How To Shoot A Reportage by Enzo Dal Verme

Brutally practical tips and tricks for anyone who is serious about reportage photograph.

I don’t often do book reviews but this is one that came my way just before Christmas and it’s only been the last few weeks that I’ve had time to sit down and do a proper review….. so here we go….

I consider myself pretty well travelled but to be honest I’ve never considered a career in travel in reportage photography. I think this is partly due to the fact that I just don’t like travelling (yes this comes from someone who spent 6 years working on ships).

But what I am interested in is gaining a little knowledge and perspective from other photographers whatever field they work in.

If I come across anything like How to shoot a reportage then you’d better believe I’d jump at the chance to read it.

Firstly I should point out what this book isn’t.

It isn’t an idiots guide of how to break into the world of reportage…. although there are some good suggestions. Nor is it a retrospective look at Enzo’s career and experiences…. although there are some nice anecdotes.

It is, as the subtitle suggests, a selection of brutally practical tips and tricks for anyone who is seriously thinking about entering this world of photography.

There is a slight suggestion of “Don’t quit your day job” and a couple of references to “magazines don’t pay much” but at the end of the day these tips are supposed to be brutal and not sugar coated promises.

With a writing background it’s not surprising that Enzo has put together a well written and pretty concise set of ideas. But it is important to remember that these are ideas that work for Enzo, a fact he mentions on a couple of occasions. There are of course plenty of other photographers in the same field who work quite differently but that’s exactly why books like this are important.

How to shoot a reportage covers an incredible amount in a rather modest page count whilst answering many questions along the way. There is a danger that books like this are filled out with images and the writing takes a back seat. In this case it’s almost the opposite. From the development of an idea to post production, there’s practical advise throughout.

My only criticism would be that I wanted more anecdotes…… but as the title states…. this isn’t a biography…… but I’ll certainly be the first to put my order in for that one!

When it comes to a lot of photography business books that I’ve read recently there does seem to be two different kinds of approaches taken by the authors:

1. I’m a really successful photographer and if you buy my book then I’ll show you how you can be too!
2. I’ve had success in my career and here’s a few ideas that might help you along the way.

I’m happy to say that How to shoot a reportage and Enzo Dal Verme fall into the latter category and I’d certainly recommend it. Even if you haven’t (like me) ever entertained the idea of packing a backpack full of reportage dreams and taking the next flight to who knows where…… it’s still a great read.

How to shoot a reportage isn’t yet in print but you can get a PDF version from www.enzodalverme.com/blog/2010/12/how-to-shoot-a-reportage-the-manual/

Before you do that visit our members area to get a 40% off code

This offer is only valid till the 24th Feb 2011 so get in there quick!

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enzo dal verme

Enzo has been published in Vanity Fair, l’Uomo Vogue, Vogue Sport, Marie Claire, Gioia, Grazia, Flair, Amica, D di Repubblica, Elle, Glamour, Class, Max, Panorama and many other magazines. Currently based in Milan and Paris Enzo considers himself a portrait photographer but also works in travel, reportage, fashion, beauty and backstage.
http://www.enzodalverme.com/blog
twitter @enzodalverme