PPP1 Reading Week Tasks- READ A BOOK

TASK 1 

1. Get a book out of the library relating to your subject specialism. (If you are keen on lots of different media, choose one – this is also an option to double-up with your research for SDP). Read the book and list the top 3 things you learnt from it and how this will help your work progress. 
   
   
   The 35mm photographers handbook
   Julian Calder, John Garrett
   ISBN: 0 330 26035 9
   
   
   
   The book I have chosen to read from the library that will assist and influence my working in progress for my self directed project (SDP) is the one shown above called: The 35mm photographers handbook. As my SDP subject area focuses on film photography I feel that this book went hand-in-hand with the basic technical elements that I needed to cover in order to gain detailed knowledge on the equipment used within film photography. 
   
   Not only did the book cover heavily on technical aspects it also touched on the ideas of having to experiment and be patient with your experimentation in order to perfect and learn the photographic skills to prosper within the discipline. 
   
   
   
   
   I feel that I was immediately drawn to this book after reading the first line of the introduction which stated 'The first million pictures were the hardest to take. But we have taken them, and lessons we learned along the way are distilled in this book'. As soon as I read this line I felt as if this book was infused with knowledge, experience, wisdom, logic and most importantly creativity- the five upmost important attributes to have in photography as taught by my father.
   
   3 THINGS LEARNT FROM THE BOOK:
   
   1. The brand of equipment does not matter greatly, photography is about using the right tools for the right job.
   
   2. Preparation in photography is equally as important as taking the photograph itself. Maintenance of equipment is influential on the clarity and outcome of the photograph, the craftsmanship of the photo is therefore dependent on the care and respect given to the equipment.
   
   3. Photojournalism moulds and shapes our opinions on subject areas raised within society, what is captured in these photos therefore has great importance as these images are depicted and discussed on old (news papers, tv) and new (blogs, forums, social networking) media platforms.