Contemporary Photography and Theory

Contemporary Photography and Theory offers an essential overview of some of the key critical debates in fine art photography today. Building on a foundational understanding of photography, it provides an in-depth discussion of five topic areas: identity, landscape and place, the politics of representation, psychoanalysis and the event.

Written in an accessible style, it introduces the critical literature relevant to photography that has emerged over recent decades. Moving beyond seminal works by writers such as Walter Benjamin, Roland Barthes, and Susan Sontag, it enables readers to explore an extended canon of theorists including Jacques Lacan, Judith Butler and Giorgio Agamben.

The book is illustrated throughout and analyses a range of works by established and emergent artists to show how these theoretical concepts are central to understanding contemporary photography. These 15 short essays encourage readers to apply critical thinking to both their own work and that of others.

They are the perfect starting point for essays as well as being of suitable length for assigned readings, making this the ideal resource for learning about contemporary photography and theory.