Working

Working documents photographer Robert Adams's three-decade project capturing the landscapes of the American West. Through black and white photographs taken between 1968-1988, Adams records both natural vistas and human development in Colorado, California, and Oregon. The book presents over 100 images arranged chronologically, accompanied by Adams's essays reflecting on photography and the western landscape. The photographs range from pristine forests and coastlines to suburban developments, strip malls, and clear-cut logging sites. Adams approaches his subject matter with precision and restraint, allowing the images to speak for themselves without manipulation or dramatics. His written observations provide context about the locations, photographic process, and occasional encounters with residents. Through this visual study, the book examines humanity's complex relationship with nature and raises questions about preservation versus progress in the American West. The work stands as both environmental document and meditation on how photographs can serve as a record of change.

Readers appreciate Adams' unvarnished look at his creative process and career in photography. Many reviews note his practical, straightforward writing style and willingness to discuss both successes and failures. Readers highlight: - Detailed technical insights about composition and printing - Personal anecdotes about photographing landscapes - Candid discussion of artistic struggles and doubts - Clear explanations of his aesthetic choices Common criticisms: - Some find his tone too academic or removed - Limited discussion of digital photography techniques - A few readers wanted more specifics about camera gear Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (304 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (58 ratings) Review quotes: "Like having a master photographer as a mentor" - Goodreads reviewer "Refreshing honesty about the challenges of making art" - Amazon reviewer "Missing modern context, but timeless creative advice" - LibraryThing review

On Photography by Susan Sontag A collection of essays examines photography's role in society, artistic merit, and cultural impact through a philosophical lens.

Beauty in Photography by Robert Adams These eight essays explore the intersection of ethics and aesthetics in photography while questioning what constitutes truth in the medium.

Why People Photograph by Robert Adams The text investigates photographers' motivations and methods through personal observations and critical analysis of notable practitioners.

The Nature of Photographs by Stephen Shore A systematic examination of how photographs function as visual language and communicate meaning through their physical and contextual properties.

Camera Lucida by Roland Barthes This meditation on photography combines theory and personal reflection to explore how photographs affect viewers and capture memory.

📚 Robert Adams spent 45 years photographing the changing landscape of the American West, documenting both its natural beauty and human impact. 🌲 The photographs in "Working" span from 1968 to 2018, showing Adams' dedication to capturing the relationship between Americans and their environment. 📷 Adams switched from teaching English literature to photography after being inspired by seeing an exhibition of Diane Arbus's work. 🏆 The book was published to coincide with Adams receiving the prestigious Hasselblad Award in Photography in 2009. 🖼️ Unlike many landscape photographers, Adams often chose to shoot in harsh midday light to emphasize the stark reality of environmental changes rather than create romanticized images.