Bryan Formhals and Stephen McLaren: Photographers Sketchbooks

Bryan Formhals and Stephen McLaren: Photographers Sketchbooks by Aline SmithsonDecember 8, 2014

Photographers Stephen McLaren and Bryan Formhals have crafted an insightful book, Photographers Sketchbooks, that reveals the thought processes and inspirations of significant photographers. The book provides a wonderful opportunity to consider projects and ways of working that allow for a deep consideration of the artist and the art.

Photographers Sketchbooks gives a window into why Alec Soth constructs his projects, why Trent Parke relies on old-fashioned Polaroids and hand-made books, and how forty-one other photographers experiment with new and old technologies, turn their photo-diaries into exhibitions, and attract audiences of millions via online platforms.

This book celebrates the creative processes of the modern photographic era, in which blogs and Instagram streams function alongside analog albums and contact sheets, and the traditional notebook takes the form of Polaroid studies, smartphone pictures, found photography, experimental image-making, and self-published photo-zines. Each photographer presents his or her sketchbook: several pages of images that convey his or her working methods and thought processes. These intimate, oneoff presentations are accompanied by engaging interviews that reveal how the simple act of pressing a shutter can capture and express a fully realized personal vision.

Three essays by the authors explore subjects at the cutting edge of contemporary practice. Designed to satisfy the most demanding of image junkies, this is an indispensable resource for anyone with an interest in photography or the creative process.
Contributor.

Author Stephen McLaren is a photographer, writer, and curator based in San Francisco. He is the co-author (with Sophie Howarth) of Street Photography Now.

Author Bryan Formhals is a New York based photographer and writer. He is founding editor of LPV Magazine.