Seizing the Light: A Social & Aesthetic History of Photography

by Robert Hirsch

The definitive history of photography book, Seizing the A Social & Aesthetic History of Photography delivers the fascinating story of how photography as an art form came into being, and its continued development, maturity, and transformation.

Covering the major events, practitioners, works, and social effects of photographic practice, Robert Hirsch provides a concise and discerning chronological account of Western photography. This fundamental starting place shows the diversity of makers, inventors, issues, and applications, exploring the artistic, critical, and social aspects of the creative process. The third edition includes up-to-date information about contemporary photographers like Cindy Sherman and Yang Yongliang, and comprehensive coverage of the digital revolution, including the rise of mobile photography, the citizen as journalist, and the role of social media.

Highly illustrated with full-color images and contributions from hundreds of artists around the world, Seizing the Light serves as a gateway to the history of photography. Written in an accessible style, it is perfect for students newly engaging with the practice of photography and for experienced photographers wanting to contextualize their own work.

Genres: Photography, Art, History, Art History, Textbooks, Nonfiction, Reference

596 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 22, 1998

Reviews

[Tasha-Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to buy this book for my History of Photography class in college...and it is my favourite photography book by FAR. Ive picked it up again because we never did read the ENTIRE thing and I want to read it all over again...it will be just a casual "pick up when bored or want something different" kinda book :)

[Amanda Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the updated 3rd edition to this book.
This was an assigned textbook for a History of Photography class & normally with assigned reading I’ll skim or pick through just to find what I’m looking for. But this book was so interesting and well-written that I read every word! I learned so much & I’m disappointed that I rented this book instead of buying it, therefore I have to return it. It gave a great overview of not just the history of photography itself, but how photography affected culture and society as well as how what goes on in the world affects photography. Not just technologically, but the styles that become popular in different time periods.

My only complaint with this book is that sometimes it could be a little more succinct. It takes waaaaay too long and way too many words to get the point across. I found that all throughout the book. But the material within it is useful and interesting. Hard to believe I actually loved a textbook.

[Andrea Ces · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was for my Photo History class so I didn't actually read the whole thing, just a couple chapters to have a broad idea of the photography development over the rears.

[Edward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great overview of the field even if a little dated. The listing of historic photographers is extensive and valuable.

[Gracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun read!

[Ben Gallman]

This was an exhausting read. I learned a lot from it. I did not, however, enjoy it from around the 1950's on. Hirsch got to bogged down, seemed like he had too many personal gripes. It felt out of place after such a dense analysis of photo history.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than other books I"ve read of the same genre. They tend to be bbland by nature but this one kept me interested. I loved the photos they included ...

[Danica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a textbook. A broad overview of photography. It's dry and skims over a lot of stuff, but... it's a textbook. Impossible to carry around. Lots of names.

[Thomas.harrop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this many times. It is one of the best books available on the history of photography.

[Mills College Library]

770 H6693 2017