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The Education of a Photographer | 
 enlarge | Authors: Charles H. Traub, Steven Heller, Adam B. Bell
Publisher: Allworth Press
Category: Book
List Price: $19.95
Buy New: $13.57
You Save: $6.38 (32%)
New (21) Used (8) from $7.98
Rating:  3 reviews
Sales Rank: 60562
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1st
Pages: 256
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 8.8 x 6 x 0.8
ISBN: 158115450X
Dewey Decimal Number: 770.922
EAN: 9781581154504
ASIN: 158115450X
Publication Date: June 1, 2006
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Pre-Order (0-0 Business Days)
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
What inspires great visionaries?
Ideal for art students at every level
Illuminating words about creating great images
Published in association with New York s School of Visual Arts What does it mean to become a photographer in the twenty-first century? This thoughtful collection of essays illuminates the spirit of the people who make the indelible images of our times. Aspiring and professional photographers especially those in arts programs throughout the United States will appreciate the comprehensive vision of The Education of a Photographer. Classic writings from the twentieth century as well as the thoughts of the most influential talents working today, plus essays from designers, editors, and gallery owners, make this a compelling look at what drives and inspires photographers to create great work.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Of Academic Interest January 1, 2008
Conrad J. Obregon (New York, NY USA)
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
If a photographer might think that a picture is worth 10,000 words, why would one need a book of words about photography? Wouldn't a few well chosen photographs have obviated the need for this book? Probably not, because the aforesaid major premise is probably wrong, or at least overstated. There are some concepts that are so complex that they can't be expressed in pictures. That presumably was the thought of the editors.
In his introduction Charles Traub, who is the chair of the School of Visual Arts' department devoted to photography, says that the world of photography has changed in recent years and that the writings included in the book are designed to prepare the fine arts student to enter into the world of contemporary photography. In order to do this the authors have divided the book into four parts: "Reflections on the Medium: What It Means to Photograph; How Others See Them: Considering the Photographer; Finding an Audience: Working with the Professionals; and Guide for the Uneducated: Higher Education and Photography. Each Section contains several short essays ranging from less than a half page to 11 pages. Although the editors disavow any idea of providing photographic instruction, the piece by Henri Cartier-Bresson comes the closest to instruction. On the other hand, the piece by Dave Eggers, in which he describes the thoughts running through the mind of a young women waiting to take a gritty but artistic photograph might be interesting to a creative writing student, and while a bit of fun, does not seem to be useful to a photographer. The interview with Charlotte Cotton, a museum photography curator, seemed the most accurate and insightful description of the current photographic art market. For me the most useful piece was an outline of how to critique a photograph by Ralph Hattersley.
The Amazon star system is not useful in the evaluation of a book like this. The readings in this book are a mixed bag. I suspect that most photographers, including those earning a living from their work, will find little to benefit them here, although they may find some of the articles of interest. On the other hand, for the individual earning a Master of Fine Arts in Photography, and interested in entering into the contemporary art photography market, the essays may prove useful.
If they have not done so already, those who want to read more about photography, with an emphasis on its history as well as its philosophy might do better to read an old classic, "Photography in Print: Writings from 1816 to the Present" by Vicki Goldberg.
 A book I have not yet read. June 7, 2007
G. Pappas (CT)
11 out of 39 found this review helpful
Since I purchased this book, however many months ago it was,I have yet to sit down and read through any of its essays. I did scan over a few and found that many of the authors were more interested in flexing their extensive vocabulary to convey their abstracted views of photography and the meaning of the photograph. Not really what I had in mind, though there might be some treasure buried within the pages. I don't think I'll start digging for a while.
It's not an entry level read. I was hoping that the book would contain life experiences and advice from seasoned photographers. It might, though I haven't found it. Before you buy see if you can find it at a bookstore and read some of the chapters. Then consider whether it's worth the money.
 Essential in a photographer's library March 31, 2007
Miguel Proença (Portugal)
21 out of 24 found this review helpful
I'm only halfway through and can only ask why such a book only surfaces now. Previous concise compilations of writings on photography concentrated on the mediums origins and historical figures. This one gives us a more contemporary context (ie the 50ies) and goes on from there until today, focusing on the ideas of key figures. Thank you editors!
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