Harald Mante, one of the most distinguished teachers of the
photographic arts in Germany and an internationally recognized master
of photography, brings his teaching to us in the English language for
the first time in more than 30 years. In The Photograph Mante explains
the elements that are essential to achieving the highest level of
visual design in photographs. This book is geared toward the serious
intermediate and advanced photographer who strives to create
outstanding images.
While a deep understanding of photographic techniques is required
in order to master photography, technical knowledge alone is not
sufficient to create outstanding images. Beyond the technical aspects,
the crucial elements that determine the quality and strength of a
photograph are the content of the image and its organization within the
image frame. This is where the “art” of photography comes into play.
Truly creative photography is based upon knowledge and mastery of
design and of how the viewer perceives images. The creative
photographer can exploit this knowledge and push image-making in new
directions.
Mante explores the principles of line, shape, color, contrast,
composition, and design in significantly greater depth and at a higher
level than most any book available to date. He also covers a number of
techniques to enhance expressiveness in a photograph to support the
photographer’s intentions.
These in-depth lessons are beautifully illustrated with more than 600 images from Mante’s own portfolio, plus over 160 diagrams.
