Unposed

Very good

There's a reason that so many of the images in Craig Semetko's book seem familiar, the figure walking past a statue in the garden of the Louvre, Buddhist monks sweeping outside a temple, a row of children jumping rope -- they seem familiar because they're the exact sort of images that we've seen from the greats of early 35mm photography like Henri Cartier Bresson. Semetko follows in that path as a successor, without being derivative, but by being consciously aware of what makes a good street photo and then being a good enough editor to know that a good street photo doesn't cut it -- it needs to be a great street photo.Trying to not sound overly enthusiastic, which is difficult, -- this is not tepid, lukewarm street photography, every image is one you'll stare at, marveling at how all the elements came together in a precise, perfectly captured, decisive moment.

Semetko's photos are so vivid, so humorous and heart-breaking (often in the same moment), so captivating, that the title UNPOSED almost seems ironic. But they are just that: caught moments of unrehearsed existence, one at at time. Semetk...o's subjects seem to indicate their complicity with the moment the shutter snaps, as if these people too wanted their image preserved, at that instant, in that place of their lives, in that failing or too-bright or perfect light. This is his genius, a human touch that is both light and serious. As he comes so close to another's life, and finds the right depth and light for it, an optical dimension that can frame it with emotional sureness, he then instinctively steps back and lets life resume, before he almost off-handedly makes his photograph, at a respectful distance from the soul, always letting a spontaneous human personality resume.

This book is a great street photography book, displaying funny, memorable moments. Craig Semetko is indeed a modern day combination of Bresson's idea of geometry and Erwitts knack of humour, as can be seen in this book. Surpassing neither masters, the photos in this book shows his own twist while being influenced by his idols.However, the experience shown in the photos are shortlived as the photos are split in half when it occupies two pages. This creates a void in the middle, leaving the reader unable to fully appreciate his work.Great photos, bad book layout. I can't recommend this physical copy but it is definitely worth a look.

Unposed by Craig Semetko, a new classic collection of great black and white candid "street images" in the manner of Erwitt and Cartier-Bresson, by a modern master, whose eye sees all with unflinching acuity and subtle humor.You will enjoy this collection of images, and you will wnt to share it with many others....It is an immensely entertaining and rewarding sequence of images for anyone who can smile at the procession of life's events...you will love it.Steve Barbour

Amazing photographs by a legendary photographer

If you are really into street photography, just stay away from this book. They're so ordinary, snapshots, and mostly boring. I'm now just bookmarking facebook and flickr pages of really good street shooters.

Some really great shots by photographer who is also a great teacher.

Book arrived with spine damage. I’m not artistically inclined, so found most of the pictures uninteresting. Did a one time look through and put it in the bookshelf. Will sell it at the next community garage sale.

Un libro splendido che unisce l'ironia alla quotidianità di tutti i giorni. Una fotografia, quella di Craig Semetko, che lascia spazio al sogno e alla commedia nel più grande palcoscenico al mondo: la strada! Un libro imperdibile per chi ama la street photography.

Très beau livre grand format... dans la tradition de Cartier-Bresson. Pour qui aime la photo de rue, la photo "à la sauvette", comme on disait à l'époque... mais non dénuée de profondeur.