Tao of Photography: Seeing Beyond Seeing

by Philippe L. Gross, S. I. Shapiro

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781607741985
Publisher:	Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed
Publication date:	08/01/2012
Sold by:	Random House
Format:	eBook
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	693,234
File size:	13 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

A native of Switzerland, PHILIPPE L. GROSS, Ph.D. is a writer, teacher, and photographer, and editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Transpersonal Studies. He is based in Honolulu, Hawaii.
S. I. SHAPIRO, Ph.D. is Professor of Psychology at the University of Hawaii.

Editorial Reviews

Photographer Philippe Gross and psychology professor S. I. Shapiro collaborate to explain the creative world of Taoistic photography in this unique book. Praising awareness and new ways of viewing reality over restrictive formal techniques, The Tao of Photography is an innovative manual that is sure to breathe new life into your photographs.

bn.com

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 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

"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

From the Publisher