From a collector’s thoughts on photo books

In Uncategorized on 6 January 2010 with 3 comments

Of course, there are the 5% of the books that are so meticulously conceived that the photographs, essays, design, paper, slipcover, etc have all been carefully orchestrated together into a real art object, a collaborative effect that is greater than the sum of its parts. This is truly sublime and wonderful when this occurs, and the impact of the photographs is meaningfully enhanced. No matter what happens in the electronic world in the future, there will always be room for this kind of creative effort (with a small but enthusiastic audience of potential buyers ready and waiting).

From the DLK Collection blog.

What photo books would you consider in that 5% category?

I recently purchased Larry Towell’s “The World From My Front Porch” and I would consider it in this category. It is a lovely book to hold, browse and read.

Here’s a review by Daniel Milnor of Smogranch.

3 Comments

Meticulous conception isn’t necessary for a book to be in the 5 percent.

Robert Frank’s “The Americans” is a vase in point. I had a softcover version of the book that I hauled with me from Colorado to Wyoming to Arizona and then to Chicago, where I lost it. I think this book would have been less engaging for me in a high-clas binding and tasteful slipcover.

Frank’s survey of where America is going in its shiny car in the night demands presentation in well-thumbed, dog-eared pages.

Posted by Leigh Hanlon on 6 January 2010 @ 4pm

Uh, make that “case” in point. My proofreader was on lunch break.

Posted by Leigh Hanlon on 6 January 2010 @ 4pm

Leigh,

I agree with you re: The Americans. I have that version and I look at it frequently. It was a book that really changed how I thought about and approached photography. If you get a chance you should read the entire DLK Collection post. He (she?) provides an interesting overview of why most photo collectors have so many books and the value they derive from them.

They are not going after the “collectible” books and you could argue that some collectibles fall into the 5% category. I was impressed by the whole package of Towell’s book. From the tactile feel of the cover, to the various papers used and of course the photographs. I felt like the design of the book as a whole, elevated my interaction with his work. It was not just eye candy for the sake of a cool design.

Posted by fioritto on 6 January 2010 @ 4pm

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Michael Fioritto

From a collector’s thoughts on photo books

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