Routledge Approaching Photography: An Introduction to Understanding Photographs

Fully updated and revised, this seminal book explains and illustrates what photographs are, how they were made and used in the past and, more particularly, what their place is in the creative arts and visual communications world of today. Paul Hill looks at photographs as modes of expression and explores the diversity of approaches taken when creating photographs and what these mean for a photographer’s practice and purpose. It emphasises the importance of contextualisation to the understanding of the medium, diving into the ideas behind the images and how the camera transforms and influences how we see the world. With an impressive collection of 200 full colour images from professional practitioners and artists, it invites us to consider the foundations of photography’s past and the digital revolution’s impact on the creation and dissemination of photographs today.Essential reading for all students of photography, it is an invaluable guide for those who want to make a career in photography, covering most areas of photographic practice from photojournalism to fine art to personal essay. Review Approaching Photography provides its readers with an accessible understanding of photographic theory by surveying the key themes that have been – and remain - integral to the photograph. This is underpinned by practical advice that will help photographers convey their images' intended meaning to different audiences. Dr Michael Pritchard FRPS, Director, Education and Public Affairs, The Royal Photographic Society, UKPaul Hill’s Approaching Photography is one of the classic books on photography. Written by a photographer who is passionate about the craft of photography, he knows how to link technique to the construction of meaning and make it clear to the reader. This [updated edition of the] book is for anyone [or everyone?] who wants to pay close attention to the different skills and thinking involved in creating photographic images - and develop them into a coherent independent practice. David Bate, Professor of Photography, University of Westminster, London, UK'Approaching Photography provides its readers with an accessible understanding of photographic theory by surveying the key themes that have been – and remain – integral to the photograph. This is underpinned by practical advice that will help photographers convey their images' intended meaning to different audiences.' Dr Michael Pritchard FRPS, Director, Education and Public Affairs, The Royal Photographic Society, UK'Paul Hill’s Approaching Photography is one of the classic books on photography. Written by a photographer who is passionate about the craft of photography, he knows how to link technique to the construction of meaning and make it clear to the reader. This updated edition of the book is for or everyone who wants to pay close attention to the different skills and thinking involved in creating photographic images – and develop them into a coherent independent practice.' David Bate, Professor of Photography, University of Westminster, London, UKPhotography can be a tricky visual language. It is so ubiquitous - we are bombarded by images all day online and in print. How do we approach photography as a consumer let alone as a photographer? This book, now in its third edition, helps us to navigate this tricky visual terrain. We learn practical pointers and tips on taking, producing and presenting images. It helps to reveal how photography is circulated in the world in both commercial and fine art contexts. Paul Hill writes, as he speaks, and is throughout both insightful and generous. He shares with us his many years of experience and conveys his infectious passion for a medium. The amateur and professional alike can learn from this book and enjoy it visually as well. Hill embraces and analyses for us new advents in photography, demonstrating his enquiring mind. It is hard to read this book and not be both informed and inspired. Camilla