[audiobook] Clowns: In conversation with modern masters by From Routledge in Arts-Photography

Review

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Meta-ideas About PhotographyBy Conrad J. ObregonAs a practicing photographer; Ive always believed that there were lessons that I could learn from history and critical theory. This book seemed like it might be a useful tool for that purpose.This book is a bit of a strange amalgam covering several different areas but I suppose it was written as the text for a non-technical course in a photography school. It does not discuss photography technique or how to interpret and appreciate photographs; so if that is what you are looking for you can stop reading here. Instead; for the most part; it deals with meta-ideas; i.e.; how cultural theories of photography develop; where these theories fit into the development of larger theories of art and societal development; and how educational institutions should respond to the views of the larger society.As a result; for example; the history section contains very little discussion of the work of actual photographers; but dwells on how photography either (or both) leads and responds to larger cultural movements. There is very little mention of historic photographers and a great deal of mention of cultural philosophers. There are discussions of ideological movements in photography; without enough of information to help the reader evaluate the ideology.Unfortunately; the writing is at best convoluted; continually going back and forth in time and between movements so that it is extremely difficult to follow a line of ideas. There is a single exception: the last section called "Beyond the Academy" directs the readers attention to the conflict that aspiring professional photographers face between fine art photography with creative freedom and commercial work where the photographer must respond to the demands of clients. God and Mammon is not a new topic in the world; but a useful one for the aspiring professional photographer to remember in selecting a career. However; I suspect that many readers will tire before reaching this point.Sprinkled throughout the book are six so-called case studies that seem more like an attempt to call attention to a particular point that didnt fit into the larger maelstrom of the text.It is worth noting that the book is Anglo-centric so that; for example; educators in the United States; seeking information on program development; will find little information on what is going on in American photography schools.A book can cover as large a view of a field of endeavor as it wishes and still be understandable. However; it seems that the authors have torn off a bigger chunk of ideas relating to photography than they can handle. While a cultural studies major may find something of interest here; the practicing photographer looking to improve his or her images can avoid it.Note: The publisher provided me with a review copy of this book at no charge.