Influential Photography Critics to Know for History of Photography

Photography critics have shaped our understanding of the medium, influencing how we perceive images and their impact on society. Their insights highlight the relationship between photography, art, and culture, revealing deeper meanings behind the lens.

1. Susan Sontag

   • Advocated for a critical understanding of photography in her seminal work "On Photography" (1977).
   • Explored the relationship between images and reality, emphasizing how photographs shape perceptions of the world.
   • Critiqued the commodification of images and the ethical implications of viewing suffering through a lens.

2. John Szarkowski

   • Served as the director of photography at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and significantly influenced the presentation of photography as an art form.
   • Introduced the concept of "the photographer's eye," focusing on the unique vision and perspective of the photographer.
   • Curated pivotal exhibitions that elevated the status of photography in the art world, including "The Photographer's Eye" (1966).

3. Roland Barthes

   • Analyzed the semiotics of photography in his influential essay "Camera Lucida" (1980), exploring the relationship between the viewer and the image.
   • Introduced the concepts of "studium" and "punctum," which describe the ways photographs engage viewers emotionally and intellectually.
   • Examined the nature of representation and the role of photography in constructing meaning.

4. Beaumont Newhall

   • Authored "The History of Photography" (1937), one of the first comprehensive histories of the medium.
   • Played a key role in establishing photography as a legitimate art form through his writings and curatorial work.
   • His scholarship laid the groundwork for future studies in photographic history and criticism.

5. Vicki Goldberg

   • Known for her writings on the cultural significance of photography and its impact on society.
   • Authored "Photography in America" and contributed to various publications, emphasizing the historical context of photographic practices.
   • Advocated for the recognition of diverse photographic voices and perspectives.

6. A.D. Coleman

   • A prominent critic and theorist who has written extensively on the evolution of photography and its cultural implications.
   • Critiqued the traditional boundaries of photography, advocating for a broader understanding of the medium's potential.
   • His essays often address the intersection of photography with contemporary issues, including technology and ethics.

7. Gerry Badger

   • Co-authored "The Photobook: A History," which examines the significance of the photobook as a medium for artistic expression.
   • Focused on the relationship between photography and the book form, highlighting the importance of sequencing and narrative.
   • His work has contributed to the recognition of photobooks as a vital aspect of photographic practice.

8. Abigail Solomon-Godeau

   • Explored feminist perspectives in photography, critiquing the male gaze and the representation of women in visual culture.
   • Authored "Photography at the Dock," which examines the intersection of photography with issues of identity and power.
   • Advocated for a critical approach to understanding the social and political dimensions of photographic images.

9. Allan Sekula

   • Critiqued the role of photography in shaping social narratives and the representation of labor and class.
   • His work often combined photography with theoretical writing, emphasizing the political implications of visual culture.
   • Explored the relationship between photography and documentary practices, questioning the authenticity of images.

10. Rosalind Krauss

    • An influential art critic and theorist who has written extensively on modern and contemporary art, including photography.
    • Examined the relationship between photography and other art forms, challenging traditional definitions of photography.
    • Her essays often address the philosophical and theoretical implications of photographic practices in the context of postmodernism.