In 2024, Smithsonian magazine celebrated the power of books of photography to inform, inspire, and transport readers to new realms of knowledge and discovery. The year’s favorite books spanned a wide spectrum of genres, offering a rich collection of works that delved into history, science, culture, and the arts. Each title reflected the ever-evolving curiosity and thirst for understanding that defines the human experience.
Among the standout releases of the year was Wendel White’s Manifest: Thirteen Colonies, which powerfully blended historical imagery and contemporary photography to explore the legacy of colonialism in America. I’m So Happy You Are Here showcased the diverse voices of Japanese women photographers over seven decades, providing intimate, powerful imagery that reflected unique perspectives on identity and society in Japan. Pete McBride’s The Colorado River: Chasing Water took readers on a visual journey through the river’s dwindling waters, exploring its environmental impact and cultural significance for surrounding communities.
One of the most captivating releases of the year was Light in the Underworld by Martin Broen. This book showcased Broen’s dramatic photographs of underwater cave systems in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, revealing the stunning beauty of these hidden landscapes. Despite the challenges of narrow passages and changing visibility, Broen’s images captured the sense of discovery and wonder that comes with exploring these uncharted territories.
Wendel White’s Manifest: Thirteen Colonies delved into the Black experience in American history through a collection of photographs of historical artifacts. White’s visual style brought an added dimension and drama to these objects, inviting viewers to explore the backstories and significance of each item. The project highlighted the resilience and strength of the Black community throughout history.
Aleia Murawski and Sam Copeland’s Snail World 2: Welcome to Slimetown continued their whimsical exploration of tiny worlds for snails, creating surreal and imaginative scenes that captivated readers. The collaboration between these artists brought a unique perspective to the world of macro photography, showcasing the beauty and wonder of these small creatures.
Photographer Bryan Schutmaat’s Sons of the Living offered a stark and beautiful portrayal of drifters in the American West, capturing the rugged landscapes and intriguing characters that define this region. Schutmaat’s images evoked a sense of isolation and beauty, drawing viewers into the harsh yet captivating world of the American frontier.
Sarah Bird’s Juneteenth Rodeo captured the vibrant and proud culture of Black rodeos, shedding light on a history often overlooked in the world of cowboyism. The book celebrated the joy and community spirit of Juneteenth rodeos, showcasing the reunion and camaraderie that defined these events.
In Life Dances On: Robert Frank in Dialogue, the work of Swedish American photographer Robert Frank was celebrated beyond his iconic monograph, The Americans. The book explored Frank’s contributions to the art world through film stills, paintings, and photographs, offering a deeper insight into his creative genius.
Before Easter After by Patti Smith and Lynn Goldsmith showcased the intimate and raw imagery of rock icon Patti Smith, capturing her resilience and creativity through the lens of longtime friend and collaborator Lynn Goldsmith. The book offered a glimpse into the many facets of Smith’s persona, from performer to muse.
Pete McBride’s The Colorado River: Chasing Water took readers on a visual and emotional journey through the Colorado River, highlighting its vital importance to ecosystems, communities, and industries. The book served as an urgent call to action to preserve this precious resource in the face of environmental challenges.
Sea Beach by Ismail Ferdous offered a poignant exploration of life along the Bay of Bengal, capturing the delicate balance between humanity and nature in the coastal region of Bangladesh. The book highlighted the beauty and vulnerability of coastal communities, shedding light on the environmental and socioeconomic challenges they face.
Overall, the books of photography released in 2024 provided a rich tapestry of visual storytelling, offering readers a glimpse into diverse worlds, cultures, and landscapes. These works celebrated the power of photography to inform, inspire, and provoke thought, leaving a lasting impact on the visual arts landscape.
