Finding Your Way in the Outdoors

Finding Your Way in the Outdoors by Robert L. Mooers, Jr., 3/5

Written in 1972, before the invention of the internet, GPS, and cell phones, this book provides a basic overview of compass navigation and map reading–skills which seem to require an impressive, but frankly off-putting combination of common sense, forethought, and tedious attention to detail. There is also a section on weather forecasting which makes me acutely aware of how addicted I am to the hourly and 10-day forecasts which are bookmarked on my phone. I guess this book could be a useful reference if civilization collapses, but the main thing I enjoyed about it was feeling like a time traveler into a future that is just 53 years removed from the author’s reality, but already filled with unimaginably cool technology.

Why I read it: a thrift store find. I only paid a couple dollars for it, I think, but was surprised to see that the original price in 1972 was $5.95. This sounded high to me, so I did a conversion to today’s dollars and it turns out to be the equivalent of around $47 nowadays! This is a small hardcover book with black and white illustrations, so I’m sure it wasn’t worth that much back in the day. Were books wildly more expensive in the ’70s than they are now? Please leave a comment if you know.

Secrets of Great Portrait Photography

Secrets of Great Portrait Photography: Photographs of the Famous and Infamous by Brian Smith, 5/5

I have enjoyed all of the Strobist’s book recommendations so far (just one left to go), but this book is, to quote Goldilocks and the Three Bears, “just right.” Not too artsy, not too didactic, impeccably organized and generously illustrated, this collection of stories, images, and advice is an absolute joy to read.

Why I read it: another excellent recommendation from “The Updated, Essential Strobist Bookshelf.”

The Passionate Photographer

The Passionate Photographer: Dream It, Be It (Revised & Remastered) by Steve Simon, 4/5

At first, this book made me feel like a kid in a candy shop. In the service of practical inspiration, Simon has collected not only his own thoughts on how to develop creatively as a photographer, but also a variety of excellent quotes and photographs from other artists. After a while, though, the presentation felt a bit cliched and overly simplistic. The “Proven Ten-Step Plan for Success” is generally motivating in terms of personal artistic development and personal projects, but does not seem that helpful with regard to making an actual career out of photography.

That said, the book did open my mind to a more artistic and intentional approach to photography, along with providing some practical advice that I found very helpful (listed below for future reference).

  • Black and white can be a legitimate editing choice and not merely compensation for photos that are lacking in some way.
  • Wide angle perspectives are worth experimenting with and can even be used for portraits if you’re not afraid to get close to the subject.
  • Back button focus is not a magic bullet–it simply allows easier switching between stationary and continuous focusing modes.
  • Compositions don’t have to be simple and obvious. Incorporating some visual mystery encourages people to look closely and create a story or context for themselves. Little details like repeated/mirrored shapes, colors, etc., are valuable.
  • Part of the magic of golden hour is that the warm light helps to blend together contrasting colors.
  • It’s ok if white, cloudless skies, and specular highlights with no detail are blown out.
  • It’s valuable to get critical input from others, especially via workshops.
  • Be more intentional about making time for photography.
  • You don’t need to be a big, fancy photographer in order to pursue your own projects and make photobooks.

Why I read it: a recommendation from “The Updated, Essential Strobist Bookshelf.”

The Story of the Trapp Family Singers

The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp, 5/5

I approached this autobiography with apprehension, expecting to encounter a dull true story that would bear little resemblance to the beloved film it inspired. My fears were unfounded; the true account is even more charming and dramatic than the movie version of events! Part Two of the book continues past the Trapp family’s escape from Nazi-occupied Austria to tell the inspiring and fascinating story of their difficult road to success and integration into American society. It was a joy to read about the love, faith, hard work, and music that enabled this family to thrive, despite crushing circumstances.

Why I read it: a $2.18 thrift store purchase (not bad for a vintage book worth at least $40)!

Road to Seeing

Road to Seeing by Dan Winters, 4/5

This 696-page, unwieldy brick of a book is part biography, part portfolio, part manifesto, part history of photography, and wholly unsuitable for reading in bed before falling asleep. Though I did not resonate with the author’s artistic journey and have not [yet?] developed a deep appreciation for most street and fine art photography, I really enjoyed expanding my horizons with this lavishly illustrated, high-quality labor of love.

Why I read it: a recommendation from “The Updated, Essential Strobist Bookshelf.” Once again, I am indebted to my library’s interlibrary loan system, which sourced this out-of-print, $200+ book for me.

Logic Made Easy

Logic Made Easy by R.H. Warring, 1/5

For years now, I’ve been looking for an accessible introduction to logic that would demystify its specialized language and symbols. Unfortunately, this book is not entirely it. Not only is it somewhat outdated, but the author lacks the gift of simple explanation and includes several errors and omissions (pages 31, 59, 89-91).

Though I was disappointed by this book, it did provide a framework for further research and learning, especially while attempting to identify its inaccuracies. Notably, I was surprised to find out for the first time just how useful AI can be as a personal tutor. I uploaded pictures of troubling equations and concepts from the book and was extremely impressed by ChatGPT’s clear assessment of the text’s accuracy, and simple, personalized explanations far exceeding what the text itself could provide.

Why I read it: a thrift store find.

Northwest Weeds

Northwest Weeds: The Ugly and Beautiful Villains of Fields, Gardens, and Roadsides by Ronald J. Taylor, 4/5

A casual guide whose color photographs provide a good starting point for identifying the most ubiquitous of plants in the northwest United States.

Why I read it: a thrift store find.

Gregory Heisler: 50 Portraits

Gregory Heisler: 50 Portraits: Stories and Techniques from a Photographer’s Photographer by Gregory Heisler, 5/5

I read a lot of books that I consider to be 5/5, but this is one of those rare ones that feels like it deserves a category of its own. I was absolutely blown away, not just by the portraits (many of which did not appeal to me, actually), but by Heisler’s incredible storytelling, photographic expertise, experimental mind, and problem-solving skills.

Why I read it: a recommendation from the Strobist, David Hobby.

Great Pianists on Piano Playing

Great Pianists on Piano Playing: Godowsky, Hofmann, Lhévinne, Paderewski and 24 Other Legendary Performers by James Francis Cooke, 5/5

Persevere through the tediously didactic introductory chapters and you will be rewarded by a generous series of short biographies and fascinating interviews with the most renowned pianists of the 19th-century. Some still claim fame today, and some have been lost to time, but all provide their unique perspective on a variety of musical topics, while providing a glimpse into the rarified world of piano virtuosi.

Why I read it: a thrift store find.

Humblebee Bumblebee

Humblebee Bumblebee: The Life Story of the Friendly Bumblebees and Their Use by the Backyard Gardener by Brian L. Griffin, 5/5

This charmingly illustrated book is written with such warmth and solicitude toward the humble bumblebee that one soon comes to share the author’s view of it as a beautiful and sophisticated creature, not a mere lowly insect.

Why I read it: a thrift store find.