In The Real Deal, Field Notes from the Life of a Working Photographer from publisher Rocky Nook, author Joe McNally shares photography stories and lessons from his assignments for National Geographic, Time, LIFE, Sports Illustrated, and more. He has traveled to nearly 70 countries and received dozens of awards. In this hardcover edition, the author reveals how it all started, and shares stories, lessons, and insights collected along the way.

This book is a collection of field notes gathered over time that, together, become an intimate look behind the scenes at one photographer's life. Joe McNally writes about many topics, including how to use and make window light, the importance of creating long-term relationships built on trust, the need to follow your imagination wherever it takes you, and the random and lucky moments that propel one's career to the wonders and pitfalls in 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.

Before McNally was a celebrated and award-winning photographer, before he was a well-respected educator and author of bestselling books, he was just Joe, hustling every day, from one assignment to the next, piecing together a portfolio, a skill set, a reputation, and a career. He imagined a life and took pictures of it.