Selected Writings

Berenice Abbot (1898–1991) is best known for her work in the fields of architecture, portraiture, and science. She first learned photography in Paris, as an assistant to Man Ray. It was at his studio where she also encountered work by Eugène Atget (1857–1927), who in turn played an influential role in her practice. Abbot was committed to modernity and capturing the poetry of the moment, whether through inventing new techniques for taking pictures of physics experiments or shooting the streets of New York. This book casts a fascinating look back at her writings, combining precise instructions and theoretical content in texts aimed towards either professionals or amateurs.