On Photography

On Photography is less a book about photography itself than a study of perception, distance, power, and modern consciousness. Sontag examines the camera not merely as a tool for documentation, but as something that fundamentally alters the way people experience reality, memory, suffering, beauty, and even one another. What stands out most is the density of the thought. Nearly every essay contains ideas that continue unfolding long after reading: photography as acquisition, as aestheticization, as emotional buffering, as evidence, as consumption. Even decades after publication, many of her observations feel uncannily contemporary in an image-saturated culture. Sontag also writes with extraordinary intellectual compression. The prose is elegant and sharp without becoming ornamental, capable of moving from cultural criticism to philosophy to psychological observation within a few sentences. The writing demands attention, but rewards it repeatedly. What gives the book lasting force is its refusal to treat images as neutral. Again and again, Sontag interrogates what it means to look at suffering, to collect moments, to transform experience into representation. The questions become ethical as much as aesthetic. At times the arguments feel deliberately severe, even skeptical of photography’s emotional claims, but that tension is part of what keeps the work alive. The book resists easy resolution and instead sharpens awareness itself. It remains one of the most intellectually influential works ever written about images—not because it explains photography technically, but because it reveals how deeply photography shapes modern ways of seeing.

Perhaps Sontag's best work, one that truly be read by everyone regardless of their interests or background.

To be fully honest I lost this book and didn't finish it completely But I do have it in mind to finish it. this book was very inspiring. It's one every photographer should own and since I'm a comic and concept art I say any type of artist should read it. In fact I think thats how I found this book a top ten book artist should read kinda thing. and I see why. It's not about technique it's more about inspirational quotes to keep you interested in inspired about going out and taking photos. theres books like this for painters and artist. Art and fear and the Art Spirt. but this one is more specific for photography. and I't really illustrated the commonalities we go through and its comforting to find some who thinks the way we do. in a way we can't even with or closest family and friends unless they are also very into this life of taking photos. It's an easy read. I kept in the car and reached for it on longer trips. which might be how I lost it. But it's broken up into chapters and essays in a way you can read it casually and keep in on a coffee table or something. it's like a chicken soup for photographer. If your looking for techniques and taking better photos this isn't a book for you. not yet. I really enjoyed and it was worth it for real. as a artist it's hard for me something to find the time and motivation to go out and take photos unless I'm traveling. but this has given me the kicking the back side I needed.

Seller was great - prompt shipping witb book well packed. As for the book, I'm only on page 9 and it's a exceptionally dense read. Not sure if the author is was suffering from angst while writing the book or having an existential crisis. It's photography; not trying to find a solution to world peace.

This should be a must read for any photographer whose mind seeks to go beyond the technical aspects of photography. When I read it, many of her comments were aimed at those "snapshot prints" that ended up in photo albums, thus lacked impact for me as digital photography was then my new medium. Now, with the the iPhone or equivalent running amuck, and the age of "selfies", which I would rename "narcisstics" for the "me, me, me" crowd, it regains impact. Yes, the medium is the message. I didn't like much of what she said as she was your typical leftist intellectual. The truth is she really had something to say about the meaning and content of photography. This alone puts her in a class probably by herself. I love photography and have been taking pictures since 1959. I don't know of one other book that even comes close to dealing with the real impact of photography. It is not a book for the "sheeple". If you are serious about photography - read it! It should make you angry, and challenge your beliefs. We all need more of that. I'm re-reading it now for about the tenth time. Every time I read it I get something new and challenging from it. You can't say that about many books today.

This collection of Sontag essays is considered a classic in criticism and history of photography. Sontag demonstrates extensive knowledge of the history. Her criticism is often self-indulgent but also interesting at times.

S.S offers an in-depth and original analysis of what she considers to be the most important photographers from the beginnings of photography until the mid-late 70s. She questions the validity of the pretentious claims made by photographers, the relation the medium shares with the world as we know it, it's effect of creating a visual catalog, she also offers a response to the long expired debate on whether or not photography is an art. S.S proves to be an expert on photography by offering analysis which offers well-documented contextual information on photographers such as Diane Arbus, Richard Avdon, L.Hine, E.Weston, E.Steichen etc... "On Photography" is considered by many specialists to be a work of reference in regards to criticism and philosophy on photography, and after reading it I can understand why. "On Photography" is a great tool for understanding the evolution of photography from its beginnings throughout the 20th century and for seeing the camera for what it is- nothing more, nothing less. I would recommend it to art critics, anyone who is passionate about photography or interested in the history of photography, photography as an art form and its limits.

This got me thinking about photography in a way I never have. Now I have a strong understanding of what the medium is, and a better grasp of what to do to make my work stand out. Ms. Sontag is an intellectual without peer, her choice of words so eclectic yet perfect in expressing her deep understanding of this field. It's a pleasure to sink ones mind into her words, revel in her clarifications, soak up her insights and intelligence. This book is a classic for a reason. If you're a photographer trying to get a greater grasp of what it takes to be grand or noticed in this business, you will walk away with a deeper understanding of this world and its history. A terrific asset to any photographer gravitating towards the arts.

The book seemed like its in a bad condition like its a used book.

Each page of the book impelled me to go out there and take millions of pictures, but it also made me question the role of photographers and the ethics of the profession. Breathtaking insights. I'd really want to know what Susan Sontag would have to say about the "selfie generation".

Susan Santag ci ha mostrato vari casi che usiamo le foto. Questo libro mi ha aiutato molto per la mia tesi sulla fotografia. Tutti pensiamo di saper fare le foto, ma bisogna pensare bene prima di fare quel "clic".

...have yet to read it though. Got it based on some ytuber who praised it, will see......

This a renowned book anyone related to photography should read. An accurate, timeless reflection about what photography means in our society. Susan Sontag takes us up to the 50K feet view of the subject, highlighting paramount subjects and making us visit the most relevant contributors and contributions in the field.