Customer Reviews

How I Learned Not to Be a Photojournalist

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I recently re-read this book after two years. It's still great. Hagaman's recounting of her exploratory and creative processes are detailed and really without parallel in the photographic literature. Few artists detail how they often move through images that may please others but that are cliched and unsatisfying to the artist themselves, and their search for something better through self-examination, staying open to what they really see, and persisting at what they feel is important. She echoes Winogrand at one point, describing her quest to find out that things are like when photographed. Conservative christians may not like some images, but she shoots what she sees.

I loved this book. And those who love good photography will really enjoy it. Hagaman goes through the transformation of everyday photojournalist to heartfeeling photographer. Though the opinions about her religious standpoint can easily offend others, I think it was wonderful how by stepping back from the taught cliches she could open up to a greater expression of truth.

How I Learned Not to Be a Photo Journalist is over all a dumb book. The only intrusting thing about it is pointing out the conflicts between art and photojournalism. But other then that it's not much more then a not-so-bright individual's quest to make a not-so-good group of pictures.