The Real Deal: Field Notes from the Life of a Working Photographer, (Hardcover)

<p><b>Photographer and best-selling author Joe McNally shares stories and lessons from a life in photography.</b></p> <p>When Joe McNally moved to New York City in 1976, his first job was at the <i>Daily News</i> as a copyboy, "the wretched dog of the newsroom." He was earning the lowest pay grade possible and living in a cheap hotel in Manhattan. Life was not glamorous. But with a fierce drive, an eye for a picture, and a willingness to take (almost) any assignment that came his way, Joe stepped out onto the always precarious tightrope of the freelance photographer--and never looked back. Fast forward 40 years, and his work has included assignments and stories for <i>National Geographic</i>, <i>Time</i>, <i>LIFE</i>, <i>Sports Illustrated</i>, and more. He has traveled for assignments to nearly 70 countries and received dozens of awards for his photography.</p> <p>In <i>The Real Deal</i>, Joe tells us how it all started, and candidly shares stories, lessons, and insights he has collected along the way. This is not a dedicated how-to book about "where to put the light," though there is certainly instructional information to be gleaned here. This is also not a navel-gazing look back at "the good old days," because those never really existed anyway. Instead, <i>The Real Deal</i> is simply a collection of candid "field notes"--some short, some quite long--gathered over time that, together, become an intimate look behind the scenes at a photographer who has pretty much seen and done it all.</p> <p>Though the photography industry bears little resemblance to the industry just 10 years ago (much less 40 years ago), what it really takes to become a successful photographer--the character traits, the fundamental lessons, the ability to adapt, and then adapt again--remains the same. Joe writes about everything from the crucial ability to know how to use (and make!) window light to the importance of creating long-term relationships built on trust; from lessons learned after a day in the field to the need to follow your imagination wherever it takes you; from the "random" and "lucky" moments that propel one's career to the wonders and pitfalls of today's camera technology. For every mention of f-stops and shutter speeds, there is equal discussion about the importance of access, the occasional moment of hubris, and the idea of becoming iconic.</p> <p>Before Joe was a celebrated and award-winning photographer, before he was a well-respected educator and author of multiple bestselling books, he was just...Joe, hustling every day, from one assignment to the next, piecing together a portfolio, a skill set, a reputation, a career. He imagined a life--and then took pictures of it. Here are a few frames.</p>

• The Real Deal: Field Notes from the Life of a Working Photographer, (Hardcover)
• Author: Rocky Nook
• ISBN: 9781681988016
• Format: Hardcover
• Publication Date: 2022-02-08
• Page Count: 348