Inspirational Photographer's Books - help

Breaker

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I got a bunch of book vouchers for a birthday back in March, and just recently had the time to browse through a couple of bookstore's Photography sections.

Utterly disappointed by the lack of anything remotely inspirational tbh. While I acnowledge that my taste in photography styles is a little niche (think late 1950s kodachrome meets modern gritty urban) I was surprised by how little I could find which even began to approach what I was looking for.

Tonnes of books on recognised masters of photography, but honestly, if I see one more book by Adams or Bailey I'm going to loose all hope....I must have looked at easily 300 books....

So, I need some help. Does anyone have a clue what I'm talking about when I describe my taste in photographs? Does anyone know of any books, or even online portfolios, which might match it?
 
It might not be what you're looking for, but this book is one of the best books I've come across, and has redefined the way I look for compositions.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Photographe...r_1_14?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277383030&sr=1-14

This one is great as well, but might not suit the style you're asking for:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Street-Phot...r_1_48?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277383184&sr=1-48

Edit: I haven't read this myself, but it might be a bit closer to what you want:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Street-Seen...hy-1940-1959/dp/379135034X/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_3
 
The last photography book I bought (actually the second last as I've just bought a Don McCullin one) was by the one with the beard....

tv-show-11.jpg


it documents his travels around America, not really "street" but some interesting portraits of those he met along the way.
 
Thanks to everyone!

Stig & Stuart - Freeman's book does look good, although I'm looking for less of a technical/instructional book than one of a particular style that I'd like to try out for myself. But I have a softspot for asian photography, so might take a look.

Stig - Street Photography Now say's it's not been released yet. Have you seen a copy, or are you refering to a previous version? I'm not sure that the more contemporary style is to my taste, but there's bound to be something in there I like.

Street Seen certainly looks interesting, but from the reviewer's comments I went on to look at The New York School: Photographs, 1936-63, which while weighing in at over £100 for a used copy, looks considerably more substantial.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1556702396/ref=cm_cr_asin_lnk

Given the price difference, Street Seen is probably the one to start with ;) - although I'm wondering what percentage of the shots and B&W as I'd really like to stick with colour for the moment.

Jon - Subway does look interesting, although seems a little limited by the locations and tends to orientate more towards the portrait than the scene....picture style looks perfect though. Now all I need to do is save up a little....amazon has it for £243 for the 1983 release and starting at £366.22 for the 2003 version....

Graham - So, who is that then?





;)




Does his photography really qualify as 'late 1950s kodachrome meets modern gritty urban'?
 
Steve McCurry is someone whose photography I'm enjoying currently.
 
Although maybe not your taste... Oops. What about William Eggleston.
 
Flash In The Pan said:
Well, still worth a look as something "different" from the norm ;)
Click to expand...

I'm going to be reluctantly trollish (as I appreciate the time you took to consider and post), but given my frustrations over not being able to find something I like, and being very specific in my requirements (especially ones which i wouldn't consider particularly 'normal'), I don't see the suggestion as valid.....plus, it's Kenny Rogers :D

KayJay ..... thanks for Eggleston, and the style is certain apt, but I've always found the emptyness somewhat offputting. I'll definately look for more of his work when I get the chance though.

the Americans - Robert Frank, awesome stuff, and one I'll absolutely purchase in the future, but being B&W I'll stay away from for the moment.
 
Breaker said:
Jon - Subway does look interesting, although seems a little limited by the locations and tends to orientate more towards the portrait than the scene....picture style looks perfect though. Now all I need to do is save up a little....amazon has it for £243 for the 1983 release and starting at £366.22 for the 2003 version....
Click to expand...

Don't get me started on the cost of photobooks.

I was after Twenty Six Gasoline Stations but don't have the requisite thousands. The latest Bruce Davidson collection (just out now, so in print) is £120.
 
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