I hate reading!

This is my memory of when I was a kid. I hated it for no other reason, just because I was forced to do that. Nobody put the effort to explain, why I should do it. Not to mention that the pile of books recommended by the teachers, was of no interest to me.

Fast-forward to 2021 and find myself trying to squeeze any free moment of my busy adult life, to read.

It’s funny how life changes one's perspective.

Today, I read books for two main reasons:

.inspiration

.acquiring knowledge

NOTE TO SELF: a study from the great masters.

1. MAGNUM - MAGNUM CONTACT SHEETS

Already have this book. Hardly recall many of the pictures there. Until I get any new photography book, that will be my daily source of inspiration.

2. SEBASTIAO SALGADO - AMAZONIA

He influenced me significantly to be bold and make a dramatic change in my life in 2015. Let’s enjoy his mentorship even further.

3. JOHN FREE - THE END OF THE LINE

He is my greatest photography mentor. In the spring of 2021, his long-expected book is due to release.

4. FAN HO - HONG KONG YESTERDAY

He has published a trilogy of books that cover his work. Absolutely a pleasure to study the master of Asia. Many believe that he is better than HCB. Let’s challenge this. On my checking, none of his books is available for sale anywhere around the world. In Apr 2021 there will be the new edition that I just pre-ordered.

5. HENRY CARTIER-BRESSON - THE DECISIVE MOMENT

He is the father of the raw emotion of street photography or at least elevated it to a totally new level. This book was published in the ‘50s and it’s impossible to find it on the market. In 2014 a german printing house published an updated version. It cost 94 EUR, but everywhere is out of stock. Only e-tailers can be found for outrageous prices of 500-600eur. Yesterday I sent an email to the HCB Foundation. Fingers crossed! Maybe they will be able to help me to purchase the latest edition book on the MRSP.