Best photography collections & exhibitions according to redditors
We found 345 Reddit comments discussing the best photography collections & exhibitions. We ranked the 158 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Further reading:
Why Cats Paint
Once you've grasped that material I find:
Why Paint Cats?
to be the logical follow-up.
I'm surprised no one mentioned Dick Proenneke. Many years before McCandless' trip to Alaska, Dick Proenneke moved up there, built a log cabin from scratch, and lived in the middle of nowhere Alaska for 30 years by himself. There's a book and a documentary that airs on PBS every once in a while.
Alone In The Wilderness - PBS Documentary
One Man's Wilderness - Book about Dick's time in the Alaskan wilderness
From the book Wilder Mann. I have it. It's amazing.
http://www.amazon.com/Wilder-Mann-Genevieve-Gauckler/dp/1907893237/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397417422&sr=8-1&keywords=Wilder+man
I’ve found it a pretty common staple at public libraries, but I believe the paperback was much cheaper on amazon
Amazon link to book this is from
NYT article about the book
This is the correct answer. The photo appears in the book Propaganda and Dreams by Leah Bendavid-Val
This image and others from the original title sequence came from this book: https://www.amazon.com/Petrochemical-America-Richard-Misrach-Kate/dp/1597112771
source: https://www.artofthetitle.com/title/true-detective/
Magnum Contact Sheets
Fantastic look into process and history through the contact sheets of some of the greats.
But you can find stories that show the exact opposite, where white men would outright kill a black person (even women and children) and face no consequences. There were events colloquially called "southern barbecues" where crowds of white people would turn out to watch a black person be tortured and killed. Most of the time, there were no consequences for the killers.
This is an excellent book on the subject. You don't even have to buy the book, just look at the sample pages provided.
It was popular to have a photographer take pictures and then send them to family members in other states as postcards. You can look at photographs of parents putting toddlers on their shoulders to get a better look at the burning corpse, like they're at the circus or a festival. The book features the story of a man who was forced to watch his wife and son tortured and burned before they finally killed him - all because he demanded payment from a white man for services performed.
Just... look at one of those postcards and tell me again that the judicial system protected black people from being blatantly abused.
The Magnum Contact Sheets book covers this particular photo series and the roll it comes from. All in all it's definitely a great book for anyone interested in photo journalism, the role of a photo editor, and how the context of a photo in the larger set of a roll of film can be an important part of the story as well and one we don't often know.
I tried to locate some detail from the book on the Leipzig shots, but ended up stumbling across this, which has some interesting points to say about Magnum and Capa, and what might be an embellished or outright false story they've been hawking for decades...
You might want to familiarize yourself with the photographers featured in the following books:
This is wrong tho - there are unmasked persons in the photo, suggesting no presence of gas, they wear soviet style uniforms and pre-WWII soviet gas masks
Anyway, the photo is usually credited as Viktor Bulla - Pioneers in Defense Drill, Leningrad (1937) - which is much more plausible than the Japanese island in your link
Apparently the photo was lifted from this book
Also here is a good analysis of the details in the photo, translated by google from Russian.
this?
Material World: A Global Family Portrait
A pretty solid book to look at to gain perspective is Magnum Contact Sheets. Flipping through it helped my view of how my own photos looked quite a bit.
Arbus' contact sheet for that photo is pretty enlightening due to the context it was taken in.
No, it is "Why Paint Cats." It is literally about painting cats. There is another book, "Why Cats Paint." It is about why cats will paint pictures and how they paint things upside-down. "Dancing With Cats" is by Burton Silver and Heather Busch, as are the other two books. I have read (more or less) all three books. The experience of reading them is rather surreal. Realizing that someone paid several thousand dollars to have Charlie Chaplin painted on their cat's ass, using the asshole as a bowtie, is also a bit surreal.
EDIT: Added links. Expanded info.
not quite what you are talking about but cool with regard to "stuff" and what people around the world own ... or what might own them
this book has people remove everything from their dwelling and display / arrange it all in front of their home
fascinating to see the differences in what we own in all the different places around the world
https://www.amazon.ca/Material-World-Global-Family-Portrait/dp/0871564300
This is a book that was introduced to us in senior year of high school US History class. Absolutely brutal look into what lynching was.
https://www.amazon.com/Without-Sanctuary-Lynching-Photography-America/dp/0944092691/ref=dp_ob_title_bk
I might try to do this, too. I'm just a photo student, but I have a decent amount of experience critiquing photos and being critiqued. (The photo program I'm in is small, the classes are smaller, and we're all essentially friends honestly critiquing each other so I like to think I've gotten good at critiques.)
And, you know, you're totally right about the lackluster bodies of work. I actually downvoted a couple people in here who are now kinda complaining about downvotes (but not whining, so respect to them). I went through. And one of the people I downloaded posted… an unedited contact sheet. But like, just that. Didn't ask for help editing. Didn't point out the photos they liked.
Just posted the contact sheet.
That's… lazy. Contact sheets are generally, just, they aren't 24 or 36 super amazing photos. Even in Magnum Contact Sheets, you generally only see a keeper or two per sheet. And these are largely super famous sheets.
Do you know that photo of the cloud of white butterflies engulfing a downed satellite? Pretty fucking amazing. Now look at (part of) the contact sheet.
It isn't enough to just… shoot film. I actually like this subreddit a lot. I haunt it more than daily. I plan to post more to it as I gain access to a scanner again. But, you know, just 'cause you're doing something uniquely analog, or just shooting film, doesn't mean what you're doing is all that interesting. Shit. I don't know. I want people to post! I do, I really do. But we don't have a community and there's just a bit too much saturated/unsaturated tumblr.com or 500px.com trendy trite. :/
Philippe Halsman's portrait of Salvador Dali is a spectacular image that captures the manic nature of the artist. Naturally this kind of photo isn't the easiest to get right on the first take and in Magnum's book of famous contact sheets they have included some of the unused photos and a little more info about the shoot.
Time magazine's website has a bit more info on this piece and on the influence of Halsman's work on portraiture in general.
Must-have: Magnum Contact Sheets.
The Photographer's Eye
Get it. Read it. Analyze it. Sleep with it.
http://www.amazon.com/Pussy-Portraits-Frannie-Adams/dp/3934020690/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
only 2 left!!!
The upcoming re-print of The Decisive Moment
These are from photographer Charles Freger's book Wildermann.
or this:
https://www.amazon.com/Material-World-Global-Family-Portrait/dp/0871564300
I think this is a pretty common book most places, at least in the Pacific Northwest. I got it as a gift as a child and see it everywhere.
Edit: That, and "Why Cats Paint", and "Why Paint Cats". I recommend them all.
I really enjoyed reading Dick Proenneke's book about how he moved to a remote lake in Alaska at the age of 52 and built himself a cabin and a shed with hand tools, then lived there for 30 years.
I like the idea of moving off the grid too but I just read about other people who did it since I have zero survival skills.
Knjiga Wilder Mann od Charlesa Fregera, preporučujem!
U biti je ovo možda bolji link.
And there's a classic book from (I think) the 1960s called Wisconsin Death Trip which collects a lot of them.
EDIT: Here it is -- 1973, but it has apparently been reissued.
Normally I'll just drop my cameras for a short amount of time, and read two books I always find hugely inspiring.
The Photographer's Eye by John Szarkowski is a must-own book for anyone who takes photos.
And so is The Nature of Photographs by Stephen Shore.
Another thing I'll do is pick up my Instax and take a single photo a day for 10 days.
If you're interested in Street Photography or how photographers go about getting the final shot everyone sees, I'd recommend the Magnum Contact Sheets.
Magnum Contact Sheets - I really want this book, I saw it for about $90 at my local bookstore.
I took my XE-1 for a long-deserved outing after a long month of exams in school. Made a daring (for me, at least) cropping decision, and I really like it. Here's the photo in question.
Also bought the Magnum Contact Sheets book from Amazon with their 30% discount offer, and I can't wait to get it.
Oh, and bought some RAM as well as an SSD that would hopefully make my PC less laggy when I run Lightroom.
>I wonder if he owned the property or just picked a spot in the wilderness and decided to set up camp.
Dick had a good friend who already had a cabin nearby on that same lake, not far from the site he picked for his. His friend allowed him to make use of the existing cabin (and his canoe, etc.) while he was building his there. He also had an arrangement with a bush pilot who regularly flew in supplies and materials for him. That lake is visited occasionally by Alaskan hunters who have the means to fly into the area, so although it's very remote it's not 100% devoid of human presence (especially now).
The DVD is actually kind of a companion piece to his journals, which are great and definitely worth reading if you like this kind of thing: https://www.amazon.com/One-Mans-Wilderness-Alaskan-Odyssey/dp/0882405136/
Magnum Contact Sheets
Do not disturb! Cat is arting.
There are two books of that title--this creates some confusion. You're probably speaking of the first one?
http://www.amazon.com/Photographers-Eye-Composition-Design-Digital/dp/0240809343
http://www.amazon.com/Photographers-Eye-John-Szarkowski/dp/087070527X
Let me recommend this book to you. It's a very cool collection that shows entire rolls of film that famous photos came from (e.g. the iconic photo of Che). It's mostly targeted at film nerds like me but it is also a great piece of storytelling and I think you might enjoy it based on your comment.
Why Cats Paint
http://smile.amazon.com/Why-Cats-Paint-Theory-Aesthetics/dp/0898156122/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414971217&sr=1-1&keywords=why+cats+paint
General 'snapshot' street photography is a matter of chance, with a small amount of composition. Very little work and thought goes into the output. What's notable about HCB is that he frequently framed a shot based on artistic composition; and waited for something to happen. Other times he had time to compose a shot he took the time to find the geometry. Even when just out snapping, he looked for scenes where geometry was striking. If you're curious about the way he does this, he talks about it in an old movie.
Asking someone else how to make your work stand out is inherently uncreative, for the record.
One of the most important things I ever learned about photography was that buying gear isn't really useful. Having a working camera and some working lenses is necessary; but if you have something 'semi-professional' or above, there's little to no advantage in upgrading. You have an M8 (or possibly an M6 by now?) and a lens. As long as both are in functional condition; that's all you need in terms of equipment.
Instead, buy books. Here's some suggestions that you might want to consider:
You can also look at libraries for these, and keep an eye on thrift stores and used bookshops. I think you're in London, right? There's a huge gallery on Oxford street, and in Mayfair there's a Leica store where exhibitions are held a few times a year.
The key point is to look at photos; individual photos, contact sheets and whole curated books and exhibitions. Think about how the artists made something like documentary and snapshot photography into an art. Look for ideas you can use, and look for things that haven't been done that you could use to be unique. Look at studio photography. Look at erotic photography. Look at cinema and still life and landscapes and architecture and paintings and drawings and every other image created with artistic intent, that represents a moment of reality. And go from there.
I quite like my copy of Magnum Contact Sheets. It might be a good choice.
I've heard that Magnum's Contact Sheets is really incredible.
http://www.amazon.com/Henri-Cartier-Bresson-Decisive-Cartier-Bresson/dp/3869307889/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417696068&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=the+decicive+moment
This Photographer's Eye or this?
Photography is a very expensive book but maybe you can get it in a library. It's a standard photo class textbook:
http://www.amazon.com/Photography-10th-Barbara-London/dp/0205711499/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268423249&sr=8-4
The Photo Idea Index has dozens of self-assignments which will give you experience and have fun.
http://www.amazon.com/Photo-Idea-Index-Jim-Krause/dp/158180766X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268423296&sr=8-1
Agree. Like everything, it's about balance. It's good to try to have the best crop out of camera to use the maximum of your sensor or film, but as well its good to shoot slightly wider so you have room for some crops of rotation.
A good tool to prove your point is to send them to the Magnum Contact Sheets book and show them the corps they did on film in the darkroom.
Anyone has suggestion for great photo books which I could learn a lot from about photography in general? Recently I bought both Magnum Manifesto and Magnum Contact Sheets, and I really love them, especially the latter, simply because I learned a great deal about composition by poring over it. So another question would be iss there any other book which compiles famous contact sheets of well-regarded photographers?
I don't really think instruction books are worth it anymore. You can learn the basics much faster online for free. What the internet can't provide is a good printed book filled with classic photography. If she is going to Columbia (and perhaps hearing the great Rosalind Krauss), these classics are mandatory anyway.
One of the best books on photography ever written:
Barthes: Camera Lucida
A few classic photography books everyone with a faint interest in the medium will love:
Ansel Adams
Diane Arbus
Henri Cartier-Bresson
The Photographers Eye
Highly recommended: One Man's Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey.
Great recommendation! There's also a book about him: http://www.amazon.com/One-Mans-Wilderness-Alaskan-Odyssey/dp/0882405136/ref=pd_bxgy_mov_img_b
one of my favorite coffee table books-
you might also enjoy:
why cats paints and why paint cats
Exactly this. I was hoping someone would mention Dick Proenneke. That dude was the original wilderness badass. Get up in the morning, cut down a couple trees with an axe, build a table and a stool with just hand tools, catch some fish, and then stop and have some lunch.
The book is a great read for anyone considering making their way on their own in the wilderness.
This reminds me of Peter Menzel's Material World. It is the most fascinating coffee-table book!
http://www.amazon.com/Why-Paint-Cats-Ethics-Aesthetics/dp/1580082718
Also available: Why cats paint:
http://www.amazon.com/Why-Cats-Paint-Theory-Aesthetics/dp/0898156122/ref=la_B000APOYKC_1_2
And dancing with cats:
http://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Cats-Creators-International-Seller/dp/0811824152/ref=la_B000APOYKC_1_1
Szarkowski's The Photographer's Eye and Looking at Photographs.
If you want an actual account that will give you the identical feel, check out One Man's Wilderness. You may have even seen the documentary on PBS if you're in the US, but it's just fantastic.
I suggest you visit Magnum, LensCulture, Invisible Photographers Asia, In-Public, British Journal of Photography, etc. Have fun!
"You may also like:"
http://www.amazon.com/Material-World-Global-Family-Portrait/dp/0871564300
This is it.
Check out these two:
Material World
Women in Material World
Actually they could that's why due process was so high up on the Constitutional right to it.
I get that they couldn't conceive of local police shooting unarmed citizens (up by 200% since 2002!) And getting away with murder by being judge jury and executioner.
But consider this...
Lynching was only made illegal in 1968.
Between 1835-1964 some 5000 people were lynched.
Have you ever seen the book WITHOUT SANCTUARY?
It will amaze and horrify. Lynching was a post card worthy picnicking pastime; especially in the Deep South. But NOT ONLY!
Lynching caused my family to change my maiden name in 1919. At that time my migrant great grans from Sicily were terrified as Sicilians lynched SECOND only to black folks!
Sicilian female doctors couldn't get work. My great Aunt convinced my great grans to change name. Including all kids.
Anyone with the name is a direct relation. Now almost in thousands!
Lynching stats: https://www.citylab.com/equity/2017/01/a-comprehensive-map-of-american-lynchings/513293/
Link to book https://www.amazon.com/Without-Sanctuary-Lynching-Photography-America/dp/0944092691
Desert Solitaire
Leaves of Grass
One Man's Wilderness
Into the Wild
Wilderness Essays
Call of the Wild
Walden Shocking huh?
You can read his book, One Man's Wilderness. I loved it. It's a compilation of his journal entries from when he was in Alaska.
Least Wanted: A Century of American Mugshots by Mark Michealson. It's a beautiful Steidl made summation of Mark's collection of mugshots over the years. It's hard to get hold of but well worth it if you can.
When my husband got his first SLR, I got him this.
The writing is a bit cheesy, but it does a good job prescribing what settings you'll need for what type of picture. This allowed him to start snapping immediately rather than trying to study the camera for ages before getting started.
As for collections of great photographs, try National Geographic's collections if she likes landscapes.
I love contact sheets! Looking through mine really brings me back to the time I took the pictures.
Also, check this book out. It's massive, probably the highest density of photography-per-page and by far my favorite photo-related book.
http://www.amazon.com/Photography-11th-Barbara-London/dp/0205933807/
This what they use as textbook in college photography courses. Get used one or earlier edition on eBay to save some money.
http://www.amazon.com/Henri-Cartier-Bresson-Decisive-Cartier-Bresson/dp/3869307889/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422551741&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Decisive+Moment
Sure they can
One man's wilderness - an Alaskan odyssy is tremendous. It's not written like a story though. Dick wrote in a journal everyday as part of his work for the national park service documenting things like temperature and snow pack depth. He would also document animals and their migration patterns. This book is excerpts from those journals and put together in chronological order, a highlights if you will.
Really really good read.
Dick Proenneke
This guy is incredible. I read his memoir many years ago and highly recommend it... https://www.amazon.com/One-Mans-Wilderness-Alaskan-Odyssey/dp/0882405136/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Reminds me of this story. http://www.amazon.com/One-Mans-Wilderness-Alaskan-Odyssey/dp/0882405136
There’s a book “Why cats paint: A theory of feline aesthetics”
https://www.amazon.com/Why-Cats-Paint-Theory-Aesthetics/dp/0898156122
Alone in the Wilderness: https://youtu.be/ShLLp94RZMY
Accompanying Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0882405136/ref=pd_aw_sim_74_2/168-8232578-2674509?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JF37GEHWS34EEPZW9DCF
Multiple Alaskan Homesteads, the user who posted this video was apart of one of these families before leaving for civilization: https://youtu.be/UlPzlmqp7tI
A documentary by VICE that is dedicated to the Korth family, seen in the above video: https://youtu.be/Iq0rZn8HFmQ
Book about the Korth family from the previous two links: https://www.amazon.com/Final-Frontiersman-Family-Alaskas-Wilderness/dp/074345314X
Those last two are the most interesting, because the Korths are the only human residents of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, so they are basically the only residents of an area as large as the state of South Carolina, which is something I can relate to since I grew up in SC....basically the Korths are the most badass homesteaders alive; SC is pretty fucking big.
EDIT: Well I read that wrong, I thought you wanted documentaries to watch.....well if you have money for the plane ticket and the time you could try and meet one of them, but again the third link is from one of the members from one of those families except he's "civilized" so try and message him on YouTube.
If he's more of a reader get About Looking by John Berger
Its a great book that talks about why we take pictures of the things we do and much more.
If he's more interested in looking at actual photographs, I would recommend a number of books
Genesis by Sebastiao Salgado
Magnum Contact Sheets
The Americans by Robert Frank
The Last Resort by Martin Parr
Photography by London and Upton is a pretty popular general photography text. Fortunately it does have a chapter on large format photography and also addresses the particular considerations of large format film in its film/print processing chapters. Even if you aren't planning to develop on your own, I think it's important to know. This book probably has the necessary minimum info to get started without having to flip back and forth through different web sites. All versions of the text are pretty much the same, so you can pick up a used one for less than $5. It's also common enough you might find it in a library.
If you are doing 4x5, you should probably also be attempting to learn the zone system, which this text conveniently also has a chapter on.
The MoMA publication from the 2005 Lee Freidlander show
John Szarkowski's book The Photographer's Eye this is not the same as the other book titled "the photographer's eye" by Freidman which is just trash for digital monkeys to get more likes on flickr.
Uncommon Places by Stephen Shore
william eggleston's guide
and a trip (or, if you can, hundreds of trips) to your local art museum.
within these books and experiences lies every lesson in visual awareness, and by extension, photography, you'll ever want.
I also really liked the photographer's eye by john szarkowski (https://www.amazon.com/Photographers-Eye-John-Szarkowski/dp/087070527X), which is similar to stephen shore's book but much older.
> way too hard and full of inconvenience and risk.
Depends where your priorities are. Some people just want to get away from it all, exit the rat race, enjoy some peace and quiet. I for one can totally get on board with a life where I'm judged only by myself, based on what I've accomplished.
Which is a good segue to the story of Dick Proenneke, who in his 50s decided to disappear into the Alaskan wilderness and build a cabin from scratch using only hand tools. He's got his own book and movie about his story. Worth a read/watch.
My two faves:
https://www.amazon.com/Henri-Cartier-Bresson-Decisive-Cartier-Bresson/dp/3869307889
https://www.amazon.com/Occams-Razor-Outside-Contemporary-Photography/dp/3923922132
Assuming he knows a decent amount about the basic technical side of photography, I'd really suggest a book of photos. There are tons, and they're not only beautiful pieces of art but also invaluable learning tools! This one is a crowd favourite, but there are plenty of other choices. :>
Coworker: I immediately thought she should get a really graphic Batman poster. You could even get it framed if you have enough left over. Here are some from Etsy: 1, 2, 3, 4, this one's a little different.. but it's video game related so.. here! 5
____
Boss: A nice photography book would probably be a safe bet: 1, 2, 3, 4, last one is $5 over budget, but 5
__
Professor: I'm sorry I don't have more original ideas for him but here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
__
GOOD LUCK!!
http://www.amazon.com/Guys-Baby-Animals-Audrey-Khuner/dp/1449407900/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1347302097&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=Hot+guys+and+baby+animals
Usually when Amazon does something like this it's for a day or two and then it's over. This is the lowest it's ever been. https://ca.camelcamelcamel.com/Magnum-Contact-Sheets-Kristen-Lubben/product/050054431X
https://www.amazon.com/Photography-11th-Barbara-London/dp/0205933807
Photography Changes Everything by Marvin Heiferman
EDIT: More:
Magnum Contact Sheets by Kristen Lubben
Photography: The Definitive Visual History by Tom Ang
Michael Kenna: Images of the Seventh Day
Raised by Wolves by Jim Goldberg
The Photography Book: 2nd Edition by Ian Jeffrey
The Photographer's Eye by John Szarkowski
The Photographer's Eye by Michael Freeman
The Photographer's Vision by Michael Freeman
Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson
That was a great doco, and his book is really good. If you liked reading this article, grab the book - you'll love it!
http://www.amazon.com/One-Mans-Wilderness-Alaskan-Odyssey/dp/0882405136/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1410281104&sr=1-1&keywords=dick+proenneke
Someone needs to read Wisconsin Death Trip
Kindof like blackface, it was used in really really bad ways, so bad you cannot even joke about it. Certain peeps took white pride and went entirely too far, to the burning cross’ point, along with other practices. I just bought this book, I cannot go a few pages without putting it down...
They used Hasselblad cameras with medium format film. That is probably sharper than anything you can get from a commercially available digital camera today.
Fun story: When they got back from a moon landing, the film would be processed and they would make a small number of copies. The original film was then stored in liquid nitrogen, and as far as I know it has never been thawed. Those second generation copies were then used to make a few third generation copies, and then frozen as well. So most pictures you see out there were made with those third generation copies.
A photographer named Michael Light (!) got permission in the late 90's to thaw and scan a second generation copy, and used those images to make a book named Full Moon. I browse through my copy about once a year, and the image quality is mind-blowing.
Some low-res images are on his web site.
There is nothing like reading White Fang or Call of the Wild while in the Alaska backcountry. You start reading, and with no evidence of civilization suddenly it's 1890. Also read the short story, to build a fire.
Get a copy of a book or Robert Service poetry. You have to read the Cremation of Sam McGee at least once around a campfire (our most famous poem), it's even better if you cam manage to recite it from memory.
Here's a YouTube vid of Johnny Cache reciting it.
Here's one I read years ago where the sea breaks it's back it's the story of how captain Vitas Bearing and scientist George Stellar discovered Alaska. A truly harrowing tale.
this book is the memoirs or Dick Proenneke. He lived by himself in a cabin by a lake in remote Alaska for decades. The documentary based off of it (alone in the wilderness) is excellent but I haven't actually read the memoirs myself.
Since you're in the mountains read desperate passage this is an exceptionally well researched and written account of the Donner Party, it's chilling, I read while snow camping in the Chugach, powerful stuff.
Anther great thing to read in the wild, journals of famous adventurers. The Lewis and Clark diaries, for example.
A translation of the Poetic Edda (pretend your living in Viking times)
True Grit always an enjoyable slogging through untamed wilderness read.
Hatchet by Paulson, this book is aimed at a younger audience, but it's a good book for reading when out in the woods.
I'll second song of fire and ice, Alaska is the perfect place to read it and imagine themselves the king in the north, or wandering out beyond The Wall.
Also blood meridian is another good suggestion. Adventure in the wild lands with a big element of the unknown and sleeping under the stars. By that same token I'd recommend Dead Mans Walk by McMurtry, the fist prequel to Lonesome Dove, lots of slogging through the wilderness and mountains.
Those are all I can think of at the moment.
Also a note on into the wild, I've never read it but it a lot of people up here do not like it because it's caused a lot of people to come up and emulate the guy, some of them have died or almost died. So don't tell anything to the effect of that book being your inspiration for coming to alaska.
Why Cats Paint
[Relevant, cats have been making art way before elephants!] (http://www.amazon.com/Why-Cats-Paint-Theory-Aesthetics/dp/0898156122)
Hah...links to the actual books for the curious: http://www.amazon.com/Why-Paint-Cats-Ethics-Aesthetics/dp/1580082718
http://www.amazon.com/Why-Cats-Paint-Theory-Aesthetics/dp/0898156122/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y
Shit! They were missing "Dancing with cats" http://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Cats-Creators-International-Seller/dp/0811824152/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_z
yeah or if that's to fascistic oppressive for our feline life companions this
for you
Not sure if it's quite the same, but my parents have this as a coffee table book. Similar at least, it's all the possessions of people around the world. Pretty interesting.
you should check out Least Wanted! Its a really good collection of these kinds of mugshots.
http://www.amazon.com/LEAST-WANTED-Mark-Michaelson/dp/3865212913
For those wondering, from what I could find...
Going to just tag the two other posters, /u/10lbhammer and /u/stumpdawg so they can observe these additional links for info if they so desire.
THis the one?
http://www.amazon.com/Full-Moon-Michael-Light/dp/0375406344/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1407502968&sr=8-2&keywords=Book+full+moon
This is the textbook we were told to get Last year when I started school for photography, its an excellent reference tool and will give you a basic understanding of light, design, composition, and colour theory (http://www.amazon.ca/Photography-11th-Barbara-London/dp/0205933807/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1408949706&sr=1-2&keywords=Photography+textbook).
The best thing you could do is to hook up with a local commercial photographer and assist or shadow them, maybe take a night school course at a local Community College or University. Understanding light and design is paramount to making it as a commercial photographer IMO, its what really separates you from every other guy with a DSLR.
I'm not a commercial photographer, I shoot music (events) and promos for some Toronto based publications and i've built some working relationships with some commercial photographers. This is just my personal opinion.
TL;DR Read books on design (design in painting and sculpting and graphic design are interchangeable), colour theory, and pay attention to detail; study images from magazines, breakdown the lighting. Keep asking questions, the technical aspects are just as important as having strong marketing and business skills.
Edit: Book on design (http://www.amazon.ca/Basics-Creative-Photography-Design-Principles/dp/2940411360/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1408950177&sr=1-2&keywords=Photography+design+textbook)
Read his book, it's incredibly inspiring...
http://www.amazon.com/One-Mans-Wilderness-Alaskan-Odyssey/dp/0882405136/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404231116&sr=8-1&keywords=one+mans+wilderness
This perhaps? It's on my to read list since I saw this doc.
Those are all composite photos from the CGI guy behind the coffee-table picture book Full Moon
https://www.amazon.com/Full-Moon-Michael-Light/dp/0375406344
My theory about these is that "real" photos from the NASA Apollo catalog have been inserted into CGI rendered landscapes. It's sort of admitted in that book although they're intentionally vague about the exact process, for example were the landscapes 3D models to help create consistent lighting? Doesn't say.
Not about war but this coffee table book depiction of death, mystery, and insanity fascinates and freaks me out to no end:
http://www.amazon.com/Wisconsin-Death-Trip-Michael-Lesy/dp/0826321933
Also...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thin_Red_Line_(novel)
I did enjoy the PBS documentary. If you like, you can read the book written from his journals - One Man's Wilderness or another which is mostly his actual journals collected into a book More Readings From One Man's Wilderness.
The first book is a retelling of his life from the journals. However, Dick stated that if his journals were ever published, he wanted them in his own words (which the original book didn't) so the second book was put out.
Of course, if you don't want to drop any money or support the author, and don't mind reading from a PDF, the second book More Readings is available on the National Park Service website at http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/lacl/proenneke.pdf
And as a final esoteric entry, if you read his books and enjoyed all the sourdough cooking he did, you can purchase the actual sourdough starter he used at http://alaskasgoldenspoon.com/page2.cfm?recordid=45
Lastly I don't think it's fair or reasonable to compare Dick with Les or Bear as they have different goals. I don't think Dick's intent was to survive under difficult conditions. He like the Alaskan wilderness and wanted to live a comfortable life using his own skills to provide. He certainly didn't live off the land as his diet was primarily supplied by groceries brought in periodically by air. He did supplement his food with items he hunted (only legally during hunting season) and foraged food. But his main diet was sourdough products like pancakes and biscuits and beans.
You should really pick up the book (http://www.amazon.ca/One-Mans-Wilderness-Alaskan-Annivers/dp/0882405136)
Here's his full diary compiled by the NPS
http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/lacl/proenneke.pdf
I saw a book like this once. they took every possession families owned and put them on the front lawn and took a pic. they did that all across the globe. really put some stuff in perspective.
http://www.amazon.com/Material-World-Global-Family-Portrait/dp/0871564300
The new addition is a bit more than half the price. I've been meaning to pick it up for a while now now so ordered it immediately when I saw the cheaper price. More than worth the $50.
http://www.amazon.com/Material-World-Global-Family-Portrait/dp/0871564300
Great book for comparing lifestyles around the globe.
Check out this book if you find this issue interesting:
https://www.amazon.com/Petrochemical-America-Richard-Misrach-Kate/dp/1597112771
Static-X Wisconsin Death Trip Full Album
title inspired by this book
​
Thanks for the advice. I can't find your Flickr. Your flair links me to your website. I'll start checking out John Free's videos today.
On Books:
I'm currently in the process of deciding which book(s) to get. I was thinking The Americans by Robert Frank or Magnum's Contact Sheets. At some point, probably both. I was originally looking for written books by author describing how they think when out shooting, but all I usually find on Amazon and the web are bland books on the essentials of your camera, such as how to get good exposure. Or only the basic compositions like the rule of thirds.
On Gear:
I actually really do agree with you on the gear part. Books(education) over gear. This is partly why the only camera I own, which I purchased a year ago, is my Fuji X100S. One camera, one lens. My thought process is that I want to earn my next camera. Meaning not switch over to another camera or lenses until I have finally decided I can benefit from it when my photos begin getting better.
On Resources:
That John Free guy is a great resource. I also find that Adam Marelli and Eric Kim do well to put out good info. Though the former is more reserved (I think he would rather get paid via a workshop for it). But if you have any more people you can think of on photography techniques and/or philosophy, please let me know.
Wow, I'm not familiar with Perry Kulper at all, but those drawings you linked are excellent and I absolutely see the similarities now.
You might also like the work of Kate Orff and Richard Misrach, their book "Petrochemical America" is stunning and packed with excellent diagrams that seem quite similar to Perry Kulper
Personally, I never have enough camera bags. Understated ones that can be used daily would be a fine gift. Domke, ThinkTank, Billingham are great and bags are a thing I don't like splurging on for myself.
Photography books are also nice. Unfortunately the most anticipated reprint book this year, Cartier-Bresson's The Decisive Moment has been delayed till January.
Cats CAN paint! why Cats Paint
OK... help me figure this out!
I absolutely want to buy it, however I feel misled from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Magnum-Contact-Sheets-Kristen-Lubben/dp/0500292914/
The listing says "This title will be released on October 24, 2017" however reviews are from 2012 and beyond.
Would this book actually sell at $28.33? If so, DEAL OF THE CENTURY.
IF not, where should I source a copy?
Magnum Contact Sheets is a great book that shows how many shots went into getting the perfect image and the different ways the photographers tried to set up the scene before getting the final shot.
Similarly, if your SO has any interest in Hip-Hop and the iconic photography behind it, Contact High is a great selection.
One Man's Wilderness by Sam Keith and Richard Proenneke is an absolute classic.
Indian Creek Chronicles by Pete Fromm is another of my favorites.
Not at all. I actually love living alone and I even have a little fantasy of doing what this guy did (but only for a year or two): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Proenneke
By the way this book about him is necessary reading for any real outdoorsy people: http://www.amazon.ca/One-Mans-Wilderness-Alaskan-Annivers/dp/0882405136
The decisive moment: http://www.amazon.com/Henri-Cartier-Bresson-The-Decisive-Moment/dp/3869307889
I think it's a take off of the book Why Cats Paint: A Theory of Feline Aesthetics, which is a delightful little book (it's satirical).
This is from a book called Material World http://www.amazon.com/Material-World-Global-Family-Portrait/dp/0871564300
I have it somewhere, read it as a kid. Really good book, also had great pictures where they'd take like... ALL of their possessions and display them outside their house. Very informative. Worth attributing, even.
Reminds me of a book called "Least Wanted" - unfortunately it's out of print, now:
http://www.amazon.com/LEAST-WANTED-Mark-Michaelson/dp/3865212913
But I also found this book of mugshots from a "mental institution" in the 1940s:
http://theladdschool.com/books/idiots-imbeciles-and-morons.asp
There's a photo gallery at the bottom of the page, and more pics in the free preview.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Proenneke
Check out the PBS documentary or the book, One Man's Wilderness
My barber has this book that's a collection of old mug shots. Their style and hair is so good I had mine cut the same way.
and also, "Why Cats Paint." one of my favorites. thanks, new zealand. here it is on amazon. i know you're all dying to read it.
http://www.amazon.com/Pussy-Portraits-Frannie-Adams/dp/3934020690 figured I would follow that up with a link
Material World: A Global Family Portrait? link
They are definitely not all alike:
http://www.amazon.com/Pussy-Portraits-Frannie-Adams/dp/3934020690
I read this book on Richard Proenneke a few years ago, and it's a really worthwhile read.
This is from Wilder Mann by Charles Frëger. I have it sitting on my shelf. Great book.
One mans wilderness http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0882405136
Basically the diaries of Richard proenneke. I.e. this old guy goes up to Alaska, builds himself a cabin, and lives there for years by himself. Non fiction. I liked it a lot. Slow, but it's real and that makes it so much more interesting
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1449407900/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00
I did not call her a mooch. I said she is mooching off her parents with regard to the construction location of her crap shack.
This may be shocking, but some of my experience comes from real life. For example, my uncle has built such a cabin and I have spent many a happy night in it. However, Dick Proenneke's cabin in Alaska would be an example of such craftsmanship. He documented the construction of his cabin in journal entries and with his video camera. He lived in this cabin year round for more than 30 years. I would highly recommend the book One Man's Wilderness
Why Paint Cats: The Ethics of Feline Aesthetics
The follow-up to:
Why Cats Paint: A Theory of Feline Aesthetics
Now in THREE volumes at Amazon!