Recommendations for Photo Essays

[asongfu]

I have recently read Daido Moriyama's Memories of a Dog. It was a truly inspring book with insightful writing from the author. For the very first time, I feel connected to the artist's work and thoughts.

I was wondering if forum members here have read other books by other photographers that consist of not only their prints but also their writing.

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[shadowfox]

Andrew,
I have over the years hand picked books that speaks to me more than at visual level.
Some of my favorites are books by Jack Conran, James Ravillious, David Plowden, George E. Todd, etc.
These and more, you can see at my hand picked books section on my website.

 

[asongfu]

Thanks for the link. I will check out some of those.

 

[rudolf]

Well, there is no so many books like that one you mentioned.
Frankly speaking I don't know why.
But nowadays everyone is looking for guides and how-tos. 🙁

Maybe these two lists will help you (don't look at the title and description, just browse through the lists):
http://www.amazon.com/Safest-Gift-I...m/R9PZFJ4EQ5MX4/ref=cm_lm_byauthor_title_full
http://www.amazon.com/Safest-Gift-I.../R3K2RKWH7WL88I/ref=cm_lm_byauthor_title_full

 

[dovi]

Robert Adams: Beauty In Photography

 

[dovi]

Visual Culture by Howells

 

[Bob Michaels]

................... I was wondering if forum members here have read other books by other photographers that consist of not only their prints but also their writing. .....................
Andrew

If you remove your restriction that the text also be by the photographer, you will find that the selection becomes vast. Finding someone who writes well in addition to photographs well is a real challenge.

Amongst the photographer / writers I would say that Doug McColloh's "Dream Street" is one of the best. His style is to do a mini-story of 2-4 paragraphs as a caption to each photo. The photos and mini-stories combine to tell the whole story.

 

[gns]

There have been several photographers who have written well about the medium.
Books I would recommend...

Looking at Photographs, and The Photographer's Eye, by John Szarkowski
Beauty in Photography, Why People Photograph, and Along Some Rivers, by Robert Adams
The Nature of Photographs, by Stephen Shore
Thoughts on Landscape, by Frank Gohlke
Core Curriculum, by Tod Papageorge

A couple of other photographers who have written excellent essays on photography though not collected into book form are Leo Rubinfien and Paul Graham.

Gary

 

[Bob Michaels]

I find it interesting that some members automatically think of books about photography while others think of books of photographs.

 

[BobYIL]

The latest book I had about "photographs" is The English Eye by James Ravilious. An admirable vision and technique to reflect the tranquility of the rural Devon region; revealing the elements of warmth and beauty within the hardships of simple lives. (BTW, those thinking of digital could replace film in all regards are recommended to have a look at this book.)