Title: Photographs Not Taken – A collection of Photographers’ Essays
Author: edited by Will Steacy
Published by: Daylight Community Arts Foundation, 2021
For today’s review in my series of Photographer’s library series, I chose a small book which does not include any pictures, nothing at all. It is a 135-page book edited by Will Steacy, a compilation of short stories by 62 photographers. They are talking about the iconic, haunting, or missed shots that got away. When I discovered the book, I was very curious to read about moments seen but not seized. Whether due to ethical dilemmas, equipment failure, safety concerns, or simply being overwhelmed by the moment, the images burned into the photographers’ minds are often more powerful than what the camera would have captured.
This book was and still is a source of great inspiration to me.
The short, bite-sized essays are highly engaging and easy to pick up, offering a rare, vulnerable peek inside the minds of professionals.
I would recommend this book to every photographer everywhere. If you can get hold of this tiny book and I can guarantee it will become permanent part of your library.