#02 - Inspirational Photography Books
Discovering Realities through the Lens: A Reading List for Photographers
In these brief suggestions, I recommend books that have inspired me and made me grow photographically, but above all humanly, books that tell of realities very far from ours, sometimes closely related or similar to us. I know that not everyone can afford these books, but you can always take a look for free on the websites of publishing houses.
The Last Resort by Martin Parr
Through Parr's lens, the town is portrayed as a quirky and eccentric place, where the locals and tourists alike revel in their leisure activities. Parr's signature use of colour, humour and irony is on full display, as he captures the quirks and peculiarities of the town's inhabitants.
The book provides a unique perspective on a typical British seaside town, challenging preconceived notions of what it means to be on holiday. "The Last Resort" is a playful and insightful commentary on the changing nature of tourism and the quirks of British culture.
Kodachrome by Luigi Ghirri
"Kodachrome" is a photo book by the Italian photographer Luigi Ghirri.
The book showcases Ghirri's work from the 1970s and 1980s and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Italian photography. The images are characterized by Ghirri's distinctive use of colour, and his ability to find beauty and poetry in the ordinary.
Through his lens, Ghirri transforms mundane scenes into visual masterpieces, capturing the unique character and spirit of the Italian landscape. The book features photographs of various subjects, including landscapes, architecture, and everyday life, and explores themes of memory, perception, and representation. "Kodachrome" is a stunning visual journey and a testament to Ghirri's ability to create art from the world around him.
Photographs by Fred Herzog
Known for his pioneering use of colour in street photography, Herzog's images capture the energy and vitality of urban life. The book features a wide range of subjects, including bustling city streets, neon signs, and storefronts, as well as portraits of people and animals.
Herzog's work is characterized by his bold use of colour, his ability to capture the feeling of a moment, and his keen eye for composition. "Photographs" offers a unique perspective on the urban landscape, and provides a window into the world as Herzog saw it.
The book is a testament to Herzog's skill as a photographer and is a must-have for fans of street photography and the history of photography.
The Democratic Forest: Selected Works by William Eggleston
The book showcases Eggleston's distinctive style, which is characterized by his use of vivid colour and his ability to find beauty in the everyday. The images in the book, taken between the late 1960s and the mid-1980s, range from portraits and landscapes to still lifes and interiors and provide a glimpse into the world as Eggleston saw it.
The "Democratic Forest" in the title refers to Eggleston's approach to photography, which he described as treating all subjects with equal attention and respect, regardless of their perceived importance.
This book is a testament to Eggleston's innovative approach to photography and provides a window into the world of one of the most outstanding colour photographers of all time.
n conclusion, "The Last Resort" by Martin Parr, "Kodachrome" by Luigi Ghirri, "Photographs" by Fred Herzog, and "The Democratic Forest: Selected Works" by William Eggleston are all remarkable books that showcase the unique visions and talents of their respective photographers.
Each of these photographers has made a lasting impact on the world of photography, and their works continue to inspire new generations of photographers. Whether it's through their use of colour, their ability to find beauty in every day, or their innovative approaches to capturing the world around them, these photographers have left an indelible mark on the history of photography.
These books are a must-read for anyone interested in the art of photography and its evolution over time.
Very good suggestions!