People and Places

Inspirational Photo Books

Taking a look at the three photographic books that I find most inspiration in

First “The Americans”

Must be just about the most famous photographic book ever published and certainly the most influential.
A book that makes documentary, photojournalism into art. A political, visual poem to America, that echoes the time exactly. The hidden America is laid bare by Frank. Carefully composed shots show a view of the USA that went a lot further than many were happy with at the time. Each image works on its own, but collectively makes a statement much greater than any individual piece could do. This is the height of photojournalism, story telling and commitment. A real model to any photographer.

Deep South by Sally Mann

I am always a little cynical at the whole concept of “Fine Art Photography” feeling that a fine artist may use photographs but  photography serves other, more direct, purposes; however if I had to choose one contemporary photographer who justifies the label “Fine Artist” it is Mann.

Her work bears the repeated viewing and contains the emotional qualities of Turner or even Picasso. This book is my favourite, not just because of the photographs themselves but because her sparse text is so well written and deepens the understanding of the piece. The landscape is used as a model for the people and the problems of the place. A sense of the place and its meaning to Mann is conveyed in a work of great beauty.

Raised by Wolves by Jim Goldburg

The best thing to me about this book is that Goldburg takes a pretty common subject for photojournalism, the homeless, drug addicts etc., and yet breath new life into it. No polemic or fake concern; Goldburg stands aside from his subject and observes with a cool eye the reality of lives. He also lets the subjects speak for themselves. I admire this greatly, although personally don’t think I would be happy working in such an uncommitted way.