Photography Theory

by James Elkins
Photography Theory cover
Good Books rating 4.1
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  • ID: 9926
  • Added: 2026-01-04
  • Updated: 2026-01-04
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Pixpa · 2019-11-22
provocative 4.00

The book presents a debate among world-famous art historians and theorists on the nature of photography. It's a provocative and engaging read that offers multiple perspectives.

Imagine world-famous art historians and theorists having a debate on the nature of photography! This book presents just that, making it a provocative and engaging read. It offers multiple perspectives on what makes a photograph a photograph, which can be both enlightening and thought-provoking. The book is part of the Routledge The Art Seminar series, known for its provocative and insightful discussions.

Quick quotes

    Imagine world-famous art historians and theorists having a debate on the nature of photography!

    This book presents not one but many answers to the question what makes a photograph a photograph?

    This provocative second volume in the Routledge The Art Seminar series presents not one but many answers to the question what makes a photograph a photograph?

Goodreads · 2007-01-01
thoughtful 3.80

The book is dense and a bit navel-gazing, focusing heavily on theory about other theorists. It's a challenging read but offers deep insights into photography theory.

This book is quite dense and can feel a bit navel-gazing at times, as it delves deeply into theory about other theorists. It's not a light read, but it offers profound insights into the world of photography theory. The discussions can be complex, making it more suitable for those already familiar with the subject. However, for those willing to tackle the density, it provides a rich exploration of key debates and theoretical frameworks.

Quick quotes

    This book is D-E-N-S-E.

    As far as art/photo theory go- it's a little navel-gazing; and it has quite a bit of "theory about other theorists

    It's a challenging read but offers deep insights into photography theory.

Aesthetics of Photography · 2007-01-01
insightful 4.50

The book explores key debates and theoretical frameworks shaping photography studies. It's a deep dive into the subject, making it a must-read for serious photography enthusiasts.

This book is a deep dive into the key debates and theoretical frameworks that shape photography studies. It's not just a casual read; it's a serious exploration of the subject. The book is acknowledged for its sophisticated analysis of photography's relationship with writing, technology, and knowledge. It's a must-read for anyone looking to understand the theoretical underpinnings of photography.

Quick quotes

    Deep dive into Photography Theory by James Elkins (2007).

    Explore key debates, contributors, and theoretical frameworks shaping photography studies.

    Acknowledged for providing sophisticated analysis of photography's relationship with writing, technology, and knowledge.

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