Digital Expressions of the Self(ie)
The book examines the social and cultural role of selfies in India. It looks at how the selfie, unlike the photograph, which was a gesture towards an external reality, remains intimately self-referential, yet reconfigures social ordering, identity formation, agency, and spaces in curious ways.This volume approaches questions about the construction and performance of the self through the digital selfie and uses this situated, contextualized, and culturally specific phenomenon as a site to explore the themes of self-making, place-making, gender, subjectivity, and power. Highlighting the specific contexts of production, the authors examine the array of self-expressive capabilities realized in a multitude of uses of the selfie that simultaneously reconfigure the self, the space, and the world.An important study of visual social media culture, the volume will be useful for interpreting everyday media experiences and will be of interest to students and researchers of image studies, visual studies, photography studies, visual culture, media studies, culture studies, cultural anthropology, digital humanities, popular culture, sociology of technology, and South Asian studies.
Prague Revisited
This book of over 200 photographs by Bernis and Peter von zur Muehlen covers the sweep of Prague's history from World War II to the "Velvet Revolution."The first chapter, illustrated by his mother's black and white snapshots of the city, is an account of Peter's life in Prague as a young boy during the months leading up to the end of World War II and of his family's narrow escape days before the Red Army entered the city. The following chapters describe four visits by Bernis and Peter between 1985 and 1992, an epoch that saw Czechoslovakia's transformation from Communist dictatorship to the restoration of democracy. The images reveal not only a glorious city, but also the many less prominent sites that give Prague its unique charm. Haunting images of the Old Jewish Cemetery remind the reader of the turbulent history of the Jews, nearly exterminated by the Nazis. One chapter traces the evolution of the Lennon Wall, a famous symbol of Prague's long struggle for freedom. Lively accounts of the photographers' travel experiences document a city slowly coming to terms with its own history. A foreword by John Rasmussen, Director and Curator of the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, sets the stage for the story and images in this book. An afterword by Ori Z. Soltes, noted lecturer and author of twenty five books, illuminates the city's Judaeo-Christian history.
Mapplethorpe/Von Gloeden
Classicism reimagined in the sensual staged portraits of Robert Mapplethorpe and Wilhelm von GloedenAcclaimed photographer Robert Mapplethorpe (1946-89) was also a dedicated collector. Upon visiting Italy in the 1980s, he became familiar with the holdings of Fratelli Alinari and more specifically the work of Wilhelm von Gloeden (1856-1931). One of the forerunners of staged photography, von Gloeden's oeuvre was filled with sensuous images of gods, angels and demons. These motifs find their own reverberation in Mapplethorpe's striking nudes and silhouettes. Mapplethorpe/von Gloeden juxtaposes the work of these two visionaries to striking effect. The interest in the classical and the sculptural approach in the photographic medium comes alive in both photographers' choice of subjects, poses and atmospheres. The result is an ethereal yet unconventional image of beauty and eros. Taken together, these photographs invite questions about the themes of the body's sensuality, and offer themselves as food for thought on how art, morality and spirituality continuously evolve.
Legacy America
In this coffee-table companion book to the documentary film of the same name, artist and author Holt Webb tells the story of the American Steam engine through his camera lens.The book contains one hundred pages of creative color and black-and-white photography captured during the filming of the 2025 documentary Legacy America.From the film's opening monologue: You may have seen these icons before.Maybe you saw them in a picture book or even a movie.These machines of yesterday were controlled by one simple element: Steam. I am in awe at the detail of what goes into making these living, breathing monsters work.What once began as train tenders full of coal is now replaced by computers with circuits smaller than the eye can see. The pioneers who built these machines figured out how to venture across the American frontier to get us the food we eat and the cargo we needed to build the infrastructure of our nation. And for the first time, these steam-powered machines allowed us to travel long distances in comfort. It's the American Steam engine. My name is Holt Webb, and I'm a photographer. Join me as we venture across the American frontier, uncovering the people, places, and stories that built this great nation and brought us together.This ... is our Legacy America.
Suturing the City
An ethnographic and photographic investigation into the complex meanings of living in Congo's urban worlds today.Focusing upon the 'urban now', a moment suspended between lingering precolonial references, the broken dreams of a colonial past, and the not yet realised promises of neoliberal futures, this book provides an ethnographic and photographic investigation of the complex meanings of living - and living together - in Congo's urban worlds today.The authors, anthropologist Filip De Boeck and photographer Sammy Baloji, take the reader on a tour of specific urban sites in Kinshasa and beyond. In their detailed analysis these sites emerge as suturing points in which the possibilities of collective urban action and dreams of a shared future continue to be explored.
Andy Gotts
The best of celebrity portraiture in a new smaller format and lower price. "The star-studded images are one thing, but their candid context is what makes them special." - Joy Ling, Esquire Singapore "...many famous names have stepped in front of his camera, captured quickly in his distinctive, clean style, with the images featuring in magazines and newspapers, galleries and exhibitions, and even earning him an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II for services of his photography." - Chris Anderson, Air Magazine "Andy's contact-sheets give us what feels like a VIP pass to spend time with his subjects. We see their beauty, their flaws, charisma, humanity and even a glimpse into their thoughts and process. We see the person in these people and are touched by their being." Kylie Minogue "Above all Andy Gotts allows his subjects to shine through, untouched." Alan Cumming " With this amazing book, you will see why Andy is as much a star as his subjects." Gene Simmons A 90-second shoot with Stephen Fry in 1989 launched the career of Andy Gotts, photographer to the stars. Through grift and graft and raw, honed talent, Gotts has become one of the most in-demand celebrity photographers working the circuits of Hollywood, British media, and the music industry. Gotts's dramatic black-and-white style turns faces into artworks of shadow and light, while his color portraits capture his subjects' ineffable humanity. For the first time Andy Gotts reveals the incredible depth of his archive, showing his most famous portraits and many rare images alongside. The book focuses on Andy's contact sheets, which reveal the process behind capturing the perfect image. Accompanying texts from Andy shed light on his craft and delve into the stories behind these captivating photographs. This really is the definitive, career spanning book, produced to the highest standards. The book also contains personal testaments from a cross-section of the celebrities who Gotts has worked with: Alan Cumming, Gene Simmons, Ian McKellen, Jeff Bridges, Kylie Minogue, Michael Caine, Peter Capaldi and Simon Pegg.
Tales from Dreamland
LA photographer Ed Valfre imagines stories from snapshots of ordinary life, inviting readers to discover the magical in the everyday "Ed Valfre is an amazing photographer... Ed Valfre is also a wonderful human being with a gigantic heart. I am fairly sure you can see that by looking at his photos. So I believe we are done here." --Musician, actor, and painter John Lurie (The Lounge Lizards) A cup of coffee with a swirl of cream. Clouds reflected on a tabletop. A shopping cart abandoned on the sidewalk. Photographer Ed Valfre captures these little moments of everyday life in his pictures and subsequently imagines the extraordinary universes, striking feelings, and unexpected narratives each moment might contain. By turns surreal, humorous, and profound, Valfre reveals the magic to be discovered in the everyday with this collection of photographs and accompanying short stories.
K'gari
Embark on a mesmerizing journey to K'gari (Fraser Island), Queensland, Australia-the world's largest sand island and the ancestral home of the Butchulla [ba: che: la] people-in the inaugural volume, K'gari: Echoes of the Sands.In this stunning photobook, award-winning photographer Jana captures the ethereal beauty of K'gari, where ancient rainforests blend seamlessly with pristine white sands and crystal-clear lakes, creating a landscape of unparalleled wonder. From the majestic dunes of Lake Wabby to the tranquil shores of Lake Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), every image transports readers to a realm where time stands still and nature reigns supreme.Echoes of the Sands is more than just a visual feast-it's a celebration of culture and heritage. Through the voices of Butchulla elders and storytellers, readers are invited to explore the rich tapestry of Butchulla lore and legend, passed down through generations. Embedded within the pages are snippets of the Butchulla language-ancient words and phrases that reflect the deep connection between the land and its people, preserving a heritage that stretches back thousands of years.Words from the Author"I have compiled this collection of pictures and stories to share my obsession with this island. Traveling full-time around Australia brought us here through a funny twist of fate. K'gari (Fraser Island) was never on our radar, and therefore, not on our bucket list-how silly that notion sounds to me now.I don't know what it is, but the moment you step off the barge and set foot on the island, an incredible sense of contentment washes over you, as if she siphons away all your worries and tensions.During our time here, we explored K'gari both on and off the beaten track. She continues to amaze me-her diversity, her magic, yet also her relentlessness and cruelty at times.Beaches are carved daily by countless freshwater creeks, reshaping the landscape in ever-changing ways. I remain in awe of the beauty and resilience of the canines roaming the world's largest sand island-the dingoes (wongari). And the colors-so many colors! Mind-blowing sunrises on the eastern coast, serene sunsets on the western coast. Crystal-clear lakes hidden inland. Lush rainforests with ancient giant trees. The cries of sand eagles (burad) echoing in the wind. Watching whales wave their fins and shoot rainbow-hued water streams into the sky, as if to say hello on their journey south.K'gari-she has my heart and soul. I wanted to share this with you, so grab a cuppa and enjoy."What to Expect���� A stunning collection of otherworldly photography, capturing the raw beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. As the world's largest sand island, K'gari boasts a unique blend of five ecosystems: rainforests, wallum forests, freshwater lakes and creeks, sand dunes, and coast.���� Explore lush flora and diverse fauna in their natural habitat, walk hidden paths away from tourist crowds, and still experience iconic landmarks like Lake Boorangora (Lake McKenzie), the Maheno Shipwreck, Champagne Pools, and more.���� Venture to the dreamy, remote west coast-accessible only by 4x4.���� Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture and learn words from the mystical, ancient language of the Butchulla People.✨ Get ready to be amazed by 234 pages of vibrant photography, bringing K'gari's timeless beauty to life.
The Compact Beginner’s Guide to Photography
Compared with camera phones and compact cameras, modern DSLRs can seem terribly over-complicated to the novice photographer. The truth is, they have to be over-complicated to satisfy the needs of a diverse range of users, despite the fact that most photographers will only use a small percentage of the features on a regular basis. What the beginner photographer really needs, then, is a no-nonsense guide to the most important features on DSLRs written by experts that reveals in plain English exactly what they need to know and nothing more. This is that book. The Compact Beginner's Guide to Photography explains all the photography concepts beginners need, such as how to balance exposures, how to get sharp shots, and how to maximize image quality. Once you've mastered these basics, you can then move on to our more advanced skills section at the end of the book featuring practical how-to guides for shooting a range of core subjects. Take your photography to the next level and start learning today!
Bromoil Printing And Bromoil Transfer
Unlock the secrets of a lost art with "Bromoil Printing and Bromoil Transfer" by Emil Mayer, a masterpiece that has been out of print for decades and is now beautifully restored by Alpha Editions. This collector's item is not just a reprint; it's a cultural treasure, meticulously revived for today's and future generations. Dive into the enchanting world of bromoil printing, a technique that transforms photographs into stunning works of art with painterly qualities. Mayer's expert guidance and passion for this craft shine through every page, offering both casual readers and classic literature collectors a unique glimpse into a timeless artistic process. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a photography aficionado, or a lover of rare books, this edition promises to inspire and captivate. Rediscover the beauty of a bygone era and enrich your collection with a piece of history that celebrates the enduring allure of artistic innovation.
The Art And Practice Of Silver Printing
Unlock the secrets of a timeless art with "The Art and Practice of Silver Printing," a masterpiece that has been out of print for decades and is now beautifully restored by Alpha Editions. This collector's item is not just a reprint; it's a cultural treasure, meticulously revived for today's and future generations. Dive into the captivating world of silver printing, where William de Wiveleslie Abney and H. P. Robinson unravel the intricate techniques and artistic nuances of this classic photographic process. What makes this book unique is its blend of technical expertise and artistic insight, offering both casual readers and classic literature collectors a rare glimpse into the past. With its engaging narrative and detailed illustrations, this edition is a must-have for anyone passionate about photography, history, or the art of storytelling. Experience the magic of silver printing and let this restored classic inspire your creative journey. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a curious reader, this book promises to enrich your understanding and appreciation of a bygone era. Don't miss the chance to own a piece of history order your copy today!
Collotype And Photo-Lithography
Unlock the secrets of a forgotten art with "Collotype and Photo-lithography" by Julius Schnauss, a masterpiece that has been out of print for decades and is now beautifully restored by Alpha Editions. This rare gem, once lost to time, is not just a reprint it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, meticulously revived for today's and future generations. Dive into the fascinating world of collotype and photo-lithography, where Schnauss expertly guides you through the intricate processes that revolutionized the art of printing. This timeless work offers a unique glimpse into the craftsmanship and innovation of a bygone era, making it an invaluable resource for artists, historians, and enthusiasts alike. Whether you're a casual reader or a collector of classic literature, this edition promises to captivate and inspire. With its engaging narrative and detailed insights, "Collotype and Photo-lithography" stands as a testament to the enduring power of art and technology. Rediscover the beauty of this lost art form and add a piece of history to your collection today.
