Creative Photography: Aesthetic Trends 1839-1960

by Helmut Gernsheim

The first authoritative, comprehensive study of photography from a purely aesthetic point of view, spanning its history from the daguerreotype to modern photo-reportage. With 240 superb examples of the photographer's art by Julia Margaret Cameron, Jacob Riis, Edward Steichen, Alfred Stieglitz, Andre Kertesz, Eugene Atget, Man Ray, Edward Weston, and many others.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1962

Reviews

[Jonathan Eaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled with what rating to give this book. I went with 4 stars because it does have good information about the works it covers and certain photographers and photography movements. My hesitation was due to Mr. Gernsheim's very vocal opinions for and against certain photography movements. His opinions are by no means universal and I would hate for this to be someone's first book on photography movements. I'll give him a bit of a pass because he called his book "Creative Photography" therefor he focused on that aspect more than portraits, landscapes, etc. (though he does cover them a little). My advice is read it while paying attention to the different styles and photographers, pay little attention to his opinions, name dropping, and self-promotion.

If you're interested in more of an unbiased history of photography I recommend Beaumont Newhall or Gail Buckland's books.