Explore the ever-evolving world of art photography with the definitive guide by leading expert Charlotte Cotton. Now fully revised and updated, The Photograph as Contemporary Art is an essential introduction to the artists and ideas shaping photography in the 21st century.

As photography has risen to stand alongside painting and sculpture as a vital art form, this book charts its dynamic role in contemporary culture—from intimate portraits and documentary realism to bold, staged narratives and conceptual explorations.

Organized thematically, this richly illustrated edition features over 270 color images and work from iconic figures like Cindy Sherman, Andreas Gursky, and Nan Goldin, as well as new voices including Deana Lawson, Elle Pérez, and Zanele Muholi. Cotton brings fresh insight into photographic practices of the 2000s while spotlighting a new generation of artists responding to today’s sociopolitical climate.

Perfect for students, artists, and enthusiasts alike, this book remains the go-to resource for understanding photography as a powerful, culturally resonant art form.