Thoughts on Garrett and Bono

If there is a book I would unreservedly recommend for any and all budding photographers, it would be the Keep It Simple Series's Guide to Photography by John Garrett, published by Dorling Kindersley.

Retailing at about RM54, it is far cheaper than most guides to photography out there. And one thing that sets this book apart from most other titles on the bookshelves is that the author focuses more on the techniques involved in photography rather than digital editing, which seems to be the theme of most volumes published today.

It is a very complete book, covering virtually everything a complete rookie to a semi-pro would need to know, and in many ways timeless because the techniques he puts forward are applicable to any camera from the SLRs to the disposable ones.

Consider this. On using lens filters on SLRs, here's what he says:

"Although Photoshop can produce any effect that an on-lens filter can (and more), many photographers still prefer to use traditional filters on their cameras. That is because they want to visualize the effects in the viewfinder. That way, they can produce an effect more in harmony with the subject in front of them."

I think we learn most from those who were groomed on film and are familiar with what matters most in photography--capturing and manipulating light--and not just producing files and editing images.

* * * * *

During the U2 concert in Chicago in May 2005, Bono said that while he was impressed by the American moon landing, he believes that what we need to do now is "bring mankind back to Earth" because of the suffering and poverty all around us.

He's not the only one. While the famous astrophysicist Stephen Hawking believes we need to move out into space in order to ensure the survival of the human race, biologist E.O. Wilson strongly urges us to conduct 'expeditions to planet Earth' because there is so much in the natural world that we still don't understand, and so much that we can learn from it.

As an aspiring biologist and amateur photographer (and also a big fan of U2!), I foresee many many trips to planet Earth in the future for me!