Recommended books

The Vietnam work by Philip Jones Griffiths is some of my favorite photography ever. My out of print hardcover Vietnam Inc. is one of my most cherished possessions, I'd sell a few cameras and think about selling my car if I had to in order to keep that book.
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Even though the book is out of print, hardcover and softcover copies are still available in the USA, and in Europe. Cheers, OtL
 
My favorite photobook: August Sander - People of the 20th Century. I found it some years ago on Amazon Germany at a reduced price. It's a hardcover box set and the shipping may set you back a few Dollars. The Amazon Germany link: https://www.amazon.de/Menschen-20-Jahrhunderts-Gesamtausgabe-einem/dp/3829605005/ref=sr_1_1?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=7S2K158QU6ZP&dchild=1&keywords=august+sander+menschen+des+20.+jahrhunderts&qid=1620043390&sprefix=august+sander%2Caps%2C352&sr=8-1 On August Sander: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August_Sander and his work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MJZPFmulK8 Cheers, OtL
 
I tend to view the same few books over and over. And I like books that remind me that good photo prospects are right here, all around us; no exotic locations or events required.

Two favorites are The Americans and Harbutt's Travelog. Great essay in the latter. I'm now looking for a well-priced David Hurn book.

John
 
Any of the many books on the work of Eugene Atget to start. Then look at Walker Evans, Josef Sudek, August Sanders. Don't forget Edouard Boubat, Robert Doisneau, Robert Frank, Lee Friedlander. Then tackle Michael Schmidt, John Gossage, Raymond Meeks and Luigi Ghirri. Those should keep you busy for a while.:)
 
Dogman said:
Then tackle Michael Schmidt, John Gossage, Raymond Meeks and Luigi Ghirri. Those should keep you busy for a while.:)
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Agreed, and add Joachim Brohm and Guido Guidi to that list... and maybe Teju Cole, Ed Panar, Tim Carpenter, and Ron Jude for something newer.
 
"Return to Mexico: Journey Beyond the Mask" Abbas. With great text.particularly the comments about using a black paint M2 to ward off muggers in an alleyway.
 
Some other good photobooks I've gotten recently or have had that haven't been mentioned yet:

- Stephen Shore, American Surfaces. Great less-than-polished road trip photos from the 1970s. If you like the vintage aesthetic and the snapshot genre, it's a really cool book. Taken with a Rollei 35.

- Fred Herzog, Modern Color. Beautiful early color work in Vancouver over a number of years, you can see some of the same parts of the street done in different ways, it's a great insight into how a talented photographer worked in a familiar locale.
 
My favorite book is "Photographs" by Cartier-Bresson from 1980, edited by Robert Delpire. Wonderful toned reproductions. Only after many years I discovered that the prints in this book are toned (warmer or cooler). Incredible how much effect toning can have on the subconscious mind.


Erik.
 
Dogman said:
Any of the many books on the work of Eugene Atget to start. Then look at Walker Evans, Josef Sudek, August Sanders. Don't forget Edouard Boubat, Robert Doisneau, Robert Frank, Lee Friedlander. Then tackle Michael Schmidt, John Gossage, Raymond Meeks and Luigi Ghirri. Those should keep you busy for a while.:)
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A few I did not know there. Thanks. It is hard to choose books. I want them to open my mind/my view on the world. These days I therefore tend to choose books I find challenging - but not too challenging.

I almost have no colour (photography) books. Mona Kuhn (love the feel and look) and Pål Hermansen (abstract nature)...and a few others that deserve no mention.
Any suggestions?
 
agentlossing said:
Some other good photobooks I've gotten recently or have had that haven't been mentioned yet:

- Stephen Shore, American Surfaces. Great less-than-polished road trip photos from the 1970s. If you like the vintage aesthetic and the snapshot genre, it's a really cool book. Taken with a Rollei 35.

- Fred Herzog, Modern Color. Beautiful early color work in Vancouver over a number of years, you can see some of the same parts of the street done in different ways, it's a great insight into how a talented photographer worked in a familiar locale.
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I'll look into these. Need more color books.
 
For an abstract/ dark feel... Far Cry by Nozolino

Exiles by Koudelka

I also just got in the mail yesterday “Landscapes” by Don McCullin that are an interesting approach to film landscape work coming from a guy who spent his life photographing war.

I ordered Ravilious book as well to compare styles of English landscape and see how 2 different people view their landscape creatively.
 
Hilmersen said:
I am looking for tips on good books and self publications.
I prefer a less polished look - but do not enjoy the annoying kind of street photography.
My favorites are: Ragnar Axelsson, Pentti Sammallahti, Kåre Kivijärvi, Salgado, John Wehrheim, Koudelka, Ronis, Alain Laboile to name a few..


I am happy that I bought "Omoide" by Andrea Taurisano found here on RFF, and have been looking around in Blurb for some inspiration, but haven't found something that has made me hit the buy button.
Any suggestions? (Famous, unknown - or yourself)
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If you are looking for self published, our own Colton Allen (aka Swift1) here on RFF has a series of zines available on Blurb. The most recent edition is Issue #5. Last year, he also published a book, In Significance, an 8"x10" hardcover collection. Highly recommended.
 
David Hughes said:
I can't recognise your taste but I will say that one of my favourites dates back to the 30's. It's My Leica and I, edited by Kurt Karfeld.

Its articles and photo's by (mostly) amateurs and gives a lot of fascinating insights into the hobby then.

Regards, David
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I picked up a smattering of US Camera and the American Annual of Photography from the early 1930s through the 60s, and enjoy seeing the photographic styles through those times.
 
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