A Pound of Pictures
Thoughts prompted by Alec Soth's latest photobook.
What I love about Alec Soth’s photobooks is that when I first look at them I don’t get them.
By the 4th time, I like them a lot.
His latest photobook, A Pound of Pictures is such a one. What does it all mean? I’m not sure but it gets to me in some unfathomable way.
Initially it feels like collection of random photos. At the end of the book is a brief essay and notes on the photos and things start to make sense.
I like the way he thinks about photography…
“My process is like web-surfing in the real world. The goal is to be carried by a wave of curiosity and free association.”
“Don’t disparage beginners or hobbyists. Stay in touch with their earnest spirit.”
“Photography doesn’t just force me to leave my house, it forces me to leave my head (briefly).
“When burdened by the feeling that there are too many photographs in the world, I ask myself if there are too many flowers.”
When I’m walking with my wife and I see something to photograph she jokingly says “but haven’t you got enough photos?”
Of course not. Is it possible to have too many photos of the National Theatre?
That 'too many photographs' quote... I think we all need to celebrate an abundance of beautiful things.
Being a 'hobbyist' photographer I very much like Alec's second quotation. Also like your National Theatre photograph. Made me a little homesick for London. But only a little, and it soon passed. Plenty here to interest the eye.