Basics Creative Photography 02: Context and Narrative

Reviews / Votes

Context and Narrative is a really accessible and practical way to tackle some of the more conceptual and non-tangible parts of creating photographs. I really wish I had read it while in college, but no harm, it will benefit me now anyway! * Emma O'Brien, Dublin-based photographer * If you are interested in learning about how to use photography to tell a story, you can't go wrong with this book! * Barbara Taylor, UK-based photographer * The terms "narrative" and "context" were until recently relegated to the periphery in understanding photographic images. Maria Short's clearly written and structured book provides a unique convergence point for the study of a wide range of photographers and the events they confront. She combines the insights of the teacher and poet with an astute professional understanding of her craft. A series of well chosen case studies further illuminate photography for readers from all backgrounds. * Dr. Chris Mullen, writer and historian, author of FORTUNE's America, Director of The Visual telling of Stories website * I like this book for many reasons. In terms of its layout and design this is a book that boasts a consistent visual style where different design solutions are artfully combined. Framed images, full-bleed photographs, white backgrounds, black backgrounds, this book demonstrates how to combine images and text in a visually engaging and reader-friendly way. The deceptively concise style that this book shares with other titles in the Basics series is an excellent example of how to write analytically, which we positively know is one of the greatest challenges for students... Each chapter has clear and well-defined topics and includes case studies which support the author's opinions. At the end of each chapter there is a brief summary and some suggested exercises to consolidate what the reader learned.

However, it is the the subject matter that the books deals with that I find particularly appealing. It is refreshing to read a book which is concerned with key tenets of photography such as context and narrative, which, regardless of the technology that we use, are crucial for photographs to act as more than just records or evidence.

But the most interesting aspect of this book is that the images that Maria Short selected to support her arguments were not primarily taken by iconic and well-known photographers but by a collective of new photographers who have a fresh look at the world. In doing so they have the potential to inspire established and aspiring photographers. And that's the main reason why you should buy this book. * Jose Navarro, Open College of the Arts, UK * This compact volume is one of a series of practical texts for the undergraduate college student in the applied visual arts. It uses an attractive magazine-like layout with concise, often bulleted text and striking color photographs. The contents are easy to digest and get at important issues for the emerging professional ... Each themed chapter is accompanied by creative exercises designed to help the student incorporate the concepts presented. Case studies that profile the work of a contemporary photographer, additional readings, and relevant websites are also included for each section ... useful for arts instructors and their students. * Nancy B. Turner, Syracuse University Library, New York, USA *