Since 1839, photographers have been recording the world around them. Their families, homes, local towns, and more becoming immortalized in copper, glass, and film. With the advent of digital photography, recording life has become even easier! Celebrate the artistry, craft, and history of photography with these stunning photodocumentary books from around the nation. And maybe consider making a photodocumentary book of your own!
Today’s Glimmer: Photos by the Bay, Volume II
by Marina Pierce
Today’s Glimmer is a full year—January to December—of original photos and inspirations designed to make you smile, giggle, or spark a positive memory. Part photography, part education, all inspiration!
This book was inspired by a post on Instagram talking about the difference between a trigger, something that stirs up anger or sadness, and glimmers, things that make you smile and are positive. Before you know it you’ll be finding them on your own—all around you. When that happens, browse to the very back of the book for a little surprise. Working together we can brighten up days for everyone around us.
Back Then When: The Golden Era of Washington DC Nightlife
by E. Taylor
Back Then When is an exclusive collection of timeless images from a bygone era.
Utilizing photos from evipLIST and DCDecades, Back Then When is filled with more than 150 photos and detailed information on over 40 nightclubs. Readers will experience thousands of memories from when the DC nightlife scene was the envy of the country. Featuring exclusive pictures of celebrities enjoying the DC club scene, including Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Jay-Z, Kevin Durant, Kim Kardashian, Sean “P Diddy” Combs, Kanye West, Halle Berry, Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Alicia Keys, Future, Drake and many, many more .
With unprecedented nightclub access through his company evipLIST, E. Taylor captured the essence of DC nightlife in photos. From the clubs and parties that grew it, to the people and celebrities that made it. Complete with E. Taylor’s personal anecdotes of capturing the images, to fun facts behind some of the photos, E. Taylor wants to immerse you into his world of when parties and events in DC were life. Back Then When shares photographic moments from the most important times in the history of DC nightlife.
Building Bridges: The I-74 Mississippi River Bridge
by Tammy Mutka
Discover the history and construction of two Mississippi River crossings between Bettendorf, Iowa and Moline, Illinois.
This detailed construction photo documentary traces the original suspension bridge opened in November 1935 and the iconic modern twin basket-handle true arch bridge opened in December 2021. Both bridges took an extensive vision, determination, and unprecedented community collaboration. With over 2060 personal photos, Mutka captures the process of how a bridge is built. From drilling into the Mississippi riverbed, to constructing the substructure, superstructure, arches and deck. She draws from personal experience, interviews with community leaders, the original bridge designer, engineers, and the trades people who built this bridge. She also captures the complete demolition of the previous twin suspension bridges.
From record setting floods, freezing winters and the COVID-19 pandemic—this book highlights challenges faced building over a major river as well as emphasizing the critical roles played by ironworkers, engineers, crane operators, and countless others. In homage to the skilled labor behind the project, Mutka includes the names of over 600 of the workers. Also included are 67 personal photos from ironworkers during fabrication and installation of the arches, and operating engineers looking down into the cofferdams and from the tower cranes. This book serves as a record for future generations of the men and women who came together to see this iconic bridge develop from a dream to reality.
Resonance: Perspectives Through the Lens
by American Society of Photographers
In this collection of fine art photography, the second annual juried exhibition of work by members of the American Society of Photographers, a group of 41 artists share their individual ways of seeing through 51 works of art.
As you view this diverse, yet unified, tapestry of images, we invite you to explore what resonates with you. Art has always been a conversation between the artist and the viewer, each bringing personal experience to the moment. This collection is intriguing not only for the strength of each image and its conversation with you, but also for the dialogue that forms among the images as they resonate with one another. Bold against delicate; abstract against intimate, the contrast invites the viewer to linger, enjoy, and appreciate the connective tissue that binds these artists and the worlds they photograph.
Each photograph here is an act of intention. While some capture the quiet presence of the everyday, others expand the boundaries of imagination. Questions are asked, solace is offered, and space is held for beauty to exist on its own terms.
Within these pages there are images that serve as very personal, visual poetry and others that are joyful celebrations of form. Some are odes to nature, while others delve deep into the human spirit. You will find a deeper exploration of the artists and their creative expression in essays accompanying some of the artwork, and in the artists’ statements later in the book. We invite you to rediscover the world through the eyes of our artists. Curiosity is a delightful compass to guide you. May these images inspire you to pause and explore how they resonate in your heart and mind.
Route 66 Roadscapes: Stories Through the Lens
by Jay Farrell
Route 66 Roadscapes showcases a curated collection of photographs and road trip narratives from photographer and author Jay Farrell. His spirit of wanderlust and deliberate execution is evident in every photograph and perspective-driven story.
Between 2022 and 2024, Farrell embarked on several Historic Route 66 photography road trips, meticulously backtracking and revisiting certain sites to capture the perfect photo at just the right moment, bringing his vision to life. He embraces the freedom of the great American road trip, traveling with his trusty Leica camera and only the essentials in tow. Farrell’s inspiration for exploring the Mother Road lies in its independent businesses, rich history, nostalgic charm, and diverse landscapes—all waiting to be documented through his lens. Readers are invited to join him in the passenger seat for this carefully crafted series of Route 66 excursions.
Experience the forgotten ruins and abandoned antique cars from a bygone era, overtaken by tumbleweeds and the elements. The enduring classic neon signs, a few memorable surprises slightly off the beaten path, and vibrant nighttime long exposure photography all contribute to this thoughtfully assembled collection.
I Saw it in the Paper: Back When People Read
by Jon Falk
A single photojournalist’s journey from the height of print media to the complete demise of local and regional newsprint.
From transporting a load of lighting equipment, deploying the right film, camera, and technique to digital expression. Jon’s career spans decades riding the wave of “first to arrive” newsman where the photographer of the day may win the front page with the most riveting shot, binding his name to the event in eternity. A career encased with respect, irreverence, diligence and most of all seeker of the truth. I Saw It In The Paper, offers photos from his photojournalist career—alive, unvarnished, and spectacularly honest.
Presidents, actors, artists, Gloria Steinem, the Pope, and more are depicted with raw comments from the artist. Why does Jim Croce give the photographer the side-eye we may never know. Later in his career, Jon works as a lighting specialist offers delight to aspiring photographers who benefit from his technical expertise. Those of us who have had the opportunity to know this incredible human, may have been gifted a lifetime of family photography as a symbol of his love for family, friends traditions and celebrations.
I Saw It In The Paper is a snapshot of time that we lived and will be no longer. A celebration of a career, a pivotal time in history captured by one humble man.
Beyond the Ride: A Journey Through London’s Underground
by Mark A Paulda
Takes a photographic journey of the world famous London Underground with fine art photographer Mark A Paulda!
Travelling hundreds of miles underground, Paulda takes the reader through the Jubilee Line, Northern Line, Bakerloo Line, Piccadilly Line, District Line, and Victoria Line. Beyond the Ride takes a look at the remarkable marvel of the London Undergrounds meandering tunnels showing the remarkable architecture along the way. Accompanying Paulda’s images are interesting facts about London’s famous Underground, and quirky quotes from actual announcements made during a journey. A journey not to be missed!