I generally don’t review photography books on this blog, but I am making an exception to let you know about a book I have really enjoyed from Charles Needle, Impressionistic Photography: A Field Guide to Using Your Camera as a Paintbrush. If you’re in a creative lull, or want to add more creative techniques to your repertoire that you can use in any light and that can turn ordinary compositions into beautiful art, you’ll love this book.

After covering equipment, Charles encourages you to play and experiment as he covers step by step how to shoot Multiple-Exposure Monets (a term he coined), Long-Exposure Slap Zoom, Multiple-Exposure Rotate & Zoom, Soft-Glow Montage, Composite Montage and many more techniques. Those that require multiple exposures can be produced in-camera with a DSLR that shoots multiple exposure images, or together with a free Photoshop script. He also shares some several creative iPhone apps he uses to create multiple exposure montages, painterly effects and more. You’ll be inspired by his beautiful examples (which include Christmas tree lights, if you need some seasonal inspiration!)

Multiple Exposure Monet, Soft-Glow Montage, Multiple Exposure Rotate and Zoom

Click here to find out more about and order Impressionistic Photography: A Field Guide to Using Your Camera as a Paintbrush.

I have had the privilege of teaching a workshop with Charles and he is an excellent and inspiring teacher. If you enjoy his book, check out his in-person workshops as well.