"Patterson's superb color shots, as well as his explanation of his unique approach to picture-taking, are sure to inspire you to explore fresh avenues in your own photography."
-- The Globe and Mail

The second book in Freeman Patterson's internationally acclaimed series of instructional books on photography and visual design, Photography and the Art of Seeing has now been updated and expanded to include technical guidelines adapted for both digital and film photographers. The jargon-free text provides techniques and innovative exercises for breaking with traditional concepts of design, enabling the photographer to develop a keen awareness of subject matter and a direction for composing the picture.

Photography and the Art of Seeing also offers a workshop for all visual artists that includes lessons on the fundamentals of perception and overcoming obstacles in their work.

This edition features several never-before-published photographs from Freeman Patterson's personal collection and extended captions that include valuable technical information and personal commentary.

Freeman Patterson is one of the preeminent photographers in Canada. He was elected to the Royal Canadian Academy of Art in 1975 and appointed to the Order of Canada in 1985. Among his many awards are the gold medal for photographic excellence by the National Film Board of Canada, the Hon. EFIAP of the Fédération internationale de l'Art Photographique (Berne, Switzerland(, and the gold medal for distinguished contribution to photography from the Canadian Association for Photographic Art. He currently lives in Shamper's Bluff, New Brunswick, near his childhood home.

Freeman Patterson's profile page

I have read many books about photography as this blog documents, and this is probably one of the best. The book has been developed to support a series of workshops that Patterson held way back when, but you can still make use of the exercises described in the book of you want to have the full benefit of the book. Even if you don't do all the exercises or if you only want to read the theory, I find that this is an excellent book about the photography process and it comes with my highest recommendation.

Frederik Boving Blog

Photography and the Art of Seeing by Freeman Patterson is a super new book for beginners and advanced photographers alike. It is easy to push a button and take a picture, but it is a lot more difficult to "make" a creative image, and this well written book will take you through the steps of the thinking and doing that part of it. The book not only includes beautiful images, but also technical info on what it takes to create such images, no matter if you are using film or digital cameras.

Nature Photographers Online Magazine

Patterson gives guidelines to help photographers improve their visual thinking and develop their imaginations, emphasizing what he calls "good seeing." ...Patterson gives personal examples from his experiences, along with exercises on learning how to observe... He also covers effective expression, abstract thinking and principles of visual design. For anyone wanting to move away from some tired visual habits, the exercises and topics of this book should encourage experimentation and a new way of observing.

Photo News

Updated and expanded to include technical guidelines adapted for both digital and film photographers. The jargon-free text provides techniques and innovative exercises for breaking with traditional concepts of design, enabling the photographer to develop a keen awareness of subject matter and a direction for composing the picture. It also offers a workshop for all visual artists that includes lesson on the fundamental of perception and overcoming obstacles in their work. This edition features several never-before-published photographs...and extended captions that include valuable technical information and personal commentary.

PhotoNews

As both a photographer and photography instructor... I can highly recommend this book for creative content and inspiration.

Apogee Photo Magazine

This is a complete photography book that includes technical guidelines for both digital and film photographers. Freeman Patterson uses his amazing images to illustrate concepts of design and fundamentals of perception. This book is for those looking to expand their awareness of subject matter and improve their photography.

Skylum Blog

This is the newest edition of a classic, showcasing superb color shots, offering lucid explanations of how to get the best photo by seeing well, all with a hope to help you capture and produce an effective expression. This is a fully re-done version, beautifully designed, on the glories of the craft of photography and how to combine technical excellence with passion and art. Very useful.

Hearts and Minds Books