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Urban photography is an evocative genre that captures the essence of city life, reflecting both its vibrancy and its raw edges. The best books on urban photography not only showcase stunning images but also provide insights into the perspectives and techniques of iconic photographers. From Susan Sontag’s critical observations to Brandon Stanton’s heartfelt portraits, this list spans a diverse range of voices and styles. In this article, we delve into the most influential and inspiring books on urban photography. Each entry offers unique lessons and a deep dive into the works of masters of street and urban imagery. Whether you are an aspiring photographer or an enthusiast eager to appreciate the artistry behind urban photography, these books are essential additions to your library.
Susan Sontag on Photography
Susan Sontag’s seminal work, “On Photography,” is often considered a philosophical exploration rather than a straightforward photography book. It does not contain urban photography in the traditional sense; instead, it offers deep insights into the cultural implications of photography. Sontag’s essays question the power dynamics, ethics, and aesthetic considerations of photographers, influencing how we perceive urban environments. Her observations remain relevant for contemporary photographers who grapple with questions about their roles as documentarians. By understanding Sontag’s critiques, urban photographers can approach their work with a heightened awareness of the ethical and sociopolitical dimensions their images may convey.
All About Saul Leiter
Saul Leiter’s work is a breathtaking meditation on color and composition in urban settings. His pioneering use of vibrant hues and reflective surfaces in New York City sets him apart from his monochromatic contemporaries. Leiter’s imagery often blurs the lines between painting and photography, creating an abstract yet intimate portrayal of the city. In “All About Saul Leiter,” readers are treated to an extensive collection of his work, complete with commentary that sheds light on his techniques and inspirations. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in expanding their understanding of color’s impact on urban photography.
Fred Herzog: Modern Color
Fred Herzog’s “Modern Color” is a captivating journey through post-war Vancouver, capturing the subtle beauty and changing landscape of the city. His extensive use of Kodachrome film lends his work a vibrant, lifelike quality that feels both nostalgic and timeless. What sets Herzog apart is his ability to find extraordinary moments in everyday scenes. The book provides not just a visual feast but an appreciation for the nuances of urban existence. Readers can learn how Herzog’s intentionality with color and composition transforms mundane subjects into poignant visual narratives.
Daido Moriyama: How I Take Photographs
Japanese photographer Daido Moriyama is a master of capturing the chaotic energy of urban life. His signature high-contrast, grainy black-and-white photos evoke the gritty essence of Tokyo, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the city’s underbelly. In “How I Take Photographs,” Moriyama provides an invaluable guide to his methods, from his choice of equipment to his spontaneous shooting style. This book is perfect for those keen to break away from conventional techniques and experiment with capturing the frenetic pulse of urban environments.
Robert Frank: The Americans
Robert Frank’s “The Americans” is often hailed as one of the most influential photography books of the 20th century. Through his lens, America in the 1950s is depicted with a raw, unvarnished realism that challenged the idyllic portrayals of the time. The book’s street scenes are infused with a sense of melancholy and disillusionment, offering a powerful critique of American culture. For urban photographers, Frank’s work is a masterclass in using imagery to convey social and political commentary, making it a must-read.
The Suffering of Light: Thirty Years of Photographs by Alex Webb
Alex Webb’s “The Suffering of Light” is a comprehensive retrospective that brings together thirty years of his work. Known for his vibrant, multi-layered compositions, Webb’s images are rich with color and density, often presenting a synthesis of contrasting elements. His work in urban settings like Mexico and Istanbul is both complex and deeply human, capturing the psyche of the cities he portrays. This collection is essential for understanding the importance of layering and color in constructing compelling urban narratives.
Magnum Streetwise: The Ultimate Collection of Street Photography
“Magnum Streetwise” is a compilation of some of the most iconic street photographs taken by members of Magnum Photos, including legends like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Bruce Gilden. This book is a treasure trove of styles and approaches, offering readers a panoramic view of street photography’s evolution. Each photograph tells a unique story, reflecting the diversity of urban life across different cultures and time periods. This collection is invaluable for both inspiration and technical learning, as it covers a broad spectrum of techniques and perspectives.
Ernst Haas: New York in Colour, 1952-1962
Ernst Haas’s “New York in Colour, 1952-1962” is a vibrant portrayal of New York City during a dynamic decade. Renowned for his pioneering work in color photography, Haas captures the shifting moods and tempo of the city with striking originality. The images in this book radiate energy and enthusiasm, offering a fresh perspective on urban life. For photographers and enthusiasts, Haas’s work demonstrates the power of color in capturing the emotional and aesthetic dimensions of a city.
Matt Stuart: Think Like a Street Photographer
Matt Stuart’s “Think Like a Street Photographer” is a practical and engaging guide for anyone keen to delve into street photography. Stuart’s irreverent and humorous approach encourages photographers to view the world around them with curiosity and playfulness. The book is filled with tips and exercises designed to sharpen observational skills and cultivate a unique photographic vision. Stuart’s own work, characterized by its wit and spontaneity, serves as both inspiration and instruction for budding street photographers.
Bruce Gilden: Lost & Found
Bruce Gilden’s “Lost & Found” captures the raw and unfiltered side of New York City, focusing on the 1970s to the early 1980s. Known for his in-your-face style, Gilden’s photographs are candid and confrontational, reflecting the city’s gritty reality. The book includes previously unpublished images that highlight his fearless approach to street photography. For readers, Gilden’s work is a powerful lesson in the importance of perspective and the courage to capture authenticity in urban settings.
Shot in Soho: Photographing Love and Lawlessness in the Heart of London
“Shot in Soho” is a vibrant depiction of London’s Soho district, renowned for its eclectic and bohemian character. The book includes photographs from diverse artists like William Klein, Anders Petersen, and Corrine Day, providing a multifaceted portrait of this unique urban space. The images capture the dynamic and sometimes chaotic energy of Soho, from its nightlife to its colorful characters. This collection serves as an excellent study of how varying perspectives can document the same location in radically different yet compelling ways.
Joel Meyerowitz: Where I Find Myself – A Lifetime Retrospective
“Where I Find Myself” is a comprehensive retrospective of Joel Meyerowitz’s prolific career, encompassing his work from urban landscapes to cultural studies. Meyerowitz’s use of color and light has made him a significant figure in the transition from black-and-white to color photography. The book is a journey through his photographic evolution, illustrating how he captures the essence of urban environments with sensitivity and insight. It’s a valuable resource for understanding the development of a photographer’s vision over time.
The Great British Seaside: Photography from the 1960s to the Present
“The Great British Seaside” is an evocative collection of images that document the quintessential British seaside experience. Featuring work from photographers like Tony Ray-Jones and Martin Parr, the book spans several decades, capturing the charm and quirkiness of Britain’s coastal towns. These photographs offer a fascinating look at the cultural and social dynamics of the seaside, often depicting moments of leisure against a backdrop of change. This book is a testament to the power of location-specific photography in telling broader human stories.
London Nights
“London Nights” is an atmospheric collection that explores the nocturnal life of London. The book includes work from several photographers who unveil the city’s transformation under the cover of darkness, revealing a different dimension of urban life. The images range from intimate, quiet moments to the lively energy of the city’s nightlife. This collection underscores the significance of lighting and timing in capturing the essence of urban environments and offers a captivating glimpse into London after dark.
Raymond Depardon: Glasgow
Raymond Depardon’s “Glasgow” offers a poignant glimpse into the Scottish city during the early 1980s. Renowned for his documentary style, Depardon captures Glasgow in a state of transition, focusing on its stark realities and the strength of its residents. The book’s black-and-white photographs provide a raw, unembellished portrayal of urban struggles and resilience. Depardon’s work is a profound lesson in empathy and the power of documentary photography to capture human spirit within the urban context.
Brandon Stanton: Humans of New York
“Humans of New York” by Brandon Stanton is a heartwarming and humanizing collection that emphasizes the personal stories behind urban faces. Stanton’s portraits are often accompanied by captions that reveal intimate and poignant narratives from the streets of New York. The project underscores the importance of storytelling in urban photography, showing how single images can foster a deeper connection and understanding among diverse communities. This book is essential for anyone interested in the intersection of photography and narrative.
Helen Levitt: Photofile
Helen Levitt’s “Photofile” is a testament to her ability to capture the candid moments of urban life, particularly in New York City. Her images, especially those featuring children’s street life, are filled with spontaneity and authenticity, presenting a world that is both familiar and magical. Levitt’s work is celebrated for its empathetic eye and its ability to find beauty in everyday scenes. For urban photographers, her book serves as a powerful reminder of the emotional depth that can be found in seemingly ordinary moments.
Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Mind’s Eye
Henri Cartier-Bresson, often considered the father of modern photojournalism, shares his philosophy and insights in “The Mind’s Eye.” Although not exclusively focused on urban photography, his principles of capturing the “decisive moment” are critical for any street photographer. Cartier-Bresson’s emphasis on timing and composition encourages photographers to be patient observers, always ready to capture fleeting yet significant moments. His work provides foundational knowledge for understanding the dynamics of street photography.
Forever Saul Leiter
“Forever Saul Leiter” is a tribute to Saul Leiter’s enduring impact on the field of photography. This book revisits his groundbreaking use of color and his unique ability to transform urban New York scenes into painterly compositions. Leiter’s innovative approach to layering and framing offers endless inspiration for photographers eager to experiment with visual storytelling. This collection reinforces his legacy and highlights the timeless nature of his work.
Dougie Wallace: Stags Hens & Bunnies
Dougie Wallace’s “Stags Hens & Bunnies” offers a rambunctious look at the British party culture. Known for his bold and confrontational style, Wallace captures the candid, often chaotic moments of night revelries, particularly in Blackpool. His fearless approach provides a gritty and honest portrayal of urban nightlife, challenging photographers to confront their subjects with similar boldness. The book is both entertaining and insightful, offering a unique perspective on a niche aspect of urban life.
Street Photography Now
“Street Photography Now” is an anthology of contemporary street photography that showcases diverse styles and voices. Including over 50 photographers, this book offers a comprehensive overview of current trends and practices within the genre. The collection serves as an excellent educational tool, illustrating a wide range of techniques and subject matters. It also highlights the evolving nature of street photography, encouraging readers to adapt and innovate in their own work.
Bystander: A History of Street Photography
“Bystander” by Joel Meyerowitz and Colin Westerbeck is often considered the definitive history of street photography. This extensively researched book chronicles the genre’s evolution from the 19th century to modern times, featuring iconic images that have shaped its trajectory. For anyone serious about understanding street photography, “Bystander” provides invaluable context and analysis. The book not only highlights significant photographers but also examines the cultural and technological factors that have influenced the field.
Sergio Larrain: London, 1959
Sergio Larrain’s “London, 1959” captures the city in a period of transformation, offering a unique outsider’s perspective. His moody, atmospheric images provide a deeply personal and introspective look at London life. The book is a study in contrasts, using light and shadow to create striking compositions that evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue. Larrain’s work emphasizes the importance of perspective and mood in creating compelling urban photographs.
Don McCullin
“Don McCullin” is a profound collection of the photographer’s work, known for its intense and often harrowing documentation of conflict. While McCullin is primarily celebrated for his war photography, his urban landscapes are equally powerful, capturing the bleak realities of inner-city life. His stark black-and-white images offer a raw, unfiltered look at societal issues, making the book a critical resource for understanding the social impact of urban photography. McCullin’s work challenges photographers to confront difficult subjects with honesty and integrity.
Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Decisive Moment
“The Decisive Moment” is Henri Cartier-Bresson’s magnum opus, encapsulating his philosophy of capturing spontaneous, revealing moments in time. His work spans various urban environments, each frame meticulously composed yet seemingly effortless. The book is fundamental for understanding the ethos of street photography and the importance of anticipation in capturing meaningful moments. Cartier-Bresson’s timeless techniques continue to inspire photographers around the world.
Joel Meyerowitz: How I Make Photographs
In “How I Make Photographs,” Joel Meyerowitz provides a hands-on guide to his creative process. Known for his pioneering use of color, Meyerowitz shares practical advice on composition, lighting, and subject interaction. The book is filled with exercises and insights designed to help photographers develop their own style. Meyerowitz’s approachable teaching method makes this an invaluable resource for both beginners and seasoned photographers looking to refine their skills.
Vivian Maier: Street Photographer
“Vivian Maier: Street Photographer” is a posthumous collection of Maier’s work, revealing her extraordinary talent for capturing the essence of urban life. Her candid, black-and-white photographs offer an intimate look at Chicago and New York in the mid-20th century. Maier’s story adds a layer of intrigue to her already fascinating images, making this book both a visual and narrative treasure. Her work serves as a reminder of the power of observation and the richness of everyday moments.
Jim Mortram: Small Town Inertia
Jim Mortram’s “Small Town Inertia” focuses on the marginalized communities in small-town England. While not traditional urban photography, the book’s documentary style and intense focus on human stories offer valuable lessons for urban photographers. Mortram’s compassionate portrayal of his subjects underscores the importance of empathy and respect in documentary work. His images are powerful narratives that highlight social issues often overlooked in the urban context.
The Unseen Saul Leiter
“The Unseen Saul Leiter” explores previously unpublished images from the renowned photographer’s archives. This collection broadens the understanding of Leiter’s work, revealing his lifelong dedication to capturing the poetic and the ordinary. The book underscores Leiter’s genius in finding art in everyday urban scenes, making it a crucial addition for anyone looking to delve deeper into his artistic vision. It also serves as an inspiration for photographers to continually explore and experiment with their surroundings.
The Englishman and the Eel
“The Englishman and the Eel” is a unique photographic exploration of the traditional East End eel, pie, and mash shops in London. Photographer Stuart Freedman’s work captures the cultural heritage and community spirit of these iconic establishments. The book is a celebration of a fading cultural tradition, offering a rich, visual narrative that goes beyond simple documentation. Freedman’s work illustrates how specific cultural elements within urban environments can be captured and preserved through photography.
Summary of main points
| Book Title | Author(s) | Focus/Unique Aspect |
|---|---|---|
| On Photography | Susan Sontag | Philosophical exploration of photography |
| All About Saul Leiter | Saul Leiter | Use of color and composition in urban settings |
| Modern Color | Fred Herzog | Post-war Vancouver and the use of Kodachrome film |
| How I Take Photographs | Daido Moriyama | Chaotic energy of urban life |
| The Americans | Robert Frank | Realism and social critique in 1950s America |
| The Suffering of Light | Alex Webb | Complex, multi-layered urban compositions |
| Magnum Streetwise | Various | Iconic street photographs from Magnum members |
| New York in Colour | Ernst Haas | Vibrant portrayal of New York City in the 1950s |
| Think Like a Street Photographer | Matt Stuart | Practical guide to street photography |
| Lost & Found | Bruce Gilden | Raw, candid images of New York City |
| Shot in Soho | Various | Eclectic and bohemian character of London’s Soho |
| Where I Find Myself | Joel Meyerowitz | Comprehensive career retrospective |
| The Great British Seaside | Various | British seaside photography from the 1960s to present |
| London Nights |
