John Hedgecoe's photography basics

Although this fare be simple staples--what camera type to choose, 20 ways to compose the scene--Hedgecoe's British how-to advice can inspire that American can-do spirit, at least among amateur paparazzi. The lessons are easy, given the well-laid-out visual examples--the author extracts from his own stock collection are images that illustrate the concept behind the viewfinder. Whether those images be action shots or landscapes, candids or portraits, the principles common to all photography guides are on display--in color shots, with brief captions to match. Black-and-white artistes, however, must look elsewhere for advice. ~--Gilbert Taylor