On Being A Photographer

I’ve just finished reading On Being A Photographer by David Hurn and Bill Jay. The chapter dealing with the contact sheet helped me to clarify how and why I edit how I do.

The book is no theoretical exercise in visual form and poetry, it’s more like a conversation between two grizzled war veterans. It’s not particularly quotable, nor is it an insight into what photography can be. It’s practical advice on everything from a filing system to working single images into becoming a coherent photo essay.

There is a lot of common sense advice that can easily be put into practice. When I was studying I was often pointed to Sontag, Barthes and Berger, who all helped me realise why I take photos, but were no use in teaching me how to take photographs.

I’d certainly recommend this book to anyone who photographs recently, whatever their aims or approach. Certainly up there with On Photography, Camera Lucid, The Photographer’s Eye and The Nature Of Photographs. A well spent £10.

Beginning

Hello. I’m Al, welcome to my blog about photography, paintings, music and who-knows-what else.

It promises to be emotional.