Within the Frame [BOOK REVIEW]

In the world of photography, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the externals. The cameras. The gear. The prints. The travel. The business. The opportunity. It’s easy to loose perspective when there are always new things to buy, new abilities to develop, and new connections to make.

No matter where you are in your photographic career or ability, sometimes you need fresh perspective to renew your passion and ignite your…vision.

Fortunately, David duChemin brings us a book to do just this.

Within the Frame is not a technique book, nor is it a manual of “how to’s. It is, in the words of duChemin, a book about ” chasing your vision and telling your stories as clearly and passionately as possible with compelling photography.” Of course, in the end, photography is less about the technique than it is about vision. After all, it is passionate vision that will make way for dynamic storytelling.

Still yet, duChemin does not discard the importance of “how to”. But rather than give a systematic list of do’s and don’ts, duChemin challenges photographers everywhere to become analytical about how they “think” about their photography. Do you shoot what moves you? Do you make your audience care? How do you create images that are power – and yet matter?

DuChemin also gives an overview of gear for purpose. He answers the question of “what lens do I use?” for a variety of scenario’s, for the best storytelling possible. He describes helpful systematic approaches for shooting unfamiliar places – be they India or Chicago – in order to catch that “perfect shot”.

Engaging and thought provoking, “Within the Frame” is full of beautiful images from around the world complete with their EXIF data, and the stories behind them. Visually pleasing, mentally uplifting, it is evident duChemin sought after the release of a new kind of book for photographers – one that he would have wanted someone to share with him. Like a mentor you can throw in your backpack, “Within the Frame” will gently guide any photographer back to the center of what it’s all about.

For that, it’s worth the $35. And more!

Grab a copy for yourself at Amazon where at the time of publishing this review it is $26.39 USD (34% off normal retail price).