Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision (Voices That Matter)

Within the Frame (2009) received critical recognition for its humanity and practical teaching, and in this revision of his classic best-selling book, David duChemin encourages you to search for what matters to you and not give up until you convey it through your photography: “I’m chasing my vision, and you will chase yours in the places best suited to that. What’s important is that you chase that vision intentionally and with passion, refusing to let it be anything but yours and yours alone.” 

Through a heartfelt discussion about creating photographs of people, places, cultures, and the discovery of a personal point of view that makes those stories compelling and authentic, David teaches how to seek and serve your creative vision through the art of photography by highlighting images from his adventures around the world. Regardless of the setting, it’s the lessons about the central role of vision and expression in photography that sets this book apart, even if you never wander far from home. 

David shares the nuances of approaching different subjects, the value of scouting locations (and wandering in unfamiliar places), techniques for photographing landscapes, how to capture a sense of place and culture with sensitivity through images of food, festivals, art and faith, and more. This edition includes new images, creative exercises, updated chapters, a streaming companion video, and discussions about changing perspectives, including an increased focus on landscape photography. Most importantly, David maintains the crucial theme of vision–and he helps you find, cultivate, and pursue your own, and then fit it within the frame. 

 “If the book simply stayed right there in the realm of how-to, go-to advice, it would be a wonderful book indeed. But it crosses the line from useful to inspired because David opens up much more than his camera bag. He opens his considerable heart and mind, both of which belong to a masterful storyteller driven by an acute sympathy for the human condition, coupled with an intense curiosity and respect for both the differences and the sameness of the world.” –Joe McNally, photographer, author of The Hot Shoe Diaries and The Moment It Clicks 

“David does something here that few have ever done–he not only shows his absolutely captivating images, he shows the thought process behind those images, as well as how to start capturing the types of images we all long to take. People will be talking about this book for years to come. It’s that good!” –Scott Kelby, photographer and best-selling author 

“Some photographers inspire you with how great their photographs are, while other photographers inspire you to be a better photographer; David duChemin does both in Within the Frame.” –John Paul Caponigro, photographer