The Daybooks of Edward Weston

by Edward Weston (Photographer), Nancy Newhall

For more than 15 years, Edward Weston kept a diary in which he recorded his struggle to understand himself, his society and his art. His journal has become a classic of photographic literature. Weston was a towering figure in twentieth-century photography, whose restless quest for beauty and the mystical presence behind it resulted in a body of work unrivaled in the medium. John Szarkowski observes that “It was as though the things of everyday experience had been transformed... into organic sculptures, the forms of which were both the expression and the justification of the life within... He had freed his eyes of conventional expectation, and had taught them to see the statement of intent that resides in natural form.”

Genres: Photography, Art, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir

310 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 1973

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Edward Henry Weston was an American photographer, and co-founder of Group f/64. Most of his work was done using an 8 by 10 inch view camera.

Reviews

[Nic · Rating 2 out of 5]

For someone who aims to understand photography in general or works of Weston specifically, this indeed is an important book. It doesn't make for an easy or even engaging reading though. It is true the insights on what Weston was going for in his art are there. The technical details are also mentioned but briefly. There are some philosophic reflections on human society. Yet, all of this is concentrated around the last third of the second book. To get there the reader has to get through an endless sequence of pages comprised of mundane and repetitive everyday details. Yes, these do add to the picture and do illustrate the development of Weston as a person and a photographer but the volume to substance ratio does not speak into these parts' favor.

Maybe that was said too harshly. After all the book is a rare glimpse into everyday life of an extremely important photographer (the understanding, to which I came by virtue of this very book). It is not a fiction or technical book but a personal journal. It was never intended to be published by Weston and underwent severe editing when it was going to. Still, I would prefer to learn more about his way of thinking rather than minute details of his schedule.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can tell that this was a really interesting book. After reading it front to back more than once, I now have a new outlook on Edward and his work. I finally understand what he was trying to convey though his images thanks to this book. Edward Weston had a fascinating life especially with all who he encountered. This is a must read if you are an artist, photographer or not!

[izad]

REF: Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several artist journals over the years. I've never thought that you have to only read the work of artists in the creative field you are in. Edward is great explaining his work flow and creative life. He lived on the poor edge of finances, he worked in 4x5 and 8x10, black and white but some Kodachrome 8x10 as well. He didn't use a light meter. He contact printed most of his work. A great book for starting photographers. You'll find that photographer aren't the best at expressing why they do what they do but Weston is one of the rare exceptions.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great life work of someone who made amazing art and lived a very full life. It's an intimate look at the struggle to make art vs. making money, the process of art making, specifically photography, and the experience of being an artist while also being a socialite, a father, a lover (of many many women!), and an environmentalist. Fascinating read.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely recommend for serious photographers. This was an incredible insight into Edward Weston's mind. Love that his journals are our there for us to read. I definitely laughed pretty hard through some of it. A lot of womanizing going on throughout though, but if you are a photographer you probably know that is just Edward Weston.

[Grover Cleveland · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a student of the history of photography, these Daybooks are almost required reading. But the reading was a fascinating look into the life of a perfectionist. Imagine in this day and age spending five hours on an exposure of a still life. Still not satisfied Weston would stay with a subject for weeks and expose tens of negatives before he was satisfied.

[Virgil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weston is my favorite photographer. His daybooks are fascinating, sometimes disturbing, but always interesting, plus there are a few of his photos, but this is not a book of photos, it is really about the man.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A view into the life of an amazing artist told in day to day installments in his own words. Every artist should read this.

[Phyllis Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a guy!!!

[David Lewane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The master.

[Louie Palu · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a photographer these are a must read