Adventures in Photography

Carolyn M. Hackland was editor of the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association and lives in Ottawa.

In this large-format, softcover book, four of Canada’s leading professional photographers give the rest of us backyard amateurs both a lesson and an insight into adventure.

The 86 colour photographs are all accompanied by text provided by the photographer. The text explains not just the mechanics of taking the picture (shutter speed, film type, and F-stop setting) but also the story behind the picture. Far from being either boringly technical or patronizing of the amateur, as some how-to photography books can be, this volume offers insight into photography as an art. I have only one minor complaint about the texts: it is at times difficult to tell which one of the photographers took which picture, without returning to the index.

However, the joy with which these four men view and practice their chosen profession is evident throughout. The stories behind the pictures are often amusing, sometimes moving, and always delightful.

While one can learn something of photography by reading this book, the visual images will appeal even if one is not a photographer. This volume is not, however, a how-to book. Rather, it stresses the unique ways in which a fine photo may be taken. Tips from some of Canada’s best photographers (and some of their mistakes) make for interesting reading and even more interesting photo forays after the book has been finished.

While not all of us travel to Kenya or Nepal to take a picture, all of the amateur photographers who read this book can certainly make the backyard barbeque look its best.