I never really used to consider publishing and creating a
book an art form until learning about Steidl and reading this essay. Just like
any other art form, there is a technical and conceptual process that requires
thought and collaboration in order to produce a an organized, final piece. This
is even more apparent when discussing photography books. This means that the quality of the
photographs and subject matter is just as important as the quality and originality
of the book itself. Growing up in a heavily screen based time, where most of
the photographs I take will never be printed, having the mindset that the
photos I take will be going towards a printed collection is something unique
that adds an element of tangibility to the images being produced. The viewing
experience is much different in a physical form as it provides stimulation for
other senses as well a narrative of some sort, which engages the viewer in a
much deeper way. I think it is human nature to try to build narratives, and the
process of looking through a book establishes those connections. “..a book of
photographs is one where the photographer is highly attuned to these
possibilities of connection and exploits them to his advantage and for the
benefit of the overall viewing/reading experience.” Printed photography books provide
a greater diversity than the screen based mediums of displaying photography.
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