Re: [Leica] Susan Sontag

["Bob Walkden" <bobwalkden@hotmail.com>]

Hi,

once again I would like to recommend David Hurn and Bill Jay's book "On 
Being a Photographer", in which they comment on, among other things, the 
value of photographic theory and criticism in very clear and concise 
language.

You can get a taster from Myth No. 7, here:

http://www.phototechmag.com/previous-articles/apr-myths.htm

In essence they say:

"One: when critical theory is taught prior to, or simultaneously with, the 
making of images. In this case, critical theory is not only useless, it is 
also positively dangerous. It has nothing whatsoever to do with the 
production of fine photographs. [...]

Two: when critical theory is taught after the images have been made or about 
other photographers’ works. In this case, critical theory can be an 
enjoyable way of stretching the mind, if the critic is capable of thinking 
clearly and expressing him- or herself with concise, vivid prose. [...]"

Cheers,

Bob

>From: imx <imxputs@knoware.nl>
>Reply-To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
>To: LUG <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
>Subject: [Leica] Susan Sontag
>Date: Sat, 09 Sep 2000 20:58:24 +0200
>
>Judging from the majority of comments about the value of Susan Sonntags
>book, I might infer that 1) the Lug is indeed not a representative
>cross-section of (leica) photographers or 2) there is a cultural gap 
>between
>continental Europe and the Anglo saxon world (USA & Britain). If I were to
>recommend a single book about the philosophy of the art and act of taking
>pictures, Mrs Sontags book would be on the very short list. Many reputable
>European art critiques and art historians agree that Sontags ideas and
>analyses are a must-have-read issue as her views on photography reveal more
>about the essence of photography than most thinkers before and after her
>book. A contrapoint might be David Hockney who gave up photography after
>reflecting on the limitations of this craft. Emails in general and the Lug
>are not the appropriate forum to discuss these topics, as we need time and
>the almost lost ability of people to listen to an argument, reflecting on 
>it
>and then answering. Given the elapsed time for such a style of discourse 
>the
>Lug has thundered along to a thousand new topics, which is inherent in the
>medium. Marshall Mc Luhan was right about it: the medium is the message. 
>The
>email medium is great for sharing instant ideas and opinions, snippets of
>facts and news, etc but not the right place to pondwer and reflect topics 
>of
>breadth and depth. Remember the diffraction grating issue. Some passing off
>the hip remarks were made and the topic died. Still this innovation by 
>Canon
>is indeed of as great an  impact as the introduction of aspherics.
>Returning to culture: if you take your photography seriously, more time is
>better spend by studying Sontags book than asking which developer is best
>for film X. For a techno-biased person like myself, this may sound strange.
>But photography is a craft and embedded in a visual culture. The rules of
>culture are not relevant for image quality, MTF or silverhalide grains, but
>if photography as an expressive medium is to survive, you should study Mrs
>Sontag.
>
>Erwin
>

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