What Photography is

What Photography Is by James Elkins, published by Routledge in 2011, delves into the complex nature of photography, exploring its unique power and significance. This edition, comprising 222 pages, presents an in-depth examination of photography through an imaginative dialogue with Roland Barthes’s Camera Lucida. Elkins articulates how photography encompasses both meaninglessness and the capacity to evoke deep emotional responses, highlighting its role in shaping our perceptions.

Readers will find that the book is richly illustrated, showcasing a diverse array of images that complement Elkins’s arguments. The text addresses various themes, including the psychological and emotional challenges associated with the act of seeing, as well as the cultural implications of photography. By engaging with topics such as art criticism, media studies, and social science, What Photography Is provides a thought-provoking perspective on the medium’s impact on our understanding of the world.