Basic Critical Theory for Photographers

Basic Critical Theory for Photographers generates discussion, thought and practical assignments around key debates in photography. Ashley la Grange avoids the trap of an elitist and purely academic approach to critical theory, taking a dual theoretical and practical approach when considering the issues. Key critical theory texts (such as Sontag's 'On Photography' and Barthes' 'Camera Lucida') are clarified and shortened. La Grange avoids editorilising, letting the arguments develop as the writers had intended; it is the assignments which call into question each writer's approach and promote debate.
This is the ideal book if you want to understand key debates in photography and have a ready-made structure within which to discuss and explore these fascinating issues. It is accessible to students, from high school to university level, but will also be of interest to the general reader and to those photographers whose training and work is concerned with the practical aspects of photography.
Also includes invaluable glossary of terms and a substantial index that incorporates the classic texts, helping you to navigate your way through these un-indexed works. The book also contains useful information on photo-mechanical processes, explaining how a photograph can appear very differently, and as a result be interpreted in a range of ways, in a variety of books.
*Understand the gulf between practical photography and critical theory
*Benefit from the international practical assignments and discussions to understand the relevance of the theory of photography
*Inspiring, international images help explain relevant points

If you want to understand the key debates in photography and learn how to apply the fascinating issues raised by critical theory to your own practical work, this is the book for you! This accessible book cuts through often difficult and intimidating academic language to deliver understandable, stimulating discussion and summaries of the original texts. Key works by great writers such as Sontag and Barthes are explored, along with those from other prominent critics. You are guided through a broad range of issues, including the differences between Eastern and Western art, post-modernism, sexism, the relationship between photography and language and many other crucial debates. The book is illustrated by many classic images by eminent international photographers.Each chapter is followed by stimulating assignments and activities to get you thinking critically and apply theoretical knowledge to your own practical work. A helpful glossary provides quick access to all key terms and a substantial index references key words within the original essays which are not normally indexed. A must-have aid to anyone studying critical theory, this book provides intelligently written, illuminating insights on the 21st century's dominant art form.

Introduction; Aims of book; Berger's 'Ways of Seeing' - consumerism, sexism and distortion of artistic worth by capitalism; Formalist/realist approach - Szarkowski and Shore; Sontag's 'On Photography'; Roland Barthes, "Camera Lucida ; Martha Rosler; Solomon-Godeau 'Inside/Out' (in conjunction with Sontag and Rosler this section illustrates how arguments develop); Clive Scott, photography and language; Grundberg's 'The Crisis of the real' - postmodernism; Raghubir Singh, "River of Colour ; "The Adventures of a Photographer , a short story by Italio Calvino; Haitian poem by Felix Morisseau-Leroy; Poem by George Szirtes; Case studies - advertising and photojournalism (not major sections); Appendixes; Glossary; Index; Reading list; Theoretical and practical assignments at the end of each chapter.

Head of Photography at Rickmansworth School, UK. He is a consultant for exam boards in charge of deciding photography syllabi. He has a particular interest in demystifying critical theory.

Paperback, b&w ill. 'A good photograph is worth a thousand words, a bad photograph needs a thousand words.'
Critical theory is an integral part of the art of photography. Students of photography will be provided with an understanding of critical theory in order to evaluate, comment on and appreciate the work of others, as well as to ensure they get the best out of their own work.
Ashley la Grange's innovative text draws students into applying the theory they've just learned to relevant practical work. He bridges the gap between practical photography and critical theory. The book is written in a clear, interesting way that any student of photography can easily understand. La Grange gives enough insight into various critical theories of photography, mainly through books and essays by international experts in the field, but also through his own essays and work, to enable them to start asking their own questions, challenging different theories and finding out more for themselves.
Ashley la Grange does not aim to be definitive, rather he actively encourages debate and free-thinking, so that students are ready to tackle photography and constantly question it, to ensure they get the most out of this challenging art form.