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The Value of Books by Great Masters of Photography.
With this article, I want to tell you about my experience with inspiration.
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I felt like something was missing…
At the beginning of my photographic journey, I was immersed in a sea of technical information: ISO, shutter speeds, and apertures were all fundamental elements to understand in order to improve my photographic skills.
I studied, practiced, and experimented, and as soon as I gained a good understanding of the technique, I felt the need to go further.
I needed to seek something deeper that could help me create my own style.
And that’s how I started buying books by the great masters of photography.
Who are the great masters?
From Ansel Adams to Henri Cartier-Bresson, from Dorothea Lange to Sebastião Salgado, each master has their distinctive style and unique vision of the world.
Studying their works wasn’t just a way to gain visual inspiration, but also a journey into the human soul, into the emotions, and the stories their images tell.
But why study these books?
You might ask yourself: why should I dedicate my time to studying the books of the great masters when I feel like I’ve already acquired a wide range of technical resources?
The answer is simple: because these books teach us much more than we can learn from a photography manual. At least, that’s how it was for me.
And show us that behind every great image, there is a story to tell, an emotion to share, a message to communicate.
They make us understand that photography is not just about technique, but also about creativity, passion, and intuition, sometimes relegating technique to the background.
And show us that behind every great image there is a story to tell, an emotion to share, a message to communicate.
For me, they have been an endless source of inspiration that accompanied me through every stage of my photographic journey.
So, I recommend immersing yourself in these books to be inspired by these timeless works. You will breathe life into your images and transform your passion for photography into an authentic form of art.
Please note: I want to emphasize once again that drawing inspiration does not mean copying. Take inspiration to create your own style. Don’t replicate what you see.
Many books indeed…
I want to recommend you 4 photography books, a great source of inspiration for me. Books that should not be missing from your library. There are many others, but I don’t want to bore you too much. It’s up to you to find your path. If you need further advice, feel free to ask by writing in the comments.
Peter Lindbergh
Peter Lindbergh was an icon in fashion photography, known for his iconic style and his contribution to redefining beauty standards in the fashion industry. He is famous for his portraits of models without makeup and for helping launch the careers of many top models of the 1980s and 1990s. Lindbergh was also a pioneer in the use of natural light and a documentary approach to fashion photography.
Azzedine Alaïa was not a photographer, but a renowned Tunisian fashion designer known for his haute couture creations that celebrated the female figure through impeccable cuts and high-quality fabrics. He was renowned for his tailoring approach and for dressing many fashion icons and international celebrities. His influence in the fashion world has been lasting and has left an indelible mark on the history of women’s clothing.
They collaborated in the creation of this fantastic book.
Anton Corbjn
Anton Corbijn is a famous Dutch photographer and director known for his work in the music and film industry. He is renowned for his iconic portraits of musicians and for directing numerous music videos and films, including works for U2, Depeche Mode, and the film “Control” about the life of Ian Curtis, the frontman of Joy Division. His distinctive aesthetic and talent for capturing the soul of artists make him a prominent figure in the world of photography and cinema.
“1-2-3-4” is an indispensable book that highlights his strong contrast analog style very well.
Mert Alas & Marcus Piggot
Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott are a fashion photographer duo, known as “Mert & Marcus”, famous for their bold and iconic images of fashion and celebrities. Their collaboration has significantly influenced the fashion industry, defining new aesthetic and visual standards.
This is a very unique book with a unique charm, featuring strong images.
Vincent Peters
Vincent Peters is a German fashion photographer known for his portraits of celebrities and models, characterized by a distinctive and sophisticated style. His images are often distinguished by natural light and an intimate atmosphere, capturing the essence and elegance of the subjects. He has worked with many internationally renowned fashion brands, and his photographs have appeared in prestigious magazines worldwide.
This is perhaps one of the most beautiful books I own, and I highly recommend it.
“It’s not about looking, but seeing. It’s about carefully observing reality, which constantly presents itself in different forms, and finding one’s inspiration in it.”
Ansel Adams
Thank you for your final advice! Let yourself be guided by the wisdom and vision of these masters because within them, you will find not only technique and skills but also inspiration and artistic vision.
Take this article as advice rather than gospel, as it reflects my own perspective that has helped me greatly.
Wishing you continued success in your photographic journey!
Leonardo