Fine Art Flower Photography: Creative Techniques and the Art of Observation

This book made me reconsider some of my fundamental feelings about art and photography. For example it made me consider the distinction between non-representational and abstract art. I realized that non-representational art has no counterpart in the world. Abstract art might have such a counterpart, but it is more concerned with line, form, color and other indicia as such than with the subject itself. I also realized that just because a photograph must start with something in the real world doesn't mean that it can't be abstract and concern itself with indicia rather than the subject.All of this is by way of saying that "Fine Art Flower Photography" is a book of abstract art that starts with real flowers, but which has as its subject line, form and color. And it is a terrific and inspiring book.By using a variety of photographic techniques, Sweet is able to divorce line, form and color from their subject and present them in a pure manner that delights the eye. In fact Sweet was so effective in doing this that he transformed my vision of other abstract art and its value.Sweet accomplishes this task by manipulating depth of field, multiple exposures and camera movement to present us with a view of flowers that we would never see with the unaided eye. And these views are surprisingly striking, evoking deep, non-rational responses in the viewer. I have never believed that aesthetics was simply the province of the beautiful, but these pictures certainly can be used to support such an argument.I've long had a feeling that manipulating a photograph in the camera in a way that one could not see in a peek through the viewfinder was somehow not real art. Sweet makes it clear though that he starts with a visualization of his final image and then takes the steps to make that vision come true, which of course is exactly what all the great photographers have done, and which is certainly a process that leads to art.This book could stand on its own, as a set of beautiful images, but expert photographers will also find valuable lessons here. Sweet's comments are pithy, but for a person who understands the photographic process, they can suggest the technical steps that will allow the photographer to follow in Sweet's footsteps. My question is whether Sweet has set the bar so high that no one can exceed him. But perhaps these same techniques can be applied to other forms of photography to make different statements that are as beautiful.Although Sweet has used film as his medium, digital photographers will be inspired to apply his same techniques, either in camera or in post processing.Bravo.

The authors wonderfully refreshing and classically driven sensibility marry art and science in a collection offine art floral photographs.This is a picture book with the pertinent information for each shot given should you be tempted to learn by doing and give a go at it yourself.His unusual use of f stop and prime lenses were eye opening to me and inspired me to get my prime lenses out of the closet.There is just enough tech talk to get one going but it is the powerful and poetic quality of his pictures that take this book right into the digital age.This is a film book and for some might be a waste but the use of composition and his generous attitude toward his art is anotherreason I so enjoyed this book.However if you are looking for post capture and adobe fun and facts this book is not for you However if you are looking for an expressed aesthetic this will be a great addition to the library.The service was fast as well and the book in near new condition.Great experience.M

If you already have Tony's other book "Fine Art Nature Photography" then you know what to expect. This book is almost identical to that one expect that it focuses entirely on flowers.This is not a book that explains how to use techniques. Basically there is a picture on the right page and an explanation of why the picture was taken on the left page. It does tell what equipment was used along with the descriptions, but mainly this book should be used for inspiration. If you already have most of the technical aspects of your equipment figured out but are still left wanted something more, this book is a nice break from the typical photography book that talks about shutter, aperture, rules, etc. This book also makes a nice coffee table book since you don't have to know anything about photography to appreciate the photos.

The photographs in this book are very inspirational. They will help you pre-visualize some images and make them. There are some technical details included including lens, filters etc. The book is really aimed towards intermediate users who know the basics and are ready to move their style a notch or two higher. Like all Tony's books, there are certain images with abstract forms using colors and shapes as the subject matter, instead of the flower form itself. Some may hate it, but I love it and it appears so do many others.I recommend that you get the book and use it as a starting point to move your flower photography up.

I love fine art photography in every form. This book is exceptional, and I am so glad I now have it in my library. These settings can be applied to any subject. Although flowers is my favorite.

I have read Sweet's "Fine Art Photography: Water, Ice and Fog" and was very inspired. Therefore, I decided to try one of his other books, and I was not disappointed! I find the photographs in this book very inspiring, and the stories behind the photos make them even more interesting. In this book he also explains some multi exposure shots so that you can try out the same technique yourself.If you want some inspiration to take photos of flowers, this book is great!

Like the ideas but seems lacking in some the tech

If you like to shoot flowers, buy this book. Tony Sweet has a great eye and makes beautiful photographs of flowers, mostly outside and "as found." Sometimes I could wish for a little more depth on the "how-to," but overall this is an inspiring book.

First, this book is rather thin. Of course the number of pages is specified, but anyway.Be aware that other photos in this book won't be as good as a cover photo (which is not outstanding). Basically the book consists of a series of photos, one photo per page. There is very little text next to each photo, describing how the photo was taken.In most photos author uses creative techniques (shaking camera, zooming, multi-exposure, panning, overexposing etc.), but the resulting photos in many cases are very similar and not very exciting.

Not at all as expected. Photos are poor quality with alarming filters applied. Not what I was expecing at all. Topped off with extremely slow delivery this book was not worth the money or the wait.

I had the first edition of this book, I was interested in this updated edition because it includes the author concept of fine art flower photography using digital photography. The book is interesting with many ideas to be implemented by the reader.

Very good book

Je suis vraiment déçu par ce livre... Mais peut-être est-ce parce que l'auteur vient de l'argentique là où je n'ai connu que le numérique? En bref, je trouve les photos correctes mais sans être exceptionnelles (à part deux ou trois) et les explications bien trop succinctes voire répétitives (les copier-coller sont nombreux - un peu honteux, quand même). Pour ma part, avec l'arrivée des beaux jours, je voulais un livre que me permette de profiter un peu mieux des fleurs mais je n'ai rien trouvé dans ce livre qui m'aide dans ma démarche. Même la maquette du livre est simplissime. On a l'impression d'un livre "fait maison" par quelqu'un d'expérimenté. C'est très correct mais sans plus.