Michael Stern’s new book, Build a Better Photograph, has just been released by Rocky Nook through O’Reilly Media.  Build a Better Photograph focuses on the creative process of photography.  Stern has been a professional photographer for 30 years and has worked with Disney, Warner Brothers and Universal Studies among others.

Build a Better Photograph carries a retail price tag of $34.95; however, it can be found on Amazon.com for $23.07.

More details in the press release below.

Santa Barbara, CA—Build a Better Photograph (Rocky Nook, $34.95 USD) is an excursion into the creative process of an experienced professional photographer. While many books address the equipment, techniques, and compositional approaches to image creation, few describe the steps involved in the development of the picture idea. Michael Stern demystifies the creative process he has successfully employed for over two decades in the fields of environmental portraiture, product photography, 3D scanning, and compositing techniques.

How do artists conceptualize? Where do they get their ideas? How do they incorporate those ideas into their work? These questions and others are explored during actual assignments, along with discussions about the technical and business skills needed to succeed in commercial photography.

The accompanying DVD contains additional images, Virtual Reality panoramas and short videos of photographic sessions, reference tutorials, and much more.

About the Author
Michael Stern, a professional photographer since graduating from Art Center College of Design in 1979, has been working in the entertainment industry with The Walt Disney Co., Warner Brothers Studios, Universal Studios, and Sid & Marty Krofft Pictures among others. He has photographed executives, celebrities, products, architecture and created special visual effects. In 1995, he added digital imaging solutions to his repertoire. In 2000 while working on a project for Disney’s California Adventure he honed his skill set as a digital restoration expert and continues working today on a variety of other projects.

In addition to beta testing hardware and software for several companies, Michael is also adjunct faculty at Brooks Institute of Photography in Ventura, CA as an instructor in digital imaging, reflective metering techniques and location lighting for budding photojournalists. Finally he has produced customized Photoshop tutorials for working professionals who need precise, clear information, presented in an innovative way.