Collecting Photography Books

[Jim Becia]

Keep the suggestions coming. I did state in the original post that I was not looking for appreciation, just some ideas of photography books worth collecting. I will only buy those that I think I might like. Thanks and I hope there are more suggestions coming. Jim

[Merg Ross]

I agree with the idea of buying books because you are moved by the content. Purchase what appeals to you and you will be well rewarded, monetary considerations aside. Only once did I buy with the intention of selling at a profit, and after fifty years I was handsomely rewarded. I purchased two copies at the time, one to peruse over the years and one kept under wraps. That was the extent of my collecting books for resale. As you have stated, you are not looking for appreciation, although that may be the end result.

Already mentioned, Lodima Press does an excellent job of printing and has a good list of lesser known photographers to offer. The Brett Weston Portfolio series is terrific for those who are his fans. The Baja Portfolio has just been released.

My most recent purchase was this week, a book on the work of Oliver Gagliani, a must have book for those with an interest in abstract photography. Also, my friend Chris Honeysett has two monographs that might interest you. His work is excellent, as are the books. (edit) I just checked and his first book has apparently sold out. The second, Essence of Forum is available.

Have fun, there are excellent deals on used photography books if condition is not all that important to you.

[Michael Gordon]

Here's a couple of recent-ish books that I really dig:

Michael Crouser; Los Toros. Superb images. Print quality could be better considering the price.

Fan Ho; Hong Kong Yesterday. Phenomenal photography and printing. I haven't yet seen The Living Theatre, but I would expect it to be equally impressive.

[srbphoto]

A couple of books I really like:

Along The Way by Mark Citret

Excellent reproductions, images broken down to their most basic forms. Excellent.

Imaging Edan by Lyle Gomes

The book is very well done though it does not do justice to Lyle's beautiful prints. His prints have some of the most subtle changes of midtones. Very tough to reproduce.

[Michael Graves]

A few of my favorites:

David Plowden: Imprints
Wynn Bullock: The Enchanted Landscape
Wright Morris: Photographs and Words
Ansel Adams: The Making of 40 Images
A Bunch of Nuts on a Forum: A Larger View

[Jim Becia]

Thanks for all the suggestions and certainly keep them coming.

Here's a list of some of the books I had and a couple of recent purchases:

Recollections - John Sexton
Two Hearted Oak - Roman Loranc
Intimations of Paradise - Christopher Burkett
Photographs and Words - Wright Morris
One Thosand Moons - Eddie Sollaway
Landscapes of the Spirit - William Neill
Ancient Shape of Man - John Eric Hawkins
The Americans- Robert Frank
William Eggleston's Guide - William Eggleston

My two recent purchases are:
China Li River - Josef Hoflehner
Essence of Form - Chris Honeysett (this one thanks to Merg Ross's suggestion).

I have my eye on a few others and when funds are available will try to pick up a few more. So, again, keep those ideas coming. Thanks. Jim

[alec4444]

I don't have very many photo books, partly because I don't find too many photographers whose style I enjoy all the way through. That's not to sound snotty or anything, but I better REALLY like most of the images in the book to think it's worth it. Couple books that fit the bill:

Recollections - John Sexton
Three Gorges - Bill Zorn

The latter really blew me away! Hoping to acquire a print or three in better times.

I really enjoy some of the historical books like the one on the cikut camera (America by the Yard: Cirkut Camera). I saw this at ICP in new York selling at full retail. I was intrigued, but not $100 worth. Went home and found it on Amazon....NEW....for $20. looks like it's back up to $67.

A favorite acquisition is a photographic technical manual from 1888: "The Photographic Negative" by W.H. Burbank from "Scovill's Photographic Series". I've been able to read about the processes used in "the day" from a primary source; and lots of processes are covered. Err, plus I like the typography! If anyone has other books from this series that you're no longer interested in, please contact me!

Cheers!
--A

[David Karp]

Explorations by Ray McSavaney. You have to see it. A wonderful book.

[Don7x17]

Light Years...Morely Baer
Carleton Watkins in Yosemite (newly published By Getty)

[Merg Ross]

Thanks for all the suggestions and certainly keep them coming.

Here's a list of some of the books I had and a couple of recent purchases:

Recollections - John Sexton
Two Hearted Oak - Roman Loranc
Intimations of Paradise - Christopher Burkett
Photographs and Words - Wright Morris
One Thosand Moons - Eddie Sollaway
Landscapes of the Spirit - William Neill
Ancient Shape of Man - John Eric Hawkins
The Americans- Robert Frank
William Eggleston's Guide - William Eggleston

My two recent purchases are:
China Li River - Josef Hoflehner
Essence of Form - Chris Honeysett (this one thanks to Merg Ross's suggestion).

I have my eye on a few others and when funds are available will try to pick up a few more. So, again, keep those ideas coming. Thanks. Jim

Jim, pleased to hear that you took my tip on the Chris Honeysett book, Essence of Form (this time I spelled it correctly). I assume you had the opportunity to peruse his website. He has done excellent work for many years, with a keen eye and total dedication to his art.

Also, I agree with the suggestion of Morley Baer's book (Light Years) from Photography West Gallery in Carmel, http://www.photographywest.com/, and taking a look at their other book offerings.

Thanks for the update, you already have an excellent library of photographic books.