"Art Book" Suggestions

[Gobae]

I'm looking for some suggestions for books on good/famous photographers. More specifically, I'm interested in books that are less narrative and tend to show more of the photographers art.

For instance I already own, "Mapplethorpe" and "Some Women" both by Mapplethorpe (but that's about it). I'm looking to expand my collection and I've realized just how limited my knowledge about "famous" photographers is.

I know this makes for a broad question, but if people are willing to throw out ideas I'd really appreciate it. Besides, this way I might stumble upon something that I wouldn't have considered otherwise.

[karwash]

Hi Gobae,

Not sure if you're interested in landscape photography. I got this one for Christmas last year:
Amazon.com: Ansel Adams: 400 Photographs: Ansel Adams, Andrea G. Stillman: Books
Hardly any text in there! I don't think the photographer needs any introduction.

There is also a series from AA (UK Automobile Association) called "Landscape Photographer of the Year" with a collection of photos from their annual competition. No famous names, but interesting content. The photos range from the picture postcard English country side pictures to almost abstract urban "landscapes". The third book has just been released (at least in the UK).

[vandergus]

Well, Robert Frank's The Americans is about as close to a classic as you can get. There also happens to be a pretty good edition in print right now wo you can get it pretty cheap. The thing with fine art photography books is that they're not continuously printed so availablility has a lot to do with what book you choose. The Online Photographer has been my main source for photobook suggestions. You can browse through the posts tagged with "Books" to get a few ideas.

[Gobae]

Originally Posted by karwash

Amazon.com: Ansel Adams: 400 Photographs: Ansel Adams, Andrea G. Stillman: Books
Hardly any text in there! I don't think the photographer needs any introduction.

Hehe, yeah, he is about the only other photographer I can name. I was originally going to steer away from him only because a lot of his popular prints are repeated WAY too often. But a book with 400 prints should certainly cover some of his less-seen works; definitely worth looking into.

Many thanks! And I'll check out AA collection too.

[mickdaniel]

"The Photography Book" should be a very inspiring book. It covers 500 best photographers, 1 page per photographer. You can find more photography books of best photographers at photography.pro

[Jim Bryant]

google famous photographers............they are all, most of them anyways, are listed.

[rosserx]

Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens
I have this on DVD and its a fascinating documentary on the life of Annie Leibovitz, who is one of my favorite photographers. Tell your loved ones this is what you want stuffed in your stocking for Christmas!