In some ways this new book is a departure for David, although the quality of the writing and the stylish layout remain. The book’s feel is radically different. Gone are the full colour dramatic images, the use of colour backgrounds and text. In their place is a quiet monochromatic look. It is a style that is perfectly suited to the subject matter, which explore the inner mind and the inspiration behind taking great photographs.

David has an incredible knack to make the reader feel a part of the wider family of photgraphers. Whatever their experience level, whatever their individual passions, whatever their frustrations, each reader suddenly understands that it is okay to feel frustrated, that others feel the same way and that whether Magnum award winning reporter or novice, they have all faced the same doubts and constantly seeks the same inspiration for creativity. As such David addresses the “elephant in the room” – the ability to look within oursleves for inspiration and that having doubts, uncertainty or making mistakes is all part of the creative process. For many photographers who think that the answer lies in better gear or more experience, this will help. The answer for some MAY lie in better gear or more experience, but this eBook gets to the heart of the matter: The idea that you have to work at your creativity, seek new sources of inspiration, incubate ideas, make mistakes. Creativity is both art and science, but one thing is for sure – it doesn’t just happen.

Its an easy yet provocative read, and at every stage the ideas are backed up with metpahor, exmaples. quotes and some of David’s compelling images.

In David’s own words:

It’s time we talked about it openly. It’s time we took a look at issues we all wrestle with – from understanding creativity and inspiration, to hearing – finally – that other photographers struggle to find and express their vision, and in that commonality find a little relief. Because if it’s normal to feel this way and to find it hard to uncover our inspiration or feel good about our efforts to express it, then we can stop wondering what’s wrong with ourselves and get on with the task at hand – the difficult, painful, beautiful, eye-opening process of seeing and photographing the world from our perspective.

And currently it is even discounted from its ridiculously low pice of $5 to $4. Just use coupon: INSPIRED20 and purchase it here

Edoardo Agresti

Some key steps on my own photographic journey can be traced back to a couple of seminal moments – the emotional reaction I felt when I first saw Steve McCurry’s Afghan Girl; An exhibition of Dorothea Lange’s work; The reading of David DuChemin’s “Within the Frame” which helped me focus on the “why” and not the “how”; working with Getty images and daily seeing  the work of great photographers and last but not least,  my wedding!

As my wife is Italian we married in Italy, and we searched and came across a local but up and coming wedding photographer, Edoardo Agresti , whose work was so distinctive, so creative and so compelling, that I have been looking for a way to learn from him or work with him ever since!

Fast forward 5 years, and Edoardo is now one of the most recognised names in wedding photography, and not just in Italy. With international prizes to his name, and clients ranging from the USA to Russia, Edoardo’s vision and passion for his craft has singled him out as one of the truly inspiring modern photographers, with a portfolio that is as rich and dynamic in travel images as it is in wedding images.

Edoardo has bought his love of story telling to his work within the frame. His reportage style allows him to create and personalise stunning wedding images, which are clealry a result of his passion, his vision and his creativity. But for me his real skill is in his travel work. With so many amazing travel photographers working today, Edoardo has found his own voice. Heightened by his non-digital background, nearly all of Edoardo’s work is done “in camera”.  He combines this technical brilliance with an incredible humility, a wonderful sense of humour and a personal drive that is relentless. His ability to retain the purity of his vision, to expand the technicality of his craft, yet constantly seeking ways to learn, to adapt and to connect is what makes him so successful.

That drive has  a purity and focus that ensures that the passion and vision never dim. By underpinning his core business with a whole heap of another initiatives, he ensurse that his brand, his digital footprint and his work will continue to grow. His studio (Studio Crea) now employs 5 other photographers; He is the co-founder and director of a publishing company specializing in travel guides and photographic books for the European market; The co-founder and director of “The Nikon School of Travel Photography”; A photographic mentor; a director and judge of several photographic competitions and now finally,  a blogger!

Whilst Edoardo’s first blog is in Italian, you can subscribe and read it in English by using something like Google Reader (there is a “translate this post’ under the options menu); or of course you can use Google Translate. His first blog carries a wonderful picture of him having his portrait taken by the legendary Steve McCurry – Edoardo’s mentor (shown above).

Better still, try and get on one of his amazing workshops. His vision, passion and humanity are infectious. It will be an experience that helps each of you take a significant step on your own photographic journey.

Mitchell uses artificial light in such a way that you think it is natural. All his images are characterised by the “ChiaroScuro” approach- literally “lightdark” a term used to describe some of the great painters such as Rembrandt or Caravaggio’s work as they were famous for their ability to paint or sculpt with light.Mitchell is a young and (Very quickly) up and coming photographer who specialise in travel photography. His images are characterized by the incredible use of light and this eBook lifts the lid on how some of those amazing images are captured.

The eBook is full of diagrams, distances examples and techniques – so clear and so helpful that you want to go straight out and try and replicate them as soon as possible.

If – like me – you are fascinated at trying to create images of the same quality as Mitchell or Gavin Gough, then this eBook is an invaluable – and cheap – key to the world of professional travel photography.

In Mitchells own words:

“The information inside should be relevant to anyone who’s passionate about light, but wants to stay compact – that includes travel and documentary photographers, wedding photographers, portrait photographers and even low-budget commercial shooters.

In short here’s what the readers will learn after going through the eBook:

• How to create “believable” looking artificial light with a single off camera flash in a softbox or with a reflector
• How to get the most out of available light – with and without the help of artificial light
• Gain a deeper understanding of natural light and how it can be used creatively, even in challenging situations
• How to “sculpt” with artificial and natural light
• How to light scenes with a flash without killing the existing atmospheric light

All you need to purchase the eBook is HERE.”