(Practically) Foolproof Picture Taking

I’ve just finished reading an excellent little book; ‘A Definitive Study of Your Future in Photography’, by the late Victor Keppler. Published in 1965, it’s a fascinating read.

From the very beginning, Mr. Keppler draws a clear distinction between the camera as a piece of technology and the camera as a catalyst for art.  

“In the next decade” we are warned, “Cameras will be used as widely and casually as fountain pens” and, more ominously, “Continuing improvements in the design of low-cost automatic camera equipment will enable the average man and woman to take excellent pictures. Picture taking will be practically foolproof.” Frightening stuff!

He discusses what it will mean to be a photographer “in a world where the beginner can take images that compare favorably in technical quality with those of the skilled professional”, and predicts that “the coming technical marvels will make the demand for creativity in photography even greater than it is today.”

This theme is repeated throughout the book. We are continually reminded that an ability to see creatively, rather than mere technical proficiency, will be all that separates average photographers from great ones. The better we are at seeing, the more our pictures will stir the minds and emotions of others, and Mr. Keppler offers all kinds of wise advice on how to look for mood, detail, composition and message before clicking the shutter.

It’s a marvelous book, full of memorable quotes and anecdotes – some of which are naturally amusing when read from the perspective of 2010. Child photography, for example, should never be attempted “unless you have the patience to get what you want”. As the Father of a 7-year old, I can tell you that kind of patience does not exist :o)

Refreshingly, there isn’t a single discussion of camera equipment on any of the 150 pages. We learn how and what to teach ourselves, all about the different fields of photography, and some important rules to live by, but nowhere does he dictate to us the lenses we must own or why we need a camera with a certain ISO capability.

Take a moment to browse the photography books at your local Borders, and try to find something similar. Go on, I dare you. Nowadays, it’s almost impossible for a photographer to produce a book without explaining the equipment you need to emulate his or her fabulousness.

Comments

[Fred Wolfe]

Excellent post Adrian. I assume the book is out of print and must be obtained from re-sellers?

[Adrian Scholes]

Thank you, Fred. Yes, I'm pretty sure it's out of print. I found my copy in a used book store a while back.

[Fred Wolfe]

I found a copy of that book...just received it and am looking forward to the reading. A heads up to anyone else looking for it; the on-line used books sellers seem to enjoy a shorter title listing it as simply "Your Future in Photography".

[Adrian Scholes]

Great news. Let me know what you think.