The New Street Photographer's Manifesto by Tanya Nagar - Review

Front cover

I live within a short walking distance to a few bookstores. I visit them regularly in search of... well... books. I like the hunt I guess, because I buy more than I read. There is always a stack under my bed and I always start a few books at the same time. Anyway. I got the "Street Photographer's Manifesto" by Tanya Nagar a few days ago. The front cover is eye catching - big, bold font and a lot of angry red. After flicking quickly through a few pages I decided to buy it. It was a mistake... If I was to put it in one sentence it would be: "I don't like her photos and the rest can be Googled" Harsh but true. Nothing in this book (with one single exception-the part on street photography and law) is substantial or new. There are way better places (websites) if you want to know more about the term and history of street photography. Same places will tell you more about what and where to shoot, about the technique, approach and equipment. The chapter on digital processing can only be interesting to someone completely new to the process. The only part of the book I liked is the bit about other street photographers and their work. The only good photographs are there. So, to summarize it: Don't buy it. If you insist - borrow it or have a very long look at the bookstore.