Have you ever picked up a book that feels like it was written just for you? That’s exactly how I feel about “Visually Speaking: Mastering The Art of Photography.” It isn’t just a book. It’s like having Ted Forbes right there, nudging you to think deeper, shoot smarter, and embrace the artistry of photography. It’s the kind of book that makes you rethink how you see and capture the world. Something that stays with you long after you’ve put it down.
This article is about my first impressions and key takeaways from this incredible book.
Visual Language: Speak Through Your Lens
This book is all about communication. Ted takes you on a journey where photos aren’t just pretty pictures; they’re stories, emotions, and conversations. Whether you love working in bold color or dramatic black and white, Ted shows you how to find your unique voice and weave it into your work.
This resonates deeply with me because it’s what I strive for in my own photography at Kisau Photography. Intent, the “i” in Kisau, is everything. Ted emphasizes that every click of the shutter should have a purpose, and this focus on intentionality makes his book so much more than a photography guide.
Gear Matters but Vision Matters More
Ted shifts the focus to what really counts: photography over gear, emphasizing the vision behind the shot. He doesn’t obsess over equipment, and it’s refreshing. Some of the most striking images in this book are taken on something as simple as a mobile phone. His photos of the Texan skies are a perfect example. Cloudscapes captured with such depth and emotion that they remind you how powerful simplicity can be. While gear can help, Ted shows that creativity and storytelling always take center stage.
Ted Forbes: The Mentor You Didn’t Know You Needed
Reading this book feels like sitting down with Ted over coffee as he casually drops game-changing insights about composition, focal lengths, and balance. He challenges you to step outside your comfort zone. Play with negative space, embrace motion, and experiment unapologetically. It’s practical, inspiring, and makes you want to pick up your camera immediately.
I find myself nodding along to his advice, especially his thoughts on focal lengths and how they completely change the mood of a shot. Every page feels like a little pep talk from your photography mentor.
A Portfolio That Inspires
If you’re drawn to the breadth of photography’s possibilities, you’ll love how Ted’s work spans such a wide range of subjects and styles. His portfolio is a treasure trove. From serene flowers to bustling cityscapes, from intimate portraits to towering industrial structures. Each image tells its own story, and together, they’re a masterclass in visual storytelling.
One spread I keep coming back to? The dancers in motion, pure poetry captured on film, and the breathtaking skies that remind you to look up and find beauty in the everyday. Ted’s ability to blend structure with softness is nothing short of magical.
The Shinjuku Tokyo Spread: A Story in Two Frames
Hands down, my favorite moment in the book is the spread on pages 192-193. On one side, a man smoking in quiet contemplation; on the other, a bustling restaurant scene in Shinjuku, Tokyo. At first glance, they’re worlds apart. But together? They tell a story of solitude and connection, chaos and calm.
Ted’s ability to pair images and create narratives is what makes his work so special. He invites you to fill in the blanks and imagine the story between the frames. It’s storytelling at its finest.
Reading Backwards (Yes, Really!)
Confession: I started reading this book with the last chapter. Call me unconventional, but it set the perfect tone. It felt like Ted was giving me permission to approach photography in my own unique way. And honestly? It made diving into the rest of the book even more exciting.
Photography with Intent
This book isn’t just another decoration for your coffee table; it’s a push to think differently about your photography. Ted reminds you to slow down, be intentional, and let your images say something meaningful. It’s not about snapping away and hoping for the best. It’s about crafting stories with your camera.
For me, this book feels deeply personal. I actually have two copies, one I’m devouring with a pen in hand, highlighting all my favorite passages, and another one I’m eagerly waiting for, signed by Ted himself. That one? It’s going to stay pristine, a little treasure on my shelf. Whether you’re using a high-end camera or just your phone, “Visually Speaking” makes you rethink how you approach your craft and brings a fresh perspective to your work.
Why You Need This Book in Your Life
Ted Forbes delivers something truly special with “Visually Speaking: Mastering The Art of Photography.” It’s not just about photography. It’s about growing as a creative, finding your voice, and embracing storytelling through your lens. Whether you’re just picking up a camera or you’ve been shooting for years, this book sparks inspiration and pushes you to see things differently.
On a personal note, Ted has been a huge influence on my creative journey. Thanks to his zine workshop, I created my first zine, The Street Is My Studio, which later led to my first book, The Melbourne Portraits Project: A Photographic Ode. His mentorship and insights have been transformative, and I can’t overstate how much his guidance has shaped my work.
See how this book is inspiring others, at The Photographic Journal, PetaPixel, Digital Camera World, ISO 1200 Magazine, and MSN.
So here’s my advice: Get this book. Dive into it. Subscribe to Ted’s YouTube channel for even more nuggets of wisdom. And if you ever get the chance to attend one of his workshops, do it. It might just change the way you see the world through your lens.
© Paul Tocatlian. All Rights Reserved.
Kisau Photography 