Phot Impressionism and the Subjective Image

The great tradition of still photography is documentation, the representation of objective reality. The photographer observes a scene, situation, or object and responds to it by endeavoring to show it as it appears. However, there is a second tradition, that of altering physical reality for the purpose of expressing the photographer's personal response to specific subject matter. The " impressionist" photographer deliberately abandons physical exactitude in the belief that he or she can convey the reality of feeling more effectively by doing so.

Co-authored by Feeman Patterson and André Gallant, Photo Impressionism and the Subjective Image, the fifth book in Freeman Patterson's instructional series, teaches photographers how to venture into some aspects of the non-literal world of photography and how to create and record impressions that convey a truth of feeling or spirit.

Instructional topics covered include: multiple exposures, montages, subtle and vibrant colors, familiar techniques, trends, and film choices. Patterson and Gallant also include a section on personal approaches to photographing around home, abroad, people, and the intimate Earthscape.