Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography (Vintage Classics)

Get ready to hit the dictionary because this book is full of complicated words! Other than that, it’s a fantastic book. I used part 1 as a link to my essay and now I’ve decided to read part 2 and my mind is blown away. I feel the book allowed me to grow my knowledge and understanding about photography, portraits mainly. The way Barthes talks about his mother is beautiful, some pages moved me to tears! Recommend to anyone who wants to open their mind to the philosophical things of photography. But be warned, it’s a difficult read, some pages are confusing as hell, but totally worth it when you keep an open mind.

Essential for Photography knowledge

A cornerstone of photographic philosophy and aesthetics. bs

On first reading this book I was drawn to recall the Fawlty Towers episode where the medallion man says "Pretentious, moi?" and I wondered how you would translate that into French. On reflection I think I was a little harsh, there is some deep thought in the book on what photography means. It is just the French way of expression can sound pretentious to English ears. I will re-read it slowly, with a good dictionary by my side, and cut through the style to get at the basic ideas. I think Barthes does have valid points to make. Photography surrounds us and is taken too much for granted with little thought. For example a video (or music) is embedded in time and you have to follow the creators time frame. Photography on the other hand is outside time, you can look at a photograph in the way you choose for as long as you want, in the same way as a painting. On the other hand photography is an aspect of a moment of reality which existed in the past, unlike a painting which is an artists interpretation of something he saw, imagined or felt.

Brilliant book for anyone who takes photography seriously. The book is actually quite heart breaking, as Barthes tells the story of being faced with the painful task of ‘finding’ his late mothers essence through a collection of photographs he had of her. It is a great story and leads on to remind you just how powerful photography is. I was curious as to why I used my camera at the hardest times in my life and this book helped me to come to a conclusion.

A different take oh photography which will change your outlook on photography...

This a great text. Philosophy isn't always this concise and coherent to read. It is a little dated in some of the points it makes, but in the age of social networking I find it humbling to interpret our obsession with the still image.

Good condition, a few scratches you cant really see, the amount you would expect to find in a book shop. Great price too.

Some very good reflections on Photography, essential in order to discuss the current developments of modern technology. No problem with shipping etc.

Philosophical journey by author seeking a real picture of his mother. Lots of words to look up while reading.

El libro llegó en buen estado y sorprendentemente rápido. El contenido cumplió con mis expectativas. Es bueno sentir el Peso del papel en la mano

Great book. Highly recommended for photography enthusiast but do read the other books in the series first.

Au top !