They say, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” and for generations photographers have strived to capture the people, places, and moments that make up our history. From fashion photography, to documentary, to portraits, photographers have turned their own artistic eye towards subjects both mundane and iconic. Below is a small sample (dare I call it a snapshot?) of the history and legends of photography to encourage the next generation of photographers.
Dream Big Dreams: Photographs from Barack Obama’s Inspiring and Historic Presidency, by Pete Souza
As Chief Official White House Photographer for President Obama, Pete Souza had an inside look at the White House and the First Family. Upon leaving the position, Souza compiled a collection of the best of the best, showcasing both candid and posed photographs of the President and his family during they eight years they lived in the White House. In Dream Big Dreams, Souza has narrowed his focus even further, highlighting moments President Obama interacted with the youngest of his constituents, the generation that will grow up to be the nation’s next leaders. If you’re looking for hope, look no further.
Snowflake Bentley, by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and Mary Azarian
Most children love snow (and snow days), but young Wilson Bentley’s fascination with snowflakes was beyond that of your average child. From an early age, he recognized the flakes as little scientific wonders. As a young adult, Bentley found a way to use his camera to closely examine snowflakes, leading not only to fascinating pictures, but scientific discovery. In this biography, we meet Wilson the child, Wilson the artist, and Wilson the scientist, but most of all, Wilson the snow fanatic.
Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America, by Carole Boston Weatherford and Jamey Christoph
As a child, Gordon Parks was told he would grow up to be a waiter or a porter, like all African American boys at the time. But Gordon knew differently. As a young man, he picked up a camera and found his calling. Completely self-taught, Parks worked in fashion photography, then landed a job working in Washington, DC. Here, he came face to face with segregation, Through his camera lens, he found a way to express his voice, and that voice got the attention of all of America.
Underwater Dogs: Kids Edition, by Seth Casteel
For the photographer who is also an animal-lover, or anybody who just enjoys doggone (see what I did there?) silliness, this book is a must. Based on his New York Times bestseller, Underwater Dogs, photographer Seth Casteel has compiled a collection of hilarious underwater dog photos, accompanied with short rhymes and information about each breed. From bugged-out eyes, to flopping tongues, to tremendous splashes, the pictures capture all that’s wonderful about our canine companions.
Dorothea’s Eyes: Dorothea Lange Photographs the Truth, by Barb Rosenstock and Gerard Dubois
Young Dorothea Lange was an observer. A childhood case of polio left her with a limp, and a longing to blend into the background of her own life. It was through this wallflower existence that she watched others, not just with her eyes, but with her uniquely empathetic heart. Despite her family’s wishes, she pursued a career as a photographer, focusing specifically on those most greatly impacted by the Great Depression. Today, that wallflower child is considered one of the founding members of documentary photography, her photos some of the most well-recognized of the era.
Breaker Boys: How a Photograph Helped End Child Labor, by Michael Burgan
It was not too long ago that child labor was common practice in the United States. Children as young as six worked 10-12 hours a day in dirty, dangerous mine and factory positions, making pennies per hour. While today we would be scandalized by these conditions, it took the photographic works of individuals like Lewis Hines to bring these realities to light. In Breaker Boys, young readers will explore the photographs and the history behind them. They come face-to-face with the children who made up the child labor forces of the 19th century, children who would be their peers today.
Go Photo! An Activity Book for Kids, by Alice Proujansky
Okay, so you have a budding photographer and you’ve explored role models, and checked out the history of photography. But where do you start learning photography skills? Any photographer will tell you that, like any other skill, the best way is good old-fashioned practice, practice, practice. That’s where Go Photo! comes in. Through a series of prompts and activities, the reader is guided through not only techniques, but also an exploration of his or her own creativity and style. So where do you start? With the first photograph!
What other books would you recommend for the next generation of photographers?
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