Ok, I never really used to be into photo books that much. I mean, they were nice and everything, but I never understood the big attraction and would rather spend the money somewhere else.
However, over the last year I’ve developed bit of an appreciation for them. Especially when I’m in need of some inspiration, or just want to look at some quality photographs that aren’t displayed on a computer screen (that’s a whole other issue).
I’ve been in bit of a photographic “rut” the last couple of months. Over Christmas, by pure chance i was bought Europeans by Henri Cartier Bresson, and found a very good deal on Araki by Araki: The Photographer’s Personal Selection. Now if you can’t find any inspiration in these books you have serious issues.
Both books have an amazing collection of photographs. HCB is a master, there’s not much more than can be said about him, I love his street and figurative work. The book features some of his most famous works and quite a few I’ve never seen before. A real treat to look through.
Then there’s Araki’s book. I’ve only been looking at his work for a year or so now, but in that time I’ve noticed that people either love or hate his stuff (as opposed to HCB who just about everyone likes). I think you need to have bit of a sense of humour and actively interpret the photos in the context in which they were constructed and as part of an extensive body of work. I find much of his work interesting and so far enjoy his early stuff the most as it feels a little more natural and less constructed than his later work. I also enjoyed reading about his thoughts looking back on the photos he has in the book, what he was interested in achieving at the time, what prompted him to try a particular technique out, etc. It was a nice insight.
Here are a couple photos of the books and some pages. If you see them around, I recommend checking them out, but be warned, Araki’s book probably isn’t for the feint hearted.