Visually Speaking: Mastering Photography as a Visual Language

Probably the best instructional photography book out there. Treats photography as an art form wile giving concrete examples of universal and in some cases ancient compositional techniques. And DOES mention equipment, lens choice etc but only in the context of helping to convey your message. Highly recommended.

Inspiring, Insightful, and Practical: A Must-Read for Every PhotographerTed Forbes’ Visually Speaking: Mastering The Art of Photography is more than just a photography book—it’s an invitation to see the world differently. From the moment I opened it, I felt like I was having a one-on-one conversation with a mentor who truly understands the craft and the artistry of storytelling through a lens.A Book About More Than PhotographyWhat sets Visually Speaking apart is its focus on the “why” behind photography. Forbes dives deep into the idea that photography is a language—a way to communicate stories and emotions that go beyond the surface. He encourages photographers to create with intention, whether shooting in vivid color or dramatic black and white. This message resonated deeply with me and reminded me why I fell in love with photography in the first place.Gear Isn’t Everything, and That’s a ReliefOne of the most refreshing aspects of this book is Forbes’ perspective on gear. While many photography books fixate on equipment, Visually Speaking shifts the focus to vision and creativity. Some of the book’s most powerful images, like his cloudscapes of Texan skies, were taken on a mobile phone. These photos demonstrate that simplicity can be profound and that the best camera is the one you have with you.Practical Advice Backed by Stunning VisualsForbes balances theory with practical advice, offering insights on composition, focal lengths, and the use of negative space. His writing is approachable, and the book is filled with inspiring visuals that demonstrate his points. One standout spread features two seemingly unrelated images—a man smoking in solitude and a bustling Tokyo restaurant. Together, they create a narrative that lingers long after you turn the page.Perfect for Photographers of All LevelsWhether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, this book offers something valuable. Forbes’ conversational tone makes complex concepts accessible, while his emphasis on experimentation and intent challenges readers to push their boundaries. It’s both a learning tool and a source of inspiration.Final ThoughtsIf you’re looking for a book that will challenge, inspire, and change the way you approach photography, Visually Speaking is it. Ted Forbes has created a guide that speaks to the heart of why we create: to tell stories, evoke emotions, and see the world through a unique perspective. This book has already transformed how I think about my work, and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone looking to grow as a photographer and storyteller.

Covers all the bases, great pictures and photography guidance.

I have been following Ted's excellent Youtube channel for several years and was excited to learn about his book. This is a good book IMO with plenty to like but also some aspects that could have been better.I very much appreciate the concept and framing of the book: visual language, rather than yet another book explaining basic technique or over indexing on gear. The print quality is great, graphic design is good, layout is very thoughtful.This book covers a lot of ground (while retaining a manageable size and cost) and that's perhaps what lead to some of the compromises exposed. In particular, the book felt to me very uneven on its quality and depth across sections. I alternated between being completely absorbed by the book discussion and pictures to, at other times, feeling completely let down. Some chapters are very well written with wonderful images complementing the text and illustrating the concepts being discussed. Others, felt rough and ready or overly compressed. The most extreme example of the later is probably chapter 7, which discusses the concept of 'negative space' to which the author devotes one page of discussion and one example image. Yes, that is literally a two page chapter. One could argue that more could have been said and shown about negative space. Chapter 8 is three pages long.This leaves the book on a tricky middle ground in terms of its target audience I'd argue. If you are a beginner, understanding some of these concepts with such a succinct treatment might be difficult. I you have more experience, they might not have enough substance to help you on your path. Perhaps dividing this effort into multiple volumes could have been a better choice.Despite these considerations, I do believe this book is worth reading. Ted's love for the craft and knowledge of its history comes through. Ralph's Gibson forward to the book is appropriate IMO: this book is very good a framing interesting questions about what visual language is or could be; just don't expect to find all the answers in here.--Minor nit, there is broken cross-reference: on page 256 the allusion to Ori Gersht's reproduction reads "see page 89" and it should say page 91.

This book is a fantastic resource on the art of photography, offering comprehensive coverage of every aspect of the craft. Packed with stunning images that beautifully illustrate each topic, it’s both informative and inspiring. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in pursuing photography as a hobby or a career.

Have been a big fan of Ted and his Youtube channel for years. When I found out he had a book I didn't hesitate to purchase. It explains photography concepts clearly and includes beautiful images as examples.Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced, this book has something for everyone. Highly recommend!