Hammond A. Pictorial Composition in Photography

American Photographic Publishing Co., 1920. — 340 p.To tell a photographer how to compose his pictures is like telling a musician how to compose music, an author how to write a novel or an actor how to act a part. Such things can only grow out of the fulness and experience of life. Yet the musician must learn harmony and Counterpoint, the novelist must know the rules of grammar and the proper use of words, the actor must study elocution, and all of these are more or less exact sciences which can be taught. Their application is entirely individual.So in pictorial photography, some principles of composition can be acquired from books, but the most important element of success — the personality and soul of the artist — must be implanted in the individual and must grow with his experience.I am only too well aware that much has been omitted that should have been included in this little book, and that many important points have been but lightly touched upon, but if it should contain any helpful information and thus serve to encourage some who have hitherto hesitated to embark on the uncharted ocean of pictorial photography; if it should help to point the way to the friendly haven of success, my purpose will have been accomplished. If any should take as much pleasure in reading as I have in writing, my efforts will not have been in vain.