My Virtual Landscape Photography Bookshelf
I'm a book addict. I can't help it, I know I should resist it but whenever I see a photography book that looks halfway decent I have an overwhelming urge to own it. I suppose it's because, in my opinion, photo books are the most effective way of disseminating photography and the pleasure to be had from sitting down and browsing a good photobook is unique. Viewing photographs in a gallery is obviously better in some ways, but I find it difficult to absorb pictures when viewed over a short period of time. I like to absorb my favourite pictures; sit down with them again and again; view them as my tastes change. As much as Joe Cornish's gallery is an excellent visit (and highly recommended) it still only has a set amount of pictures. If you own First Light, Scotland's Coast and Scotland's Mountains then you have nearly 300 of Joe's best pictures and can 'dip' into them at any time you want. As for photographers like Christopher Burkett, Jack Dykinga, Paul Wakefield, etc. We stand little chance of seeing his 'original' pictures and the only way we can absorb them is through their books. As such, my bookshelves are the best gallery in the world and I spend an awful lot of time in there.
So my book reviews are a chance for me to share the location of these galleries for your pleasure. However, I can only review so many books at a time and I thought you might be interested in seeing what is on my shelves. The following link is to my 'virtual bookshelf' at Shelfari. I use it so that I don't end up buying the same book twice (when you are buying from second hand websites, different editions can sometimes even have second names) and also to remind myself who I've lent books to. As the days of 2010 go on, I'll try to include reviews of many of these books. In the meantime, anything with four or five stars is very recommended reading.
Highlight this Comment Bob Parslow03/01/2010, 22:26
Tim
An impressive list. Have you seen Andrew Nadolski's "The End of the Land"
Bob
Highlight this Comment Tim Parkin03/01/2010, 23:14
Oops - yes indeed, it's one of my favourites and thanks for reminding me to put it up - unfortunatley it doesn't have a cover associated with it (I'll find out if you can add one)
Highlight this Comment Paul Owen04/01/2010, 12:31
Excellent idea Tim! I'm pleased to see that many of your books of choice are also to be found on my own bookshelves! I agree that you can't beat a good photo book - I especially like the tome on Iceland; wonderful lighting and an interesting forward where Patrick describes his approach to photography.
Highlight this Comment David Langan04/01/2010, 17:54
I am a photo book addict like yourself and love nothing more than sitting down and absorbing the wonderful photographs and reading the photographers thoughts too. I particularly enjoy rediscovering photos and books I havent looked at in a long time. The amount I have learned from looking at great photos by great photographers is immeasurable. Also when it comes to inspiring texts the titles from Argentum, in particulalry David Ward's books, have been a particularly informative and thought provoking source. I am currently divulging Finding The Picture which I am enjoying alot.
And a little tip for the photo book collectors out there try the book section at TK Maxx. They are usually brand new and often between £5 and £10. I have picked up several titles including Charlie Waite - Landscape and Partick Desgroupes - Iceland.
David
Highlight this Comment Tim Parkin04/01/2010, 17:58
@Paul - Yes indeed, Iceland is a very nice book. The photography may not be to everyones taste (a little over saturated at times) but as a slice of Iceland and some great narrative I found it a very good buy.
Highlight this Comment Tim Parkin04/01/2010, 17:58
@David - Thanks for the tip on TK Maxx, I shall see what I can dig out :-)
Highlight this Comment Paul Breitkreuz04/01/2010, 21:03
Tim, it seems as though your collection or list represents many of the best in the field as we know it. Some books can provide extensive technical ideas, as well as many others can provide drive and overall inspiration too. I find that upon review of my collection of publications they also provide me a means of "mind" travel as it were. Years ago the variety of books titled as; "A Day In The Life Of xxxxxx", series were very much in line with seeing various parts of the world we may never get to see or experience otherwise. I just saw a book here in your collection and followed up with an order to Amazon for it.....*>)
Highlight this Comment Kevin Allan04/01/2010, 23:30
Tim
25-30 years ago I had lots of books about political theory, most of which I never got round to reading. They cluttered up the house for 10 years before I got round to clearing them out.
10-15 years ago I had lots of books about computer programming, most of which I never got round to reading. You know the next bit.
Now it looks like you will start me off on a craze of collecting photography books - well at least I can just look at the pictures !
Highlight this Comment milou06/01/2010, 18:29
A nice collection. After a visit to Beyond Words in Edinburgh (http://www.beyondwords.co.uk/) I bought a couple of Michael Kenna's books. Beautifully produced. You might like Private Views of Snowdonia by Steve Lewis which is full of large format goodness.
Highlight this Comment DJ09/01/2010, 02:50
I know you're mainly a Landscape nut Tim, but a couple of other genres wouldn't be out of place on your bookshelf, they can be just as stimulating.
Like you I have an affliction for buying photo books, my most recent was a Christmas present from my sister (with some persuasion..). It is "Exposures", a collection of portraits by Jane Bown, long time photographer for the Guardian, whom I'm ashamed to say I'd never heard of until this book came out.
http://tinyurl.com/yejg7veThe first time you flick through it, you think they're pretty good portraits. The second time, you spend a little longer on each, and you start to see things, and you realise they're not just just good, they're bloody brilliant. The way a great landscape photographer sees things in the landscape, Jane Bown sees things in people. Most enjoyable photo book I've bought in a while.
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