or macro or product photography. In fact, there are plenty of things you won't learn about. But it doesn't really matter. People, places, and culture are just the medium he uses to discuss broader concepts.

The book reads extremely easily, and is enjoyable. It never gets bogged down in jargon because it's speaking to the artist in you.

If you are a mid-level photographer who knows how to take a technically good image and are now wondering what to photograph and why, this is the book for you. I usually use small sticky notes to mark the especially interesting pages of a book and when I finished my first read of this book there were at least 30 yellow notes sticking out of it. I am now back into the book and finding even more thoughts and ideas I will be referencing again later. I have a shelf of very good "how too" books including most of Joe McNally's and Scott Kelby's books. This one is of that quality plus the author tries to help you take that next step. I highly recommend this book.

I've bought many photography books over the years but this one tops them all. It's the first "why to" book rather than a "how to" book that I've read. Well worth it. It has connected many of the missing dots for me. It's an easy read and the author does an excellent job of explaining his thoughts of why he photographs his subjects. If you are into photography, buy this book.

I purchased this book with the recommendations of David Hobby and Joe McNally, both of which I admire is style and thought. I opened the book the day before I traveled on a work vacation to the Blackfeet Nation in Montana, near Glacier National Park. Each night I read about 20 pages, being careful to digest each page. I've never been a fan of "how to" books, but a huge fan of "why to" books. This books tickles my fancy. The content alone in the book was worth a workshop value of at least $1000 in my budget, aside from not being able to meet the author is person. I was inspired to shoot a week's worth of photos and posted them here:

[...]

Highlight, re-read, and enjoy this book. I won't be lending it to a friend in the near future, because I want to keep this on my small shelf of books to re-read in the near future!Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision

Every page of WITHIN THE FRAME teaches you something new about creating compelling images. It names features your equipment needs. It tells what you need to learn about using your equipment. It tasks you with simple photo-assignments that open your creative inner eyes. And it reminds you the image isn't done 'til you've applied creative editing touches in your computer's "digital darkroom."

NOT JUST ANOTHER MOTIVATIONAL BOOK:
Motivational books usually say everything they have to say in the first 50 pages, then beat you to death with grinding repetition for another 200 pages. This book breaks the mold and goes on giving you new ideas, new creative approaches and new mind-expanding photo-assignments to the very last page.

Author David duChemin's images are on every open pair of pages. They're gorgeous, and poignant, and educational, AND David tells you what makes them that way--Composition tips, isolation with shallow depth of field, how to lead the viewers eye into a scene, intentional motion blur, color treatment, qualities of light, and on and on).

IF YOU HAD TO READ JUST ONE BOOK TO LEARN PHOTO ARTISTRY--THIS IS THAT BOOK.

I like this book, bottom line. It reads like a relaxing discussion with a trusted mentor. I find the insights to be valuable.

This is not a "tell you what to do" book. If you are looking for a book with detailed step-by-step instructions on how to approach a particular subject to create a marketable image, this is not it.

This is a book that challenges you to think what you have not thought before, and to see what you have not seen before. It will open your eyes to see subjects in a whole new light. It will challenge you to embrace the world, photographically, in a whole new way. It will challenge you to elevate your vision to a higher plateau, and to create images with life and meaning.

This is a book for the advanced photographer, the artist, the person who has a deep passion for photography. This is a book that inspires. It inspires you to communicate a message to the world, one photo at a time.

I've got many how-to books on digital photography. I skim through, look at the pictures and maybe read a chapter or two. I started reading David's book and was quickly engrossed and amazed by his communication skills- visual and written. What I found fascinating was the discussion about overall thought process of capturing the "vision" not just taking pictures. I also appreciate the details about each photo to understand the technique. If you want to learn basic how-to then you have other choices. If you want to understand how you can take your skills to the next level then this book will provide both vision and inspiration.

I was not sure what to expect when this book arrived, but 4 pages into it, I could not put it down. FINALLY a book about the thought process rather than 'how-to-take pictures'. So this book is not for beginners, but more for folks who have been shooting a bit and what a new perspective--who want to crawl into a shooters head. Who want to know what's zipping around a photographers noggin' as they work. I read this in 2 days, highlighter pen in hand. Highly recommended.

What more is there to say about a book that's garnered almost universal praise? Not much, except that having just finished this wonderful book, I feel completely invigorated to get out there and shoot again. I feel like David spoke right to me, told me just what I needed to hear and provided me with not only the mental and philosophical tools with which to reapply myself as a photographer but also the inspiration by which I could better understand both myself and what I want and need to do as a photographer.

There is a splash of technical information; really, it's just enough to help understand each presented image, but never an amount that overwhelms--more like an accent color in the overall painting. The images are, as expected, stunning. More than that, though, they are truly illustrative for each point being made, like a cymbal crash in a great rock song.

The stories and anecdotes are poignant; the voicing and tone are respectful, funny and stern where appropriate; and the perspective is invaluable. Beginners and pros alike can get so much out of the book.

I can't possibly recommend this more. It is a fantastic reading experience, and it really has changed my life. Thank you, David.

I'm a young photographer looking for that deeper meaning that will give my photographs depth, and Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision was just the book. The way David duChemin writes is easy to read while the message is deep. This book is not your typical "here's the photographs I have shot" or "to be a real photographer, you need to travel" kind of book. This book display images of his international travels, however where this book is different from all the others, is how to shoot no matter where you are and to go deep within to shoot an image that displays that depth. It's also not saturated with images; he actually has great information that goes along with the images. This is a book I will read many times to come. I consider myself a better photographer because of this book! I will definitely follow David duChemin's work and future books.

This book goes beyond the typical photography how to content to helping the reader discover the inner passion that creates meaningful vision, which is individual for everyone but has clearly described common themes to practice. As a professional photographer, I still found much to learn from David's ability to articulate the creative process; to slow down and question what we most want to say with our images.

David's objective with this book was "...the passionate photography of people, places, and cultures. It is a book about chasing your own vision and telling your stories as clearly and passionately as possible with compelling photography. It's a book for everyone who's wanted to shoot images of the places and people they love, whether or not they ever go around the world to do it."

I think David reached that objective. I finished the book believing that David was passionate about his photography and the people, places, and cultures he wants to share via photography.

To me it is an interesting and compelling way of thinking about photography, especially when I tend to think more like an engineer than an artist. I can't say that this book has helped me become a better photographer because I still tend heavily toward the logical and analytical, but his book certainly caused me to seriously think about the issues of photographically conveying the essence of a person, place, or culture.

This book is much, much more about the abstract/art of photography than the technical aspects of photography (that's not a bad thing, by the way). David lost me a few times with his abstract writings, but overall this book solidly delivers for those who want a book that causes them to read and think about how things like passion, vision, attitudes, and beliefs affect and influence your photography.

This is a book about how to communicate your heart's passion photographically. It gets you thinking about what you want to share graphically, with whom you want to share it and why. Next it introduces you to the visual language that will best help you communicate this message to the prospective viewers of your images. Only then does it discuss the techniques in areas such as lighting, exposure and composition that will refine your visual grammar and vocabulary. Though equipment is not a major focus of the book as such, there are helpful suggestions as to which features of certain lenses and cameras will help you achieve your aim. The attractive, and often times powerful, photographs that accompany the text are annotated with camera model and basic settings that serve to illustrate this (a kind of `visual spelling bee'). There is also a downloadable bonus chapter (pdf format) where the author briefly introduces the equipment he was using and explains the rationale behind choosing it in the light of his own photographic vision. But, as I mentioned, that really isn't the heart of the author's message.

Many photography books spend a lot of time focusing on equipment and technique, some of them do so very well. Only a handful successfully link these to the photographer's vision and purpose. David duChemin's first book is one of these and as such I wholeheartedly recommend it.

This book has been great and a very informative. One of the best i have read in a very very long time, if your looking for some good ideas and techniques, or even to improve upon where your at now, then get this book!

Unlike a lot of other photography books, this doesn't just tell you how to improve your technique, it gets at why we take photos in the first place.

I really liked the author's vision for how and why to interact with your subjects, bring humans into your photos and make the process and the results engaging.

If you are looking for in-depth technical information, don't read this book. But if you want to be inspired and to gain greater insight into what photography is really all about (how to 'see' and visualise a composition), you will not be disappointed. Never mind that the subject matter is rather esoteric and not likely to be the focus of most of us; the lessons are in those all-important areas BEFORE we press the shutter: not least the often sensitive issue of how best to handle the human element. The author works in a genre where photographic riches abound, but the core elements of his experience and advice are pertinent to us all - even old bird and landscape snappers like me.

This was the first book I've read by David DuChemin, and I must say that it won't be the last (I can't wait to read VisionMongers: Making a Life and a Living in Photography!). His beautiful photographs accompany practical information about the spirit of photographic vision. He has many great pointers, ranging from how to capture a person's soul in a photograph to what to take on a photography-based trip. Although this book isn't highly technical (look elsewhere for basics on apertures and etc.), it has a conversational quality about topics in photography that are often harder to convey and contribute to what makes photography art. One can perceive through reading this book that the author is a humanitarian and decent human being as well as being a photographer. Even though it covers some basic topics, I feel that it could be helpful for anyone from novice to experienced photographers, and I would highly recommend this book to help tailor your photographic vision. I'm sure I will refer back to this book often as I progress in photography.

Exceptionally well-written, beautiful photos, and quite inspiring! I loved this book, will re-read it, and will look up more of DuChemin's works.

I purchased this book for my nephew, who is an aspiring photographer. He absolutely loved it! He's read it from cover to cover and as found so much help and information. He came across pictures and information that he had never even considered. Kudos! If he's happy, I'm happy! Thanks!

The book is written for people who already have a grasp on basic photographic principles, i.e. composition, aperture, lighting, etc. Although the author does go into some depth in utilizing these principles in the develpment of one's own photographic vision, that is, the message or story he is trying to convey through the photograph. The book goes well beyond the "basics" and attempts to demonstrate how to how to express one's "feeling" or "impression" through the photographic medium.

David du Chemin has a unique way of not only inspiring you to "get out there" and play, but also draws you unselfishly into his world of photography.

Someone who has never held a camera in their hands before could pick up this book to read and not want to put it down. It is a book about life, about love, about humility, but most of all about the vision of a man and his passion for life and people, which he expresses through the lens of a camera.

A brilliant read!

This ia a great book for learning Photography !! Shows wounderful pictures of different subjects, and will give you all the exposure information on how each was taken so you can really try it for yourself !!

Great book great price !

I love photography and shoot great pictures!

I know everything about my digital camera and wanted a book to go - deep - inside my " photographic soul ".

After lots of search, I found this one.

It is perfect to me!

So: if you love photos, take great ones, and want to undestand your internal process of creation, this is your book!

There are tons of books that talk about technique, like exposure, composition, post processing and so forth. As far as I know there are only a handful of good books that tell about how to get the secret ingredient. This book is one of them.

David's approach is an interesting and compelling way of thinking about photography, especially because most of us don't tend to think like an artist. This book will help you become a better photographer even if you still tend heavily toward the logical and analytical. This book will certainly cause you to seriously think about the issues of photographically conveying the essence of a person, place, or culture.

Can't recommend this book highly enough! All too many times other books and magazines have taught on "HOW" to take a photograph (i.e composition, lighting, technique etc etc), but David tell you exactly the reason "WHY"s and "HOW"s and goes beyond that. If ever any photography enthusiast, hobbyist, student or professional were to invest in a single book, you must make this the ONE book! Highly Recommended!!!

David presents all of his thoughts in a wonderful and inspiring way.

I find, personally, that the typical photography book is predictable and obvious. I like thinkers that challenge the status-quo, and David certainly falls in that realm. This book will inspire you because he'll give you new ways to think about stuff you've been thinking about for years. If you are the kind of person that just wants old tired dictums being reinforced, then this isn't the book for you. It's full of new, fresh thought, smart conclusions, and, of course, beautiful photographs.

The world of Photography is changing, and David is one of the great flag bearers of the new age.

I love this book very much, but when I finished this book for the first time, I felt this is not the right book, but as the time goes on, it was changed. This is a book that makes me fall in love with photography, and I read Photographer's eye and Photography and the art of seeing, but I do not have the interest to read them again.(they can lead you to take technically perfect pictures, of course)

To me, the really standing out book on photography is the books like Galen Rowell's Inner game and David's within the frame, books not on the photography itself, but how you should match it with your true feeling of the world.

David is a really sincere writer, actually he does not throw anything at you in this book, which I found a really precious "feature"

what accessories you should take with you?
you should have already known this from other countless books on gear, in this book, David introduces some occasion why flash suits his vision at one time, and why telephoto lens fits at another, all based on the assumption that you know how these accessories works, not what accessory is best for what occasion(this question is answered by your own vision, not by others)

how to interact with people from different cultures?
no guarantee as David said, you can find more story about his world vision assignments all over the world, some good stories there, my input here is, this book simply suggests you should known the culture better to have a good understanding, pretty simple, but lots of people never figured out.

do these seemingly question-never-answered paragraphs in this book help me?
I can tell you, it does, David simply opens the door for me, the door beyond composition, exposure, but a new way to enjoy the photography, and the world around.

This is a book about David telling us how he found his vision, so, it's pretty subjective(unlike those technical book), and I'm so happy that I share the idea with him.

This is an excellent book which will get you thinking about your photography in a way you probably never thought about

It does not talk in technical terms, but in terms of exanding and improving your photographic vision. It is well laid out with great examples of what the author discusses in his book

I have read many photographic books, but this is one that I couldn't put down as I found it enlightening, evocative and thought provoking.

A book any budding photographer should have in his reference library.

I finished the book, and purchased all eBooks that David Duchemin has published on his site [...]
he asks himself the right questions anybody interested in photography should ask himself while shooting.
The pictures are awsome, really nice colors, beautifull shoots.
But while finishing the book, I realise that most of his portraits are about smiling people, and beautifull images done with an incredible Canon 85mm 1.2 lens. This finaly became a bit boring

Es un libro de fácil lectura con un enfoque diferente que a partir de experiencias personales, generosamente compartidas por el autor, nos llevan a aprender mucho más que simplemente las mejores técnicas para capturar fotografías.
Este libro nos invita a incorporar de manera indeleble, lo que realmente hace a alguien que toma fotos un FOTOGRAFO. Y a la fotografía un medio mucho más efectivo y cautivante para transmitir nuestra visión única del mundo.

I've read a lot of photography books and this one is one of the best. It is not a book about travel photography and it is not for beginers as it does not teach you about exposure or light, not it gives you any tips or tell you any tricks. It thought me though something that no other book did. If you don't take pictures with your heart is all for nothing, expecially when you shoot portraits. Technically, it can be a very good photo but it won't say anything, it won't send a message...

It's not a book about nuts and bolts (although there's some of that in here when it relates to the topic at hand). It's a book about the creative journey of photography. Very inspiring, very thought provoking. If you enjoy thinking about photography and thinking about the creative process behind doing it well, this is a fine treatise on the subject and a pleasure to read, and re-read. Plus most of the images are gorgeous and wonderful examples of the concepts taught.

This is the book I had looking for many years...
I love photography. I tried to find a book that will help me to create better photos.
I have very good books but they are almost purely technical.
This book gives me lots of joy because it inspires me. I will probably reread this book.
If you want great technical book I will recommend " The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos by Michael Freeman " .
If you want & can go beyond that I recommend this wonderful book.
May I suggest a different name for this book: "Journey to photographer soul"
Gil
Israel

I'm not a huge reader and this book is hard to put down. The author's style is very engaging. The photos are nice. The ideas and spirit of the book is practical. I've appreciated what I've learned so far.

Not much to say, I don't really review products but this book was great. David really walks you through is thought process and he is very informative. I must read.

David DuChemin, no escribe un libro como cualquier otro, ni repetido, ni un complemeto a algún otro, simplemente este libro es una colección de ideas para construir una composición impecable, con un lenguaje fresco, se siente uno constantemente conversando con el autor, una conversacieon cruda y realista que es lo que uno como fotografo amateur o fotografo profesional esta buscando en un libro de este estilo.

Personalmente el mejor libro de fotografía que he comprado.

I found this book extremely helpful and was a great tool in opening my eyes when looking through the frame. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a photography book which is less of a how-to and more of an expression of art. In fact if you don't read this book you will be missing out on some very good insight!

This book came at a perfect time for me. I've read tons that were technique oriented from a gear perspective. Within The Frame, while giving the technical details of the shots, is about vision. It's about learning to see better, learning how to find your inner vision, and realize it in photos. This is a book you will read more than once, and like Joe McNally's books, you'll just pick it up and read a section at random, and you'll be inspired every time.

Great book on inspiration and vision. Not so much technical, although the images do include the shooting data, camera, FL etc.

WITHIN THE FRAME: JOURNEY OF PHOTOGRAPHIC VISION is about finding a photographic vision and cultivating it, offering a personal book packed with inspiring images and offering a photograph's survey of expressing that vision with a camera. From the basics of building a photo essay to directing the viewer through the photographer's choice of images, it's a key to using photos to their best advantage, and comes packed with color photo examples throughout.

I finally broke down and spent the $$$ on this book, and I am so glad I did!
David does what most photographers refuse (or don't know how) to do by giving us reasons WHY rather than HOW. That alone makes the book worth reading, but going through and seeing pictures that he has so masterfully put together are what really make this book stand out. It isn't every day you travel all over the world, though this book allows the reader to do that without leaving the comfort of the hammock or couch. The phenominal pictures and outstanding wording of the book make it a must-have for any photographer's shelf.

Make sure to look out for his upcoming book: "Vision Mongers"

So many books on photography a re-written camera manuals. "Within The Frame" is a unique book. It is much more about "what to do with your camera" than "how to use it".

DuChemin spends a bunch of time talking about different situations and how to engage with them to tell a story. There are many great photographs and a solid amount of technical content is included. The real soul of the book, however, is about vision - developing "who you are as a photographer". This is the first book I have found that really does a good job of this.

Thoroughly recommend the book. I have my own copy and I always keep a couple handy to give away as gifts.

This is one of the most (if not THE most) inspiring photography book I have ever read, especially for those who like to take (or make!) pictures while travelling - but not only for them. David's pictures are stunning and his narrative easy to read and inspire. Highly recommended!

Anyone who is serious about their photography will understand and learn from David's book. Some excellent insights for why we do photography and how to be more meaningful and creative. It is making a difference after one quick read,and improving what I put Within the Frame. This one I highly recommend.

This book not only tells you how to capture photos that have the meaning you want to convey, but also shows you how to interact with the world you want to photograph. duChemin keeps no secrets about his approach and presents his stunning imagery with the stories behind them. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to achieve their vision as a photographer.