The Ongoing Moment

[vincent]

My greatest read and eyeopener when it comes to photographic books was "The Ongoing Moment" by Geoff Dyer. It is an essay on the movements within American photographic down through the ages. All the greats are mentioned and their influence is noted in how it was carried on. Various themes are examined like white picket fences, lone figures in the cityscape and the reappearance of a hat through time. Not to mention sex and how it drove photographers to new levels.
I can hardly do justice to this book in a review, but I will admit to highlighting entire passages for future reference. If you require a book to stimulate your photographic mind this is my number one recommendation.

[Fintan]

Interesting Vincent, I'm wondering if this is the source of your inspiration for walls and fences?

[Andrew Bartram]

My greatest read and eyeopener when it comes to photographic books was "The Ongoing Moment" by Geoff Dyer. It is an essay on the movements within American photographic down through the ages. All the greats are mentioned and their influence is noted in how it was carried on. Various themes are examined like white picket fences, lone figures in the cityscape and the reappearance of a hat through time. Not to mention sex and how it drove photographers to new levels.
I can hardly do justice to this book in a review, but I will admit to highlighting entire passages for future reference. If you require a book to stimulate your photographic mind this is my number one recommendation.

Good choice Vincent I often dip into my copy as it lends itself to non-sequential reading.

[vincent]

I'm afraid not Fintan, my wall shots are part of an ongoing series inspired by Sean Scully. The book just helped me to get a handle on the world of photography and how I could express myself within it. There was also a lot of photographers whose work I was not aware of and I could now check them out on the Internet etc. If you have yet to read it check it out in Chapters where you can get cheap. I bought mine over the net.

[Andrew Bartram]

Vincent
Try Amazon for "Joel Meyerowitch" by Colin Westerbeck and William Eggleston's Guide.
I got both for Christmas and can highly recommend them both