Ideal Bookshelf 367: Photography

Before I began to draw and paint a lot, I took photographs. I'm much better at drawing, it turns out, but photography first taught me "how to see." And contemporary photographers continue to teach me new ways of seeing. I wanted to paint an "ideal bookshelf" of photo books, and who better to ask for advice on that list than Jen Bekman? Her gallery on Spring Street has focused on contemporary photography for over eight years, and the Hey, Hot Shot! photography competition she started in 2005 highlights emerging photographers twice a year. And then there's 20x200, putting beautiful photographs in the hands (and on the walls) of everyone. These are some of Jen's favorite photo books from the shelves at 20x200 HQ.