Visual Poetry combines a creative presentation with challenging assignments to guide photographers through the rigorous process of creating professional quality, compelling imagery.
The book covers a wide variety of genres, ranging from portraiture to adventure sports, without missing wedding or travel photography. Basic interviews with several well-known photographers conclude each chapter, showing readers that Orwig’s reputation and theories extend well beyond his own work.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Visual Poetry
Much like his photography, Chris Orwig’s writing style is casual and poetic. This unique approach engages readers while increasing the impact of his lessons.
“What the novelist says in 10,000 words,” Orwig said, “the poet says in 10, and ultimately, after we read a poem we do not simply have more information, we have more experience.”
And experience is the primary focus of an image, Orwig proves throughout the book with strong photographic examples.
Lengthy assignments give the reader an opportunity to immediately improve their photography. Most assignments are given in three parts: survey, shoot, and share. The survey section provides valuable links to study professionals work in a specific genre, while the shooting portion requires lengthy work behind the lens. To conclude each assignment, Orwig encourages his readers to share their work at hosted dinner parties, in greeting cards, and online in Visual Poetry’s flickr group.
Unfortunately, the books biggest shortcoming appears on flickr, where readers are meant to submit their photos for group discussion and comments from the author. Despite stating, “I'm interested in hearing from you in regards to how I can provide better support and feedback on the photos,” Orwig has been absent from the groups discussions.
The book also has numerous spelling and grammar errors; however, the poetic writing style makes it difficult to guess whether the wording is intentional or an editing error.
Conclusion About Chris Orwig’s Latest Book
The book provided unique insight into improving composition. Little time was given to technical practices or equipment considerations, resulting in a quality book aimed at amateur to professional photographers with a working knowledge of their camera equipment.
This book is an excellent purchase for someone looking to boost their creativity, not to improve their basic photography skills.
Visual Poetry Author Information
Chris Orwig lives in Santa Barbara, California, with his wife and two daughters. Aside from teaching at the Brooks Institute of Photography, Orwig also shoots for a variety of commercial and editorial clients.
His extensive travel resume remains focused around his lifelong passion, surfing. He believes that each day holds a new adventure, and that life itself is an extended journey.
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