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The Real Deal: Field Notes from the Life of a Working Photographer
£29.90£36.10 (-17%)
When Joe McNally moved to New York City in 1976, his first job was at the Daily News as a copyboy, the wretched dog of the newsroom. He was earning the lowest pay grade possible and living in a cheap hotel in Manhattan. Life was not glamorous. But with a fierce drive, an eye for a picture, and a willingness to take (almost) any assignment that came his way, Joe stepped out onto the always precarious tightrope of the freelance photographer and never looked back. Fast forward 40 years, and his work has included assignments and stories for National Geographic, Time, LIFE, Sports Illustrated, and more. He has travelled for assignments to nearly 70 countries and received dozens of awards for his photography. In The Real Deal, Joe tells us how it all started, and candidly shares stories, lessons, and insights he has collected along the way. This is not a dedicated how-to book about where to put the light, though there is certainly instructional information to be gleaned here. This is also not a navel-gazing look back at the good old days, because those never really existed anyway. Instead, The Real Deal is simply a collection of candid field notes some short, some quite long gathered over time that, together, become an intimate look behind the scenes at a photographer who has pretty much seen and done it all. Though the photography industry bears little resemblance to the industry just 10 years ago (much less 40 years ago), what it really takes to become a successful photographer the character traits, the fundamental lessons, the ability to adapt, and then adapt again remains the same. Joe writes about everything from the crucial ability to know how to use (and make!) window light to the importance of creating long-term relationships built on trust; from lessons learned after a day in the field to the need to follow your imagination wherever it takes you; from the random and lucky moments that propel one s career to the wonders and pitfalls of today s camera technology. For every mention of f-stops and shutter speeds, there is equal discussion about the importance of access, the occasional moment of hubris, and the idea of becoming iconic. Before Joe was a celebrated and award-winning photographer, before he was a well-respected educator and author of multiple bestselling books, he was just Joe, hustling every day, from one assignment to the next, piecing together a portfolio, a skill set, a reputation, a career. He imagined a life and then took pictures of it. Here are a few frames.
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Additional information
| Publisher | Rocky Nook (8 Mar. 2022) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Hardcover | 288 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1681988011 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1681988016 |
| Dimensions | 26.04 x 3.18 x 25.4 cm |
by juls_mac
Arrived with a sticky fromt cover unfortunately like there had been a large sticker on there. Content looks very interesting though.
by andysnap
An excellent book from Joe McNally, a long time, all-rounder, pro’ who really knows his stuff.
What a great way to learn from a master editorial photographer, and to read about his career too.
Packed with his superb photos, from being a kid working on New York newspapers (a tough ‘nursery’ for young photographers for sure!) through his years with National Geographic (what a top ‘university’ for photographers..!) and his latest work as a Nikon Ambassador, all backed by anecdotes, behind the scenes, and ‘how to’ tips.
I’d say this book is essential reading for anyone interested in professional photography, look read and learn from someone at the top of his game.
Also a very nicely printed, large hardback book too, with excellent photo repro’, amazing quality for the price. Just buy it!
by B
This is such an enjoyable book I didn’t want it to end. The raw story of an exceptional and honest guy who made his way through hard work. Plenty of photo lessons along the way but that isn’t the main appeal of this book it’s the great hard working and inspiring personality of Joe that makes the book so great.
by John McMahon
Awesome read…….and for a photography book, there is a LOT of reading.
I’ve met Joe and been on a workshop with him….and this book 100% reflects the personable man that he is….as well as in depth information on a true master of photography.
by Steven Shone
Joe was part of a golden age of press photography. The magazines that mattered so much (and had so much self regard) are gone but he’s still here. This is his story told plainly as if he were sitting across from you over coffee. He’s one of the photographic greats but he seems to have no sense of that. Hid modesty may be part of the reason he’s great because it’s helped him get close to his subjects, who often — tellingly — became friends. If you care about photography this is an easy read. Don’t miss it.