Book excerpt: A complete introduction to photography, this book is an essential resource for students across the visual arts. This accessible, inspirational guide explores the subjects and themes that have always obsessed photographers and explains technique in a clear and simple way. It introduces the work of the masters of the art as well as showing fresh, dynamic images created by young photographers from all over the world. The book also provides a valuable overview of careers in photography and a comprehensive reference section, including a glossary of technical vocabulary. This second edition has been extensively updated, with a greater range of visual examples from master photographers and up-to-date information on digital photography.