Enables readers to understand the debates in photography and learn how to apply the issues raised by critical theory to their own practical work. This book guides readers through a range of issues, including the differences between Eastern and Western art, post-modernism, sexism, and the relationship between photography and language.

A must-have aid to anyone studying critical theory, this book provides intelligently written, illuminating insights on the 21st century's dominant art form. Benefit from detailed summaries and stimulating discussion that cuts through the complexity of key critical theory texts. It gives you confidence to tackle photographic theory and relate it to your own work, enhancing your creativity and understanding. It enables you to explore fascinating issues including sexism, the effects of advertising, Eastern versus Western art and moral issues raised by photography.

Introduction
Aims of book
Berger's 'Ways of Seeing' - consumerism, sexism and distortion of artistic worth by capitalism
Formalist/realist approach - Szarkowski and Shore
Sontag's 'On Photography'
Roland Barthes, Camera Lucida
Martha Rosler
Solomon-Godeau 'Inside/Out' (in conjunction with Sontag and Rosler this section illustrates how arguments develop)
Clive Scott, photography and language
Grundberg's 'The Crisis of the real' - postmodernism
Raghubir Singh, River of Colour

The Adventures of a Photographer, a short story by Italio Calvino
Haitian poem by Felix Morisseau-Leroy
Poem by George Szirtes
Case studies - advertising and photojournalism (not major sections)
Appendixes
Glossary
Index
Reading list
Theoretical and practical assignments at the end of each chapter.