Finding the Photograph
A promising subject does not always suggest a photograph. My new book, Finding the Photograph, begins with that familiar experience and explores how photographers can recognize and develop the visual possibilities before them.
Drawing on my sixty years of photography, teaching, and printmaking, this unique book is unlike the usual photography guide. It isn’t about gear, settings, travel, or waiting passively for inspiration to return. It is unlike any 'rule-of-thirds' book you've ever read. Instead, it will expand your vision. You will learn how to ask better visual questions when the muse seems to have gone quiet.
Through the formal elements of fine art, including line, shape, space, rhythm, balance, unity and more, this book helps you see photographically and discover the fine art that is likely waiting in front of you.
For serious photographers, artists, students, and thoughtful lovers of photography, "Finding the Photograph" offers a calm, intelligent, and practical way to overcome creative block, deepen visual awareness, and find the missing photograph.
When nothing clicks, don’t give up too soon: ask a different question.
comments:
"Tracy Valleau’s new book has some fascinating ideas to help one find what to photograph. I love the chapters that have “crib sheets”, and ideas to help when one really gets stuck as to what to photograph. Highly recommended”.
- Charles Cramer
"Tracy does a wonderful job of helping photographers see more possibilities in front of them. He of course covers familiar ideas like light, lines, and texture, but what really makes his book useful is how often it goes beyond the usual advice, and gives you almost a checklist of new things to look for and think about when you're out with your camera."
- Matt Kloskowski
"Tracy Valleau’s Finding the Photograph is unlike the usual photography guide. It doesn’t talk down to the photographer with formulas; it opens up a more intelligent way of seeing, one grounded in the elements that give photographs their structure, feeling, and visual strength."
Richard Cannon
"I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a very accessible “mindset-reset” guide for photographers of all experience levels, and can’t help but influence their approach to photography in a positive way. Thank you! "
- Ken Jones, President, Padre Trails Camera
"I love Finding the Photograph and have already found it useful. Thank you for your generosity and for the time and effort to share your photographic experience." - Robert Feist, fine art photographer
Drawing on my sixty years of photography, teaching, and printmaking, this unique book is unlike the usual photography guide. It isn’t about gear, settings, travel, or waiting passively for inspiration to return. It is unlike any 'rule-of-thirds' book you've ever read. Instead, it will expand your vision. You will learn how to ask better visual questions when the muse seems to have gone quiet.
Through the formal elements of fine art, including line, shape, space, rhythm, balance, unity and more, this book helps you see photographically and discover the fine art that is likely waiting in front of you.
For serious photographers, artists, students, and thoughtful lovers of photography, "Finding the Photograph" offers a calm, intelligent, and practical way to overcome creative block, deepen visual awareness, and find the missing photograph.
When nothing clicks, don’t give up too soon: ask a different question.
comments:
"Tracy Valleau’s new book has some fascinating ideas to help one find what to photograph. I love the chapters that have “crib sheets”, and ideas to help when one really gets stuck as to what to photograph. Highly recommended”.
- Charles Cramer
"Tracy does a wonderful job of helping photographers see more possibilities in front of them. He of course covers familiar ideas like light, lines, and texture, but what really makes his book useful is how often it goes beyond the usual advice, and gives you almost a checklist of new things to look for and think about when you're out with your camera."
- Matt Kloskowski
"Tracy Valleau’s Finding the Photograph is unlike the usual photography guide. It doesn’t talk down to the photographer with formulas; it opens up a more intelligent way of seeing, one grounded in the elements that give photographs their structure, feeling, and visual strength."
"I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a very accessible “mindset-reset” guide for photographers of all experience levels, and can’t help but influence their approach to photography in a positive way. Thank you! "
- Ken Jones, President, Padre Trails Camera
"I love Finding the Photograph and have already found it useful. Thank you for your generosity and for the time and effort to share your photographic experience." - Robert Feist, fine art photographer
