I'm scripting this evaluation from the attitude of someone who is called the "Everlasting Optimist". I got the e book for the aim of gaining a severe perception into "how he did it" - form of like Scott Kelby's How-to books - which by the way, are all very good.
When Joe McNally's photos are seen, one can only wonder, "how did he do this?", so naturally, we are all inclined to wish to get our arms on his e book, so we will reproduce his photographs, and ultimately learn by doing.
Sadly, this book simply does not come close to offering that end! Half the complete e book is simply a full web page of his superb shots. The opposite half of the e-book is "imagined to be exhibiting you ways he did it".
Each photograph is supposed to represent a single aspect that he wants to stress as the vital element necessary for that specific shot. But severely, those glorious photographs consist of a constellation of crucial factors that may NOT be defined on the basis of 1 "hint" only.
Most of us are shopping for the e book in order that we will fully reproduce his photographs, however this will never be achieved by his book alone. Truly, he is providing solely a "miniscule trace" as to the thought processes behind each shot. Some of the hints are useful, but the majority of the e book merely represents the fascinating story behind the shot, without providing much useful information as to how we will accomplish the identical scenario.
After reading the e-book, one has to ask, Does Joe, himself not know the way he bought the shot? Or is he deliberately just making an attempt to maintain us all at the hours of darkness, hoping that we'll buy more of his books so that at some point we'll come slightly nearer to a better understanding? Is he afraid that if he tells us too much we could all turn into his opponents?
If you would like a reasonably "picture guide" then this is it! But in the event you're desiring a vital information to reproducing his shots, you may end this e-book very dissatisfied, questioning what his motive was for writing the e-book? Was it simply to make a buck? Or did he actually assume we had been going to get much out of it?
Whereas there's something important that may be discovered from all photography books, I are likely to believe that this e book falls into the category of different related books, which is to say - In case you end most books and come away with 2-3 significantly necessary factors, that change your philosophy and actions, then your money has been effectively spent.
In case your goals and intent for reading this ebook are acceptable, then you definately will not be disappointed. Nonetheless, when you think that you'll be reproducing Joe's pictures after studying this book, you'll probably come away offended and even feel betrayed - sad to say.
This ebook underscores the fact that there is no such thing as a simple resolution to creating nice, world-class photographs. The extra you learn, the more you will know. This e book is just one small step on the street to a lifetime of perpetual self-education.
Do I like to recommend this e book? I'll reservedly say sure, however understand that realistically, you'll come away with extra questions than you had earlier than you began, and you'll nonetheless be asking yourself the everlasting query, "I want I knew simply how did he did it".
Addendum - three-14-10
I wish to emphasize, that I've no negativity in direction of Joe or his books / DVDs. There is no query that he is an exceptionally proficient photographer, however that in this book, he does not do an excellent job at explaining his workflow.
For these of you who are fascinated about other works that Joe has authored, I would strongly recommend you think about his DVD printed by Nikon, "Nikon College presents A Palms-on Guide to Inventive Lighting".
The information introduced within this DVD, is extraordinary and prodigus! He clearly is ready to current the entire techniques and rationale behind the images, and does an excellent job with explaining his varied thought processes.
For all inquiring minds, Joe has done a primary fee job with this DVD, and I highly recommend it to all students of pictures!
http://ryushare.com/949336df499/0321544080.rar
http://rapidgator.net/file/1818672/0321544080_PhotoSecret.rar.html
