My book finally arrived by courier today. I was looking forward to receiving it when I ordered it in early February, but the book was so popular, the book sold out with the first print.

Heh, the book I’m referring to is called The Moment it Clicks by Joe McNally. Who? Joe McNally, legendary photographer who has shot for Life, Time and National Geographic among other magazines. I first saw his name on the photo samples of shots from the Nikon D3. Then through reading other photography related websites, found out that he had made a book that was to be released in early February. Using the Internet as advertising, his own website advertised the book. There was also a Youtube video to market it and after watching that, I was sold on getting the book.

As mentioned, the first print was sold out and I tried going to the local Barnes and Noble at Union Square to find it but was out of luck. I just wanted to browse the book to see if I’d plonk down hard cash for it. A few days later, having a membership card with discount promotions, I got a 25% off voucher in my email for any book purchased at Barnes and Noble. Since it reduced the price even further, I didn’t need to think very hard and made the order online. By then it was a little late so I’m now in possession of a second print run copy of the book.

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So how is the book? I managed to cover most of the 200 plus pages in one evening, and it was so good and informative to read (with lots of great photos as examples and tips on how he got the shot) that I held off dinner until late and being too hungry by then, just made quick sandwiches to quell my starving stomach so I could continue reading.

Heh, I may never be able to shoot pictures out of a military fighter plane or standing just a couple of metres from a celebrity, but his style and approach makes you rethink how you should approach photography. The author really does go out of his way to make the shot, like hanging from the edge of the Empire State Building, or using light strobes that require the output of a generator on a truck.

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This is by far the better investment compared to the hundreds I’ve spent on lenses. Heh, the lenses help, but they don’t improve your vision as a photographer. The equipment helps, but the defining edge that makes a photo outstanding is the way you light your subject. I have only recently discovered the benefits of taking control of how the subject is lit, instead of just depending on what you can see that is available to you.

Heh, the book is definitely a source of inspiration, and something I’ll reread from time to time just to try out new ideas.