Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Individual Artist    4. Expressionism    5. Individual artists    6. Painting & paintings   

Reviews (4)

Woman as an idolized goddess again...
The Christianity and even more the Islam have abolished to idolize woman as a goddess. However this was the daily use in the Greek, Roman and Egyptian religion (sorry to remember, that the Aztecs tore the heart of young virgins out of the live body). Newton has reversed this development - he told us, to idolize women again. I visited the Helmut Newton exhibition A GUN FOR HIRE in the "Museum for Photography" in Berlin, near the Station ZOO, Jebens-Street 2. Sometimes I thought Newton is cynical, contemptuous against women, emphasizes the power struggle between the sexes too much. After the reading of his autobiography I thought: "What a humorous, witty person! " After having the pleasure to watch the film of his wife on his work, I thought, oh God, I get dizzy by this hand-held shaking camera. After the reading of the museum catalogue A GUN FOR HIRE I always get quiet again. Newton was skilful. He regarded himself as A GUN FOR HIRE self ironically, as an unfortunately rentable killer because of the kind money. But if he had carried out a banal "killer" order with the necessary simple, most childish aesthetics guidelines for any fashion magazine, showing the models in a predefined wardrobe sales beneficially - then he afterwards extended the dialog with a lady in most cases after completion of this obedient work for the capitalist system of the chewing fan heating - then he enlarged the dialog into the direction of more human, erotic, adult and no longer infantile situations, real and no more prudishly, running free experimenting for new emotion and aura. The growing picture collection from the vermiform appendix after that official work peeled out that image, that unique art form, which everyone connects now with the name Helmut Newton - a milestone in the history of photography. Before the visit of the exhibition A GUN FOR HIRE (in the long night of the museums in Berlin, January 2006) I went astray in that nightmare of holocaust stele field in Berlin. Newton had managed to escape from the insanity of the Third Reich. Newton's work could have never resulted under the thumb of any ideology. At first in the private, thereupon in a society, where is the liberty to make something new, it was possible for him, to make what could correctly be described as "making a woman to an idolized goddess" again. A GUN FOR HIRE is the reminding bequest which, shortly before his death, he bequeathed to that town which had dropped him 1938. I hope, that Berlin people (and many more) will awake and learn, what he wanted to show...

Best Newton book on the market!
Highly recommended for anyone who knows Helmut Newton only by reputation. This doesn't show his most graphic work, but it has a nice range of his early editorial photos, fashion campaigns, absolut ads. This book is a great example of showcasing Newton's talent as a photographer. Instead of focusing on his sometimes intense sexual images, this book focuses on the composition, layout and colors his photography had. Don't worry, you Newton-lovers, the sexuality is still here for all to enjoy.
slightly disappointing
While i like HN work and always pick out his style even if i dont know a particular photograph, this book was downright disappointing. Its like someone assembled pictures which weren't good enough to be included in any of the other (previous) books just to sell it to suckers who will buy anything by HN. However, i absolutely adored the 4 or 5 pics of Monica Belucci and bought the book solely on account of them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Individual Photographer    2. Photo Techniques    3. Photoessays & Documentaries    4. Photography    5. Subjects & Themes - Fashion    6. Individual photographers   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Individual Artist    4. Individual Painters - 20th Century    5. Techniques - Painting    6. Art / General    7. Art; biography    8. Individual artists   

Reviews (9)

A good collection showing a range of photo types.
This book is LARGE! Very large. It is approximately 12" square, like a vinyl LP record, and comes in a tough card outer sleeve or box, thus keeping the actual book itself free from damage. I don't know exactly how much it weighs, but I suspect that it must be 3-4 Kg, so if you order it warn your postman! The images are all B&W. a well-rounded group
Admitting that I've never seen any of Mapplethorpe's work up close and personal I'll none the less say that the prints are beautiful.The huge format gives the photos plenty of room to breathe, as is sometimes a problem in art books.I spent a good while seeking a collection that included all of his favorite subject matter, both the pretty and the disturbing, and this one didn't disappoint.If you are too weak of stomach for some of the admittedly harsh erotic stuff (which includes mostly that of the "homo-" variety) then buy a collection of his flowers and women, but all of his work makes much more sense in context.

Worth the expense but a bit disappointing
While this handsome, exceptionally made collection of Mapplethorpe photography is certainly worth its cost, the editors have done a disservice to the artist by eliminating the framing effects Mapplethorpe created tooff-set his own work, and thus sometimes robbing individual images of theirultimately intended impact.Worse still, these particular reproductionsgenerally eliminate the sepia, blue-ish, or silvery tones of the originalworks and consequently misrepresent the artist's intent.Those who areestablished admires of Mapplethorpe will be impressed by this book; thosewho have not previously seen his work, however, will probably wonder whatall the artistic fuss was about. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions    2. General    3. Individual Photographer    4. Individual Photographers And Their Work    5. Mapplethorpe, Robert    6. Photo Essays    7. Photography    8. Photography, Artistic    9. Photography / General   

Editorial Review

In Mexico in the early 1920s, a growing, collective social consciousness gave rise to a revolutionary furor focused on liberating the country's workers from harsh conditions and poverty. In 1921, Mexican artists Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros were all commissioned by the government to create educational paintings on the walls of public buildings. After that initial experience, they devoted themselves almost exclusively to painting these large-scale murals--forming the foundation of a movement that would last 50 years. The muralists' work took up the themes of society and revolution. Often the paintings depicted historical vignettes like the story of Cuernavaca and Morelos crossing the barranca, or Mexico's ancient Indians. They satirized contemporary society, created ideal visions of peaceful families, and built up dark, imposing industrial cityscapes then leveled them by depicting the debauchery and death of the capitalist industrialists. Read more

Reviews (4)

The Big Three
Read the editorial reviews first and if you are still not convinced that this bookdoes a good job covering the Big Three than get individual books on each. The text is outstanding andputs the works of art into a political context of the time period. The author is analytical, insightful and definitely well versed in the subject matter.There is an exhaustive bibliography, extensive endnotes on each chapter and spectacular reproductions on thick quality paper stock. There are historical photographs of publicworks in progress and a varity of camera angles of individual murals to show the enormity of the works. I have seen many of these murals on location and this book does an excellent job of portraying them as they are. When you see a Rivera fresco ona wall at the National Palace live or in this case from a pulled out camera angle and see the railing leading to the next floor being dwarfed by the images it is truly impressive. Looking at the details within the murals is the ultimate visual experience where you can get lost in the pictureand themeaning. The closeupsand details of individual segments are superior. This is art for the peoples public viewing brought directly to you from Mexico to hold in your hands and examine at your leisure. There are several good books out there on Mexican Murals but this one for the money is outstanding. The three artists each had a distictive style but each brought a unifying nationalistic approach to the walls of public buildings. Is one artist better than the other? You be the judge, everyone has their own favorite.If you are unfamiliar with the works of the Big Three than check it out, you are in for a treat.

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I OWN!!
This is definitely one of the best books out there for anyone interested in Mexican art. Few books can inspire as much as this one, especially for people from Zapotlanejo, Jalisco. It's loaded with many pictures and chronicles the lives of these three muralistas and has in depth coverage of specific murals, i especially enjoyed the coverage on "History of Mexico" mural by Diego Rivera. This book is definitely worth the price and a great addition to any collection. Orale!

best outlook on the murilists of mexico and their beliefs
Shows a great variety of each artists pieces and movements through out their career. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1883-1949    2. 20th century    3. Art    4. Art & Art Instruction    5. Art and revolutions    6. Criticism    7. Criticism and interpretation    8. Folk & Outsider Art    9. Individual Artist    10. Mexico    11. Mural painting and decoration,    12. Mural painting and decoration, Mexican    13. Orozco, Jose Clemente,    14. Orozco, Josâe Clemente,    15. Techniques - Painting    16. Art / Individual Artist    17. Folk art    18. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    19. Individual artists    20. Orozco, José Clemente    21. Rivera, Diego    22. Siqueiros, David Alfaro   

Subjects:  1. 19th Century Art    2. American - General    3. Art    4. Art & Art Instruction    5. Exhibitions    6. Landscape in art    7. National characteristics, American, in art    8. Subjects & Themes - General    9. Subjects & Themes - Landscapes    10. Tourism and art    11. United States    12. Art / History / American    13. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    14. USA   

Reviews (5)

A Gorgeous Book
This volume is the catalogue for a truly unusual show co-sponsored by the Royal Academy in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.For once, a team of art specialists has put together a Matisse exhibition which is more than a paean to this artist's use of color and a slapped-together collection of pretty pictures.While all of the paintings on display here are quite familiar to audiences as the bulk of them have been included in every Matisse show for the past 15 years, they have been given a new context by presenting them with examples of fabrics (both decorative and dress) from Matisse's personal collection.The offspring of weavers, Matisse possessed an appreciation for pattern and textiles from his earliest years.Fabrics were some of his favorite props, necessary for him to create the orientalist, hothouse atmosphere of the 1920s "Nice period" paintings, the chic calligraphy of his 1930s work, and the simplicity and repetition of his 1940s cut-outs.While the exhibition itself was not a large one, this book has got to be one of the most beautiful catalogues the Metropolitan Museum has ever produced.The stunning design interweaves full-color images of individual textiles with "their" respective paintings...It is a fascinating experience to see the same purple striped turkish robe or peasant blouse transformed into a dazzling pattern on several different models in paintings and drawings separated by years in time.The standard of color reproduction here is exemplary - Matisse's brilliant colors literally jump off of the page and into your eyes! A necessary addition to any art library for the design and quality of illustration alone...

Matisse: His Art and His Textiles
This is a marvelous resource book, especially for fiber artists and those who enjoy reading careful research into specific aspects of an artist's work. It gives detailed information about the influence of textiles on his paintings, including his use of textile techniques: actual textiles from his personal collection as sources for painting Odalisque costumes and background, combining colors, and creating cutouts.

Colour character
The life of Henri-�mile-Beno�t Matisse is a remarkable one - one of the co-authors, Hilary Spurling, has spent years in careful and caring research to bring to life in pages this master of painting, having just published the second volume of her biography of him. Matisse is one of the giants of modern art; Picasso long considered him is only true rival.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Design - Textile & Costume    4. History - General    5. Individual Artist    6. Art / Individual Artist    7. Fauvism    8. Individual artists    9. Painting & paintings    10. Textile arts   

Reviews (3)

Can't get better than this.
This book has it all lots of pictures as well as interesting information on Mucha and his work.I feel that it shows how he and his work became an icon of Art Nouveau.It is not just posters and panels that are covered it goes into every aspect of Mucha's work.There is information and pictures on "The Slav Epic", jewellery, lead light pastels, drawings and more.I would recommend this book to anyone that loves Mucha or Art Nouveau.

lovely Art Nuveau book
I bought this book as a gift for a Mucha fan.It's a great price for such a beautiful hardcover book.The high quality glossy pages vividly exhibit the many prints and photographs represented.There is also ample and varied biographical information about Alphonse Mucha's life and career.It's a great book for any art-nuveau fan.

A RICHLY DETAILED TRIBUTE TO MUCHA

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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. General    4. Art Nouveau    5. Individual artists   

Reviews (2)

Too Bad It Is Out of Print!
Lucky me, I found this in a local public library! But it is too bad I cannot buy this as it is out of print. Unlike other art books, this book is not limited to pictures but has lots of useful information to read.
Joy in Simplicity
Agnes Martin is one of the world's most respected abstract expressionist painters. Awarded the US National Medal for the Arts and many others, at 88 years young, she continues to paint daily in her Taos, New Mexico studio.This book highlights an extensive collection of her past and present work. The fascination of the work is that she is able to simplify and reduce thevisual experience to very faint lines, grids, and bands of muted color onpaper and canvas. The images in this book are not concrete, they are notbold, they are contemplative soft feminine brush strokes and fine graphitelines that can, if you allow them,produce a sense of calm, peace and joy.A true experience! If you are unable to go to Taos's Harwood Museum to seeseven of her blue and white series all arranged in an octangal roomconstructed to house them, this book will introduce you to one greatpainter. Enjoy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1912-    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Art, Abstract    5. Exhibitions    6. Individual Artist    7. Martin, Agnes,    8. United States   

Reviews (1)

The Bible On Matisse
I noticed that this is coming back into print in November 2002, so I figured I'd write this review. If you are a fan of Matisse, you should snap up this book. It is an awesome achievement by Mr. Schneider. There is a tremendous amount of biographical data here, as well as a wealth of reproductions- both color and black and white. One caveat, though. This is definitely not for the casual reader! There is a lot of detailed analysis of the paintings included- such things as Matisse's theories on the use of color and shape; the tremendous amount of work and thought that went into each work in order to create color harmony and a balance of all the pictorial elements, etc. Mr. Schneider respects the reader, so some of this stuff can be a real challenge! But I found it very worthwhile! Matisse's paintings are deceptive, at least to the layperson. They seem soothing and simple. Well, I can promise you that after reading this wonderful book you may still find the paintings soothing, but when you realize what went into the process of creating them you will never again think of them as being simple! This is one of those rare books that opens your eyes and makes you look at something in a completely new way.Reviewer Note: Please be aware that the book I am reviewing is the over 700 page book written by Pierre Schneider, NOT the much shorter book written by Mr. Jacobus and only translated by Mr. Schneider! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1869-1954    2. 20th Century Art    3. Art    4. Art & Art Instruction    5. Artists    6. Biography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. European    9. France    10. History - Modern (Late 19th Century to 1945)    11. Individual Artist    12. Matisse, Henri    13. Matisse, Henri,    14. Art / Individual Artist    15. History of art & design styles: from c 1900 -   

Reviews (3)

disappointing format
This is a nice collection of haunting, melancholy images that span the artist's career. You can certainly feel her affinity for the deprived and the castaways of society. The images often precariously balance the line between documentary and exploitation, yet the subjects never appear to be disingenuous. The reproductions and the quality of the paper are top-notch. However, most of the images span across the spine of the book, which I find quite annoying. Imagine taking a fine art photograph and putting a large crease in the middle of it. I know it allows the images to be larger, but I find it really distracting. Don't do like I did. Make sure you check the book out in person before ordering it.

must see photography
Mary Ellen Marks is important because her photography is not focused on poverty, violence, mental instability, or drug abuse, its about the life of real people and how they have had to live. Her pictures of children in Indian brothels show smiles and colorful curtains, though the horror of child prostitution is unforgivable. Her photos of seniors in Florida shows their is a lot of life left to live(my personal favorite is the lady dancing with the jukebox)though they are in senior centers and retirement communities.I really liked her pictures of Halloween in NYC shelter because it shows how happy these kids are to have costumes and parties. When you look at her photos, you stop and recognize the sadness or the atrocity of the situation, but there is no pity just respect for those having to deal with it. I love how simple and touching her photographs are and thankful that I was allowed to be blessed with the life I have.

Incredible documentary photography
I popped into a book store tonight before a movie and saw this book on the shelf and thought I'd leaf through it...I ended up sitting on a bench and looking at almost every photo, and even calling my companion over to take a look.
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Subjects:  1. Essays    2. Individual Photographer    3. Photo Techniques    4. Photoessays & Documentaries    5. Photography    6. Individual photographers    7. Photographs: collections    8. Photography / Individual Photographer   

Reviews (3)

this is a book that I have used for several years
Matisse is an artist that will grow with you. I often return to this or other Matisse books and find ways of seeing painting that I have never contemplated before. What's nice about this Retrospective is that it does a first rate job of covering the artists entire life in detail.
An essential sourcebook
This oversized volume documents a retrospective exhibition devoted to Matisse which was held at the Museum of Modern Art in late 1992 and early 1993.The largest Matisse exhibition ever staged, it is unlikely that thismassive curatorial event will ever be repeated.For devotees of Matisse,this book is an essential addition to your library, although there islittle here that has not been previously published and discussed many timesin earlier exhibitions.I think this book is more useful for thoseindividuals who have just been introduced to this artist's work - it is amarvelous one-volume survey, clearly organized into seven chronologicalsections covering the entirety of Matisse's life, and showcasing his finestpictures.For those readers looking for more than just reproductions,however, the book is less satisfying.Elderfield's introductory essay isvirtually incomprehensible for anyone who isn't already familiar with thematisse literature, and is poorly coordinated with the catalogue itself -there is no discussion of the individual paintings actually in theexhibition, or their interrelationships.The chronology of the artist'slife is useful, but no more than bare bones history.This book is chieflya visual pleasure and a fine document of a great exhibition.However,having seen the exhibition myself, I must inform the reader that many ofthe photographs in the book were received from non-MOMA sources, and thereare variations in quality among the images.The bulk of the reproductionsare just too dark, lending Matisse's pictures a muddy look that they do notpossess in reality.I wish someone had bothered to compare the photos tothe paintings before they sent the book to press.Still, if you buy onlyone book on Matisse, this should be it.

Covers all aspects of Matisse and his works!
This book goes through all of his different periods in his life; including many full-color plates which display the pictures described in the text. Definately a must have! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1869-1954    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Exhibition Catalogs    5. Exhibitions    6. Individual Artist    7. Matisse, Henri    8. Matisse, Henri,    9. Women in art   

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Reviews (10)

soso
Being a photographer myself it is a must to study Sally Mann's work. No doubt, here reputation is not coincident and definitely not only because she took a couple of photos of children without cloth. Her photos tell stories and portrait those children in a very strong and real way.
Breathtaking!!
What remains is an outstanding, breathtaking book. In my opinion Sally Mann is one of the greatest photographers of our era. Her photographs are progressive although she uses old processes.
Ethereal Meditations on Mortality
WHAT REMAINS is an apt title to this extraordinary photographic portfolio by the sensitive, ever inquisitive, gentle spirit of Sally Mann.Though often criticized for her 'audacity' of material she elects to photograph, Mann is never less than creative and challenging.
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Subjects:  1. 1951-    2. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions    3. Individual Photographer    4. Mann, Sally,    5. Photo Techniques    6. Photoessays & Documentaries    7. Photography    8. Photography, Artistic    9. Photographic reportage    10. Photography / Individual Photographer    11. Bargain   

Editorial Review

"Matisse was born in 1869 in northern France and grew up in Bohain-en-Vermandois, near the Belgian border, on the drab, cold, wet beet fields of French Flanders. The same area, culturally and geographically speaking, had produced Vincent van Gogh sixteen years before." Thus begins the first full biography of an artist who, more than any other, is associated with Mediterranean heat, brilliant color and light, and languid, luxurious interiors. As author Hilary Spurling points out, an open window is one of Matisse's frequent motifs. Given the climate of his youth, that image speaks more of escape than of the sea air of the French Riviera. Read more

Reviews (11)

The Unknown Matisse Revealed
I was impatiently awaiting the arrival of The Unknown Matisse and have not been disappointed. Hilary Spurling has truly written a superb book. For all those who are interested in the passing from the old school of art to the new concepts that gave way to modern art as we understand it, this book is for you. This book compares favorably with John Richardson's massive Picasso biography. The Unknown Matisse is a book I will keep going back to over the years.
Painful Beginnings
Matisse has always suffered from bad press.In his home town he was known as a triple failure: He couldn't take over the family seed store, he didn't make a career in law work and he threw away a chance to be a popular Salon artist.When people saw his latest paintings, they were often overwhelmed and unprepared for what they saw.Only a few visionary collectors and fellow artists understood his ground-breaking efforts.Picasso and those who supported Picasso felt that they had to run down Matisse to help their own cause . . . despite having "borrowed" heavily from Matisse.Later, most of Matisse's early masterpieces were hidden away in foreign, private collections while crowds jeered at his latest work.
Meet Matisse and Enter His Landscape for Reading Pleasure
Henri Matisse (1869-1954) came from the somber northern region of France.The landscape of his youth was sketched in the somber colors of a provinical childhood.His family were seed merchants, sober and no nonsense in their approach to the realities of life.As Matisse grew his art expanded as he journeyed to Paris and to the South of France where he discovered the glories of coloration in his art.Matisse was the greatest of the Fauvist painters; the chief rival of Picasso and the grand old man of French painting. Read more

Subjects:  1. 1869-1954    2. Artists    3. Artists, Architects, Photographers    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. France    9. French artists    10. Individual Painters - 19th Century    11. Matisse, Henri,    12. Biography & Autobiography / Artists, Architects, Photographers    13. Matisse, Henri   

Reviews (1)

a visual ,intimate biography of this passionate artist
The black and white photography captures the artist perfectly. You can feel her intensity and sensuality spring from the pages.It is an intimate look at a very private artist. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1887-1986    2. Architecture    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. General    5. O'Keeffe, Georgia    6. O'Keeffe, Georgia,    7. Portraits    8. Subjects & Themes - Portraits   

Subjects:  1. 1832-1883    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Criticism    5. Criticism and interpretation    6. History - Impressionism    7. Individual Artist    8. Individual Painters - 19th Century    9. Manet, Edouard,    10. Art / General    11. Manet, Edouard   

Reviews (1)

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This is a fine collection of the later work of Agnes Martin. Her work is a great example of how an action becomes something other. No documentation will ever suffice for seeing her work in person, but as these things go this book captures some of her subtleties. I turn to this book at times when I need to be reminded that we can make tender references to perfection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - General    4. History - Abstract    5. History - Modern (Late 19th Century to 1945)    6. Individual Artist    7. 21st century    8. Individual artists    9. c 1990 to c 2000   

Reviews (1)

What everycatalogue raisonne should look like.
The most surprising thing about Newman's output is how non-prolific he was,118 works on canvas in 25 years.Every painting is reproduced in superb color.The only detriment is that half a dozen of his large horizontal paintings are spread across the centrespread,spoiling the composition.Using fold out pages would have been more useful.It also includes his drawings,graphics and sculpture,comprising of 329 works in all.No text accompanies the reproductions,letting the work stand on it's own.If you admire Newman's work,buy this magnificent book.It is one of finest catalogue raisonne ever produced. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1905-1970    2. American - General    3. Art    4. Art & Art Instruction    5. Catalogues raisonnes    6. Catalogues raisonnâes    7. History - Abstract    8. Individual Artist    9. Newman, Barnett,    10. Art / General    11. History of art & design styles: from c 1900 -   

Reviews (1)

wonderful, beautiful book
I got this book for my boyfriend for his birthday (he is a photographer). The book is full of the most beautiful and dreadful photographs. The writing is good too- the author tells of her experience trying to be accepted into this tight, dangerous, intimidating Indian community. Inspiring to photographers and artists and sociologists and anthropologists alike. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Individual Photographer    2. Photo Techniques    3. Photoessays & Documentaries    4. Photography    5. Subjects & Themes - Erotica    6. Subjects & Themes - Portraits    7. India    8. Photographs: collections   

Reviews (2)

Raw brillance in pictures
Alice Neel's work is so contempory, so female, so raw. She was brilliant and very ahead of her time. She inspires me everday, and this book is marvelous. Full of quotes from her, her history, the best pictures.I sowish I had known her.

Beautiful Images
This is a wonderful edition to any art library.Beautiful color images, interesting narration. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1900-    2. 20th Century Art    3. Art    4. General    5. History - General    6. Individual Artist    7. Neel, Alice    8. Neel, Alice,    9. Photography