This provocative, visually stunning volume draws upon Taoist teachings to explore the creative and spiritual dimensions of the art of photography. Excerpts from the Taoist classic the Chuang-tzu and the writings of Western aesthetes are complemented by over 60 photographs from the work of such canonical photographers as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Alfred Stieglitz, and Dorothea Lange. Lucid instructional text and enlightening exercises assure that photographers of all levels will be able to incorporate the lessons of the Tao into their own work.
Tao of Photography: Seeing Beyond Seeing
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Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
One might reason that the essence of all photographic art is a spiritual feeling for one's surroundings, but what is most refreshing about these two books is that by explaining the relationship between Taoist beliefs and creative photography they explicitly seek an understanding of this connection. Taoism, which may very well be at the heart of all creative work, seems especially relevant to photography, which relies so deeply on the acceptance of a given subject and the light in which it is situated. Nicely illustrated and filled with wonderful insights, both books function admirably as "how-to" manuals, with an emphasis on approach rather than nuts and bolts. In fact, there is little differentiation other than format Ang's book has a larger trim size while Gross and Shapiro's is more compact. Both are highly recommended for general and specialized photography collections in public and academic libraries. Raymond Bial, Parkland Coll. Lib., Champaign, IL
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"A great gift choice . . . a treasure trove of inspiration for photographers of any level open to letting a little Taoist creativity into their picture taking."-New Age Retailer "Wonderfully stimulating work on many levels."- the NAPRA ReView
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
57 of 62 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The Tao of Photography is not aimed at individuals interested in improving their technical photography skills. Rather it is aimed at the photographer who will be willing to consider reorienting the way that he or she views the world to improve his or her photography and to find opportunities for personal growth through photography.
The book does this by outlining some of the principles of Taoism, an ancient Asian philosophy of life, and then drawing parallels to the teachings of great photographers, like Minor White, Henri Cartier Bresson, and Ansel Adams. Taoist philosophy states that, to be a sage (and, by extension, a creative photographer), a person must harmonize Great Understanding and Little Understanding, that is, the open mind and the discriminatory or constricted mind. What the photographer must do is live in the moment and open his mind to the possibilities in the world. One should escape from the state of constricted awareness. Technique is seen as a possible barrier to better photography.
It has been said that the most important tool of a photographer is the mind. One's philosophical approach to the world may indeed affect the quality of the images that one captures. If, as I believe, this is so, a book that suggests an adjustment of that approach is worth consideration by the serious photographer.
This book convinced me that adopting a Taoist view of the world might improve the quality of the pictures I take. However, my complaint with the book is that having created a desire to explore Taoist doctrine, there were no guide posts as to how to incorporate those principles into my photography or my life. The book did suggest several exercises, most of them derived from Freeman Patterson's "Photography and the Art of Seeing", but I've tried them and they didn't lead to the major refocusing that the book suggests. In fact the book even quoted Alan Watts, a commentator on Asian philosophy, who says "there is no way ...to come into accord with the Tao...because...every method implies a goal. And we cannot make the Tao a goal."
So this book got my attention and created a need, and offered no help in satisfying it. Yet it did cause me to examine my own photographic philosophy. Any book that can get a serious photographer to reconsider his fundamental approach to life and its effect on his work is certainly worth reading.
The book itself is quite beautiful. The photographs, by a number of great camera artists as well as author Gross, are all in black and white, as if abstracting color would simplify the world and make it easier to come to grips with. The design is excellent and generous, with plenty of white space, perhaps designed to reflect the serenity of the Way.
28 of 29 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
If you have chased after technical excellence and secured the skills necessary to produce near perfect technical images but realized they lack a soul and imagination then maybe this is the book for you. For many of us who love photography, beyond a hobby or sport or other activity, we will reach a point where we will know how to solve nearly all technical problems. We will have surrounded ourselves with high end gear and have come to realize that the knowledge and gear alone just are not enough. We will have mastered the words and grammer of the visual language but have not mastered the means to take in the world around us and impress it on our hearts and then take that impression with our mind and translate it to the media using our camera. That is a personal journey no book can shortcut for you. And this book does not teach you how to become an artist, no book or school can do that, instead it allows you to see another path, another perspective, in which possibilities can appear before you. It is said that a man can have eyes but not see, have ears but not hear, for some of us photographers we know that is so true, for those of us who seek to see and hear this book is the next step in our personal growth with our camera in hand.
28 of 30 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I loved this book. Not only are the black and white photographs beautiful, entertaining, and thought-provoking, but the text is informative, concise, and understandable.
The authors suggest a variety of exercises to improve one's ability to be in the present moment, fully receptive and aware. Obviously, this practice can create a profound shift in one's approach to life.
Therefore, photographers and non-photographers beware: if you follow the suggestions in this book, your life will greatly improve. I highly recommend reading The Tao of Photography, Seeing Beyond Seeing and giving it to everyone you care about. The world will be a better place.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
I love this book
Having a long-term interest in Buddhism, Taoism and Photography I was delighted to see the latter two addressed at the same time in one book. Read more
Published 9 days ago by Peter Davies
Photographers -book
A most interesting and unusual volume. Nice to read a refreshingly different viewpoint on a very overworked subject. Well illustrated to reinforce the authors points. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Gene Daniels
Good, but could have been better, I think.
Having studied the Tao, I enjoyed the book, but felt the aspects of the Tao could have been covered better. I had the feeling the Author was rushed & "winging it." Still, 4 stars.
Published 9 months ago by J. Michael Jordan
Cool intersection photography & philosophy
Bought this for a college student who is a photography major and philosophy minor so it oculd not have been more perfect. Read more
Published 16 months ago by aliigator
The Way
If you've transcended "camera club" or would like to, this book can help you. As much about a way of being as a photography guide, this book is not a technical manual about... Read more
Published 18 months ago by J. Christian
A beautiful experience!
I have looked through a lot of photography books in recent years and have rarely been impressed. This book stopped me in my tracks. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Bobby (in Maryland)
Thinking before you shoot
THE TAO OF PHOTOGRAPHY is just what I wanted it to be: a book that helps you get into a mindset to see more than and even beyond the obviously photogenic. Read more
Published 18 months ago by D. W. Granger
take you to the nex level
Definitely not for the technical-oriented photographers. Either for more seasoned photog or amateurs who want to go beyond the obvious. Read more
Published 22 months ago by M. Laurent Lathieyre
The Tao of photography
I had to buy this book for a photography class I'm taking, but have come to love the book. The words and the pictures strike cords in me...I never thought it would. Read more
Published on March 13, 2010 by Diana L. Colburn
Applied philosophy for photographers!
Before shouting "Oh no! Not another book on Tao of something..."; I must tell you that this book has got to be named like this! Read more
Published on October 15, 2009 by Bulent Celasun
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