1st Edition

Perspectives on Place Theory and Practice in Landscape Photography

By J.A.P. Alexander Copyright 2015
    192 Pages
    by Routledge

    192 Pages
    by Routledge

    Perspectives on Place provides an inspiring insight into the territory of landscape photography. Using a range of historic and contemporary examples, Alexander explores the rich and diverse history of landscape photography and the many ways in which contemporary photographers engage with the landscape and their surroundings.Bridging theory and practice, this book demonstrates how mastering a variety of different photographic techniques can help you communicate ideas, explore themes, and develop more abstract concepts. With practical guidance on everything from effective composition, to managing challenging lighting conditions and working with different lenses and formats, you’ll be able to build your own varied and creative portfolio.Each chapter concludes with discussion questions and an assignment, encouraging you to explore key concepts and apply different photographic techniques to your own practice. Richly illustrated with images from some of the world’s most influential photographers, Perspectives on Place will help you to explore the visual qualities of your images and represent your surroundings more meaningfully.

    Introduction Where is the Landscape? Distinction as a Genre Why Explore Landscape Art? Health/Safety/Law/Ethics Advice on Giving and Receiving FeedbackChapter 1: TAMING THE VIEWGeography, Metaphor, AutobiographyFrames and FormatsLenses for LandscapesTripod or Handheld?The Zone SystemManaging Dynamic RangeCompositional ConventionsLandscape NarrativesAssignment 1Chapter 2: DEFINING NATUREWhat is 'Beauty'?The Pastoral and the PicturesqueThe Qualities of LightThe SublimeWhere is the Wilderness?Voyages in the LandscapeAssignment 2Chapter 3: SYNTHETIC VISIONSDepth-of-field and Focal PlanesThe 'Temperature' of LightAnalogue and Digital FiltersInfrared LightLighting the LandInterpreting TechnologiesPictorialism vs. 'Straight' PhotographyAssignment 3Chapter 4: LANDSCAPE, POLITICS and POWERLandscapes of IndustryNew TopographicsEnvironmental PoliticsGender and the LandscapePersonal and National IdentitiesAssignment 4Chapter 5: The PRESENCE of ABSENCELandscape and MemoryLandscapes of ConflictThe AftermathLiminal SpacesFrom Spaces to 'Places'Assignment 5Glossary; Bibliography; Webography; Index

    Biography

    Jesse Alexander is a freelance photographer, writer and educator. He has contributed articles and criticism for numerous print and online photographic publications. Jesse is currently Photography Curriculum Leader at the Open College of the Arts, UK and a Visiting Lecturer in Documentary Photography at the University of South Wales, Newport, UK.

    "This excellent book should be on any serious landscape photographer's shelf ... the author provides stimulating assignments that are both challenging and educational ... This wonderful book is an inspirational and aspirational resource. - Outdoor Photography Perspectives on Place sets out to 'inspire people to use photography to explore and engage with their surroundings' - and in this it provides a firm foundation for entering into the complex and absorbing process of transforming the experience of place into an image. - Source - Eugenie Shinkle A timely, contemporary treatment of a complex subject trapped in its historical roots.... The title offers an intelligently considered introduction to the genre of landscape photography. It also treats many of the relevant associated issues/topics that form the intellectual context for serious contemporary practitioners. - Prof. Thomas Drysdale, Institution NYU, Tisch School of the Arts, Department of Photography and Imaging, US There are many ways such a book could contextualize the subject of photography and landscape, the book does this in a clear and detailed way. The book taps into debates and practices that are contemporary yet builds that bridge between FE and HE in a way that is intelligent and understandable to those coming to the subject at the beginning of their studies. - Russell Roberts, University of South Wales. UK The book fills a void in the marketplace [and] the author puts across a wide range of questions that encourage the reader to explore the genre. This book supports and questions the journey of landscape photography. - Steven Tynan, lecturer BA (Hons) Photography, Falmouth University, UK An appropriate introduction to landscape photography [that] goes beyond the technical know-how of so many books on the market, offering a deeper level of engagement with the subject. - Dr Mike Simmons, Programme Leader MA Photography, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK This book is not just about landscape photography and how to engage with it. It is a celebration of camera vision – the practice of seeing, thinking and creating photographically – and the individuals who pursue it passionately. - Professor Paul Hill, Visiting Professor, University of Derby and De Montfort University, Leicester, UK This is a superb book that provides the reader with an authoritative understanding of contemporary landscape photography, - Neil Dyson, De Montfort University, UK"