Criticizing Photographs: An Introduction to Understanding Images

by Terry Barrett

Overview

Emphasizing the understanding of images and their influences on how they affect our attitudes, beliefs, and actions, this fully updated sixth edition offers consequential ways of looking at images from the perspectives of photographers, critics, theoreticians, historians, curators, and editors.

It invites informed conversations about meanings and implications of images, providing multiple and sometimes conflicting answers to questions such as: What are photographs? Should they be called art? Are they ethical? What are their implications for self, society, and the world? From showing how critics verbalize what they see in images and how they persuade us to see similarly, to dealing with what different photographs might mean, the book posits that some interpretations are better than others and explains how to deliberate among competing interpretations. It looks at how the worth of photographs is judged aesthetically and socially, offering samples and practical considerations for both studio critiques for artists and professional criticism for public audiences.

This book is a clear and accessible guide for students of art history, photography and criticism, as well as anyone interested in carefully looking at and talking about photographs and their effects on the world in which we live.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780367563387
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/30/2020
Edition description:	6th ed.
Pages:	228
Product dimensions:	6.88(w) x 9.69(h) x (d)

About the Author

Terry Barrett is Professor Emeritus, The Ohio State University, where he taught criticism and photography. Dr. Barrett is the author of Why Is That Art?, Criticizing Art, Interpreting Art, CRITS, Making Art, and articles and chapters on teaching and learning in the arts.

Table of Contents

Preface 1. About Art Criticism ; 2. Photography Theory: Is It Art? Is It True? Is It Moral? ; 3. Describing Photographs: What Do I See? ; 4. Interpreting Photographs: What Does It Mean? ; 5. Types of Photographs ; 6. Photographs and Contexts ; 7. Judging Photographs: Is It Good? ; 8. Writing and Talking About Photographs ; Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

Focusing on writings rather than images, Barrett (art education, Ohio State U.) shows beginning and experienced photography students how to use criticism to further their own understanding of photography. The chapters focus on description, interpretation, evaluation, and theory and provide a sound basis for anyone to begin to look at photographs with a more critical eye, and to appreciate descriptions of exhibits and shows. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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