The photobook is more than just a way to showcase a substantial body of work – it’s a treasure trove for collectors and a timeless keepsake for photography enthusiasts. From fresh releases to cherished secondhand finds, this two part article will dive into a selection of remarkable photobooks on the market.
There’s a multitude of ways we collate, share and display our work as photographers. And of course, the current and foreseeable trend is to present our images piecemeal on tiny phone screens, shared through the endless scroll of social media.
Social media doesn’t reveal an in-depth, immersive overall view for photo stories (short term projects) or photo essays (long term projects) or image collections on specific themes and topics. This makes it difficult to make the deep dive into a photographer’s mindset, worldview or overall message. In a nutshell, a singular social media image is a snack, while a large body of photographic work is a fine restaurant’s degustation.
So, what is the best way to share a photographic body of work with our peers?
Of course, there is the photographic exhibition. And there is nothing quite like seeing work in the large print format. The downside of this, is that commercial galleries, with their restricted wall space, typically display only 8-20 images – often prioritising ‘sellable’ pieces.
The other art form that has been with us almost since the inception of photography is the photography book, a.k.a the photobook. And it is very far from being a dead art form. In fact, if you visit the Kinokuniya bookstore website, you’ll see more than 2,000 photography-related books.
People love to collect books! (“I’m a collector… not a hoarder,” he whispers under his breath). There is something comforting about seeing a tactile photobook on a shelf and being able to revisit it multiple times to let the images sink into the psyche.
While there are many small to medium-sized publishers, such as MACK, Aperture, Éditions Xavier Barral, and Melbourne’s own Perimeter Books – the major players in the photobook world remain Phaidon, Thames & Hudson, Hatje Cantz, Taschen, and Steidl.
The following photobooks are from numerous publishers, and have been chosen for their consistency of quality of images within the pages. The list is in no way a definitive ‘best of’ list.
Some books are currently ‘in print’, or perhaps only available second hand. Some are renowned, like Robert Frank’s ‘The Americans’ (which has been reprinted 20 – 30 times in different formats since 1958) while some have been released for the first time this year. Interestingly, some older first edition books resell for hundreds of dollars – ‘out of print’ books for even more. The most expensive photobook ever sold at auction is ‘The North American Indian’ by Edward S. Curtis (published between 1907 – 1930) which sold for $2.8 million in 2012. That particular ‘book’ is actually a 40-volume set that includes 20 smaller text volumes and 20 portfolios with large-scale photogravures.
This article marks the start of Capture’s new online photobook section, designed to inspire and educate photographers for years to come.
1) Fast Forward: Growing up in the shadow of Hollywood by Lauren Greenfield (Alfred A. Knopf)
This 'time capsule' provides a captivating portrayal of how Hollywood's values deeply influenced the daily lives and rituals of Los Angeles youth during the 1990s. It shows how affluent children on the Westside – through to the graffiti gangs and party crews in East LA – were captivated by the allure of the entertainment industry which glorified wealth, celebrity, and appearance.
2) Subway by Bruce Davidson (Steidl)
This is a compelling photographic exploration of New York City's subway system in the 1980s – a time defined by crime, graffiti, and the rise of hip-hop culture. Davidson's vivid imagery captures the gritty yet profoundly human moments underground, showcasing the diverse tapestry of commuters and the unique subculture of the subway. Through his lens, he reveals the intensity, vulnerability, and resilience of individuals navigating the urban labyrinth both beneath and above the city.
3) Photography: Real and Imagined (NGV Publications)
This photography book accompanies the incredible exhibition held at the National Gallery of Victoria. It questions whether photographs are grounded in reality, i.e. documentation – or is it a product of imagination, i.e. storytelling and illusion. The book goes on to prove that they can be both. The book features 295 photographic works from the NGV collection, which have been collected from the 1840s to now and contains 21 themes including work, play, death, light and movement.
4) Make Believe by Erik Johansson (Bokforlaget Max Strom)
Johansson is renowned for his imaginative photographic compositions that blend reality and fantasy, often creating visually stunning and thought-provoking images. While people may drum up images using AI in seconds, Eric is one of the original photographer / Photoshoppers who would carefully plan an image, shoot on his trusty Hasselblad, and then create sometimes hundreds of Photoshop layers to bring the viewer into his wonderful surreal world.
5) The Ballad of Sexual Dependency by Nan Goldin (Aperture)
This photobook deep dives into intimate moments among friends in 1980s New York City. Through candid and provocative photographs, Goldin captures relationships, addiction and identity within the LGBTQ+ community. Her work serves as a poignant visual diary exploring themes of love, desire, and human vulnerability.
6) LIFE: The Classic Collection (Life books)
This is a retrospective anthology showcasing iconic photographs from LIFE Magazine's history. Spanning decades and diverse subjects, the book features compelling images that capture pivotal moments in history, human achievement, and cultural shifts. From poignant portraits to powerful documentary photography, LIFE offers a visual narrative that reflects the magazine's enduring legacy as a witness to global events and everyday life. Interestingly, this rare format allows the owner to extract printed images from the pages to put on their own walls!
7) The Photobook: A History Volume I-III by Martin Parr and Gerry Badger (Phaidon)
The Photobook, co-edited by Martin Parr and Gerry Badger, offers a comprehensive overview of the photobook’s evolution, from its origins in the early 19th century to the radical Japanese photobooks of the 1960s and 70s. This 3-volume work challenges traditional photographic canons, exploring the intricate web of influences among photographers and movements globally. Featuring over 200 significant photobooks, each chapter combines thematic and chronological discussions with images from the books themselves, illustrating the cultural and artistic impact of the medium.
8) The Americans by Robert Frank (Steidl)
Published in 1958, this book transformed documentary photography of the 20th century. While mainstream America media was portraying the perfect, wholesome post-war suburban boom times, Frank's candid photographs from his cross-country journeys in the mid-1950s reveal a stark depiction of society. His black-and-white images challenge traditional photographic styles, offering an introspective view of everyday life that explores contradictions, diversity, and societal tensions. The book remains a profound visual exploration of the human experience and the intricacies of American identity.
9) Views of Japan by Gloria Katz and Willard Huyck (Steidl)
The authors, known for their work on Indiana Jones and Star Wars, have spent over a decade collecting Japanese photography, amassing an encyclopaedic collection from the 19th century to the present. This book showcases rare masterpieces from their collection, including works by iconic photographers like Nobuyoshi Araki and Shoji Ueda, while also sharing the Huycks' personal journey in acquiring these images.
10) Lee Miller: Photographs (Thames & Hudson)
This book chronicles Lee Miller’s journey from being a 1920s New York fashion model to acclaimed war correspondent and surrealist artist during World War II. Miller's lens captures raw emotion, stark contrast, and profound beauty – exploring themes of conflict, resilience, and human complexity. Her work reflects on photography's ability to tell stories and offer social commentary.