Welcome to this months edition of the Photographers Reading List.
Early Color – Saul Leiter
I got this photobook as a present about a year ago and it’s one of the best presents I ever got. I still go through it almost weakly for inspiration and every time I hope that I can one day reach his level.
Early Color shows Leiter’s totally different approach to street photography and why he became known as one of the pioneers of color photography. All images were taken between 1948 and 1960 on an expired Kodachrome film.
Show Your Work – Austin Kleon
Many artists overcomplicate their marketing. I know I used to until I read this book. Show Your Work reframes your thinking so that you’ll start to see your creative process and behind the scenes as an opportunity to grow and connect with your audience.
A great book “for people who hate the very idea of self-promotion” by Austin Kleon who also wrote the excellent Steal Like An Artist.
Read This If You Want to Take Great Photographs – Henry Carroll
As photographers, we can often get caught up with all the technicalities that are inherent to our craft, especially in the beginning.
This book tries to simplify things and give some handy tips along the way to help hone your photography skills. It might be more suited for beginners though, as more experienced photographers will probably know most tips already.
The book is also part of author Henry Caroll’s “Read This If You Want To…” collection of affordable photography books.
The Pirate’s Dilemma: How Youth Culture Is Reinventing Capitalism – Matt Mason
I love reading these kinds of books that explain social and economic trends by telling interesting stories. Pioneered by Malcolm Gladwell, it’s an ideal way to relax and gain greater insights into the world at the same time.
Taking your from Nazis to Smurfs and world peace, Matt Mason wrote an excellent book that will entertain and inspire you for hours.
Things the Grandchildren Should Know – Mark Oliver Everett
This book is about the extraordinary true-life story of songwriter Mark Oliver Everett, lead singer of the band Eels.
In the words of Pete Townshend (The Who): “E’s story is a good example of the way an adverse life in childhood and adolescence shapes an artist, creates eccentricity and ultimately contributes to brilliance. This is one of the best books ever written by a contemporary artist. I learned more about my own business and my own methods by reading this book than I did by reading the life of Chuck Berry, Elvis or David Bowie.”