How are you doing today?
Have you zoomed enough? Are tired of looking at a screen?
Well, I am!
So, for a bit of respite, I go out to my tiny balcony and catch up on some reading.

Trust me, it’s no big deal, but I have used this lately more in all the years I’ve lived here!
And catching up on my reading. Mainly books about photography, and the odd detective novel thrown in. Walter Mosely is my current fave as he can deliver a visual that sends me to that place!

If you want to skip the post, here is a full list of some starter books that’ll keep adding to.

When I left LA for NYC, I left 95 boxes of books behind. Yeah, I know. I do miss many of them.

There are books that have been next to my bed, and in my NYC bookshelf, that bring me to the great outdoors, currently about 92º, to get inspired, informed, and sometimes, just luxuriate in the images I’ve not gazed at in too long.
Let’s get to it:
For a faster read, there are a couple of books I go to:
Aperture’s Photographer’s Playbook, and PhotoWork: Forty Photographers on Process and Practice.

The Playbook has 1 or 2 page ideas that may spark a personal assignment. Interesting if you’re feeling blocked, or just want to expand.
The PhotoWork book is great because it gives some insight into the photographic mind. The same questions were asked of everyone, and the answers can add up to a better portrait of each photographer.

Then there are the books about photographers like Larry Fink and Mary Ellen Mark. They seem to be taken from classroom events they taught, and although I’ve been making photographs for decades, I get a nugget or 2 from each one that sticks with me. It’s called the Photography Worksop Series from Aperture.

Honestly, there is something in the Fink book that jogs my brain, every time I edit and get to selects. Scary.

Then have been diving into the Sally Mann autobiography. If you are familiar with her imagery, this cuts deep. Highly recommend.

One book that I haven’t cracked yet is the Dan Winters book, The Road To Seeing. I have picked it up, and put it down a few times. Big commitment and know I will get there before the end of summer.

The current perfect blend is the Life And Work of Sid Grossman.

Beautifully produced, superior printing, and not just a book of photographs, but a great read on his life, and personal conviction.
” A photograph is as personal as a name, a fingerprint, a kiss. It concerns me intimately and passionately. I am not ashamed of that” Sid Grossman

When the sun starts to set, I do head back into the smallish NYC apt, and go through the list of docs on image makers to watch.
More on that list in another post.

And yes, If you purchase from the links provided, we do get a small commission. No price change for you, but it helps support these efforts.

Cheers!