VisionMongers – Making a life and living in Photography

Vision Mongers

VisionMongers is the Second of David DuChemin’s books. The first, “Within the Frame” – has quickly become one of the best ever selling photographic book on “Why” to take photographs, and deservedly has raised David’s profile, reputation and following globally hugely.

David’s passion is not the “how to ” photograph something, but the “why to”. He challenges us with questions such as “What is our motivation for perfecting our craft?” and “What motivates us to continue to take great photos”? – is it money, personal satisfaction, reputation? What is is that you have that is unique to you that changes how you look at things through the lens. My experience, my specialties, will be different and therefore my motivation, my angle and my unique opportunities will be different, which will result in a different photographic style.

With VisionMongers, David provides a sketchbook of essential ideas and wisdom for people making the difficult transition to vocational photographer, whether  – in David’s own words -

“that’s full time, part time, or just wanting to get your feet wet with weekend gigs to pay for your habit, and it’s an infusion of fresh ideas for photographers who’ve been doing this a while and need to tweak their business and marketing practices.”

Even if you are never intending to turn pro, this is still the book for you. It is so readable, so packed with ideas, suggestions and insights that reading it inspires you to go out, develop an angle, perfect your craft and celebrate that your style is different from others. It makes you a better photographer – and I am not talking technique here – and it makes you think about your photographic journey and where you want to take that.

Reading the excerpt chapter – available here - you get a sense of how impactful this book will be. It’s not a system, and it’s not a step by step guide to riches, but it is a book that encourages you, helps you and inspires you to “listen to that persistent voice in your head that tells you that you’ve got to follow this dream.”

You can pre-order the book through my store, or you can head over to peachpit press and do the same there. Whatever you choose, go buy the book – it will help you really assess why you take the photos you do, and will help you find that focus (pun intended) to create your own success and reward.

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 at 5:39 pm. It is filed under Worth following and tagged with David duChemin, Photobooks, technique, Tips, Within the Frame. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.