Auto Focus: The Self-Portrait in Contemporary Photography

Auto Focus examines the evolution and significance of photographic self-portraiture from the 1960s through today. Through analysis of work by over 75 international photographers, Susan Bright tracks how artists have used self-portraiture to explore identity, representation, and the changing nature of photography itself. The book organizes self-portraits into five thematic categories: autobiography, body, masquerade, studio & album, and performance. Each section features in-depth discussions of specific works alongside high-quality reproductions, providing context for the artistic and technical choices made by the photographers. Bright draws connections between historical self-portraiture traditions and contemporary digital practices, including the rise of selfie culture and social media documentation. Her analysis reveals how self-portraiture serves as both a personal artistic expression and a lens through which broader cultural shifts can be understood. The work raises essential questions about authenticity, identity construction, and the relationship between photographer and subject when they are one and the same. Through its examination of this specific photographic genre, the book offers insight into how individuals choose to present themselves to the world.

Readers highlight the book's thorough exploration of contemporary self-portraiture and its organization into five clear themes. Several reviews note the high print quality and compelling image selections. Likes: - Comprehensive look at both established and emerging photographers - Clear thematic structure makes complex concepts accessible - Strong balance of images and analytical text - Includes diverse perspectives and approaches to self-portraiture Dislikes: - Some readers found the writing style academic and dense - A few noted the book focuses more on conceptual art than traditional photographic technique - Limited coverage of photographers outside Europe/North America Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (28 ratings) Notable reader comment: "Bright manages to analyze self-portraiture's evolution without getting bogged down in theory, letting the photographs speak for themselves while providing valuable context." - Goodreads reviewer

The Photography Reader by Liz Wells This anthology examines photography theory through essays on self-representation, identity, and the role of the photographer as both subject and creator.

Photography and the Art of Chance by Robin Kelsey The book traces photography's relationship with self-portraiture through technical, cultural, and philosophical perspectives from the 19th century to present day.

Why Art Photography? by Lucy Soutter This analysis explores contemporary art photography's evolution, with particular focus on self-representation and identity politics in modern practice.

The Photograph as Contemporary Art by Charlotte Cotton The text examines major themes in contemporary photography, including the role of self-portraiture and personal documentation in current photographic practice.

Photography: A Cultural History by Mary Warner Marien This comprehensive survey connects self-portraiture's historical foundations to its modern manifestations through social, technical, and artistic developments.

🔸 The book explores how digital technology and social media have revolutionized self-portraiture, featuring artists who use platforms like Instagram and Snapchat as creative tools. 🔸 Author Susan Bright served as a curator at the National Portrait Gallery in London and has organized major photography exhibitions worldwide. 🔸 The book divides contemporary self-portraiture into five distinct categories: autobiography, body, masquerade, studio & album, and performance. 🔸 Several featured photographers, including Juno Calypso and Amalia Ulman, created entirely fictional personas through their self-portraits, blurring the line between reality and performance art. 🔸 The first edition was published in 2010, but the book was significantly updated and expanded in 2017 to reflect how smartphones and social media transformed self-portraiture in the digital age.