35 Comments
User's avatar
Taiyo's avatar

Soren, great photos on reading … so nice know that reading extends across the ages. Sadly, David Hurn’s book is not available in the US (from where i am writing you); still, i was able to order a copy of Kertész’s book and look forward to reading it. Much thanks.

Expand full comment
Georgia B.'s avatar

Than k you for sharing your awareness/knowledge about these two books. I will definitely look for them. And thank you also for sharing your wonderful photographs of readers.

Expand full comment
søren k. harbel's avatar

You are most welcome. You will see, when you track the books down, that I have a lot of work to do, but it is a very interesting subject. Sadly, it is becoming scarce, as books and newspapers disappear.

Expand full comment
Charles G Haacker's avatar

Søren, I am in gobsmacked awe. I have no words. Stupefaction, maybe? Respect!

Expand full comment
Stella Kalaw's avatar

That second one in Paris— love it!

Expand full comment
søren k. harbel's avatar

Hi Stella, Thank you, it is an interesting triangular composition, I can see how it would appeal to your design thinking! Thank you for visiting all my readers!

Expand full comment
Delilah L.'s avatar

Amazing! I love this!

Expand full comment
Luz Mendes's avatar

The Kertesz book on reading is a little jewel. I bought it some years ago in the 2nd hand market indeed.

As a photographer on Substack, I find that you are very well placed here. Your ‘word’ pieces are always interesting and not annoying. Light but substantial food for the artistic brain. They complement your photography.

And… by the way, don’t forget that as a photographer you write too but ‘with your eyes’!

Expand full comment
søren k. harbel's avatar

Thank you for not finding me annoying! ;0) I really appreciate your kind words, and indeed, paraphrasing Lewis Hine, If I could write, I wouldn’t have to make photographs…..

So yes, this is my effort at writing with my eyes and encouraging others to do the same.

Looking forward to 2025. Happy New Year!

Expand full comment
Luz Mendes's avatar

A💥💥💥💥 New year, Søren!

Expand full comment
Dawud Marsh's avatar

Beautiful photos wonderfully capturing those moments that may otherwise be missed or even forgotten. And thank you so much for the recommendations. I’ll be checking both of those out myself this year.

Expand full comment
loren's avatar

My fave thing on here is art...photos, etc. I sub to a few like you. Makes my day. Tbh...I don't come for the writing.

Expand full comment
søren k. harbel's avatar

Very kind of you to say so! Happy Christmas!! (or Merry Christmas, depending on where you are in the world).

Expand full comment
loren's avatar

same!

Expand full comment
Gabi of Journey Jots's avatar

Great photos, as always!

Expand full comment
Fernando Coelho's avatar

Great read about reading!

The photography community on Substack is becoming stronger, especially in my beloved street photography. It feels like a breath of fresh air.

Photograph and write on!

Expand full comment
Alicia Paley's avatar

What a fantastic article and set of images! Thank you for sharing. I love this photography community on Substack!

Expand full comment
søren k. harbel's avatar

Thank you, I appreciate it! It is indeed a great community!

Expand full comment
Paul Votava's avatar

Wonderful photography, and yes Substack is a great place for photographers! I am also a Kertész admirer, I will check this out.

Expand full comment
Mark Foard's avatar

A marvellous series of photos, Søren. I am very pleased that you have found a home here on Substack and you are certainly not an intruder. Looking forward to reading more of your wonderful posts.

Expand full comment
ruby's avatar

these are wonderful, as are the two books you mention -on reading- and their sweet connection- cool to read them side by side. there's something wonderful out seeing someone read, on Oxford Street the other day a guy in his-vis jacket was completely absorbed in reading the paper- oblivious , just great

Expand full comment
KewtieBird’s Photo Journey's avatar

Great captures. My absolute fav is the image taken in Paris.

Expand full comment
Thomas D’Arcy O’Donnell's avatar

.. what a refreshing serious revisit .. & have sum great music on for the ride.. ! they all slay but the young reader she’s the charm ! i has many faves already / hell i has homies will ‘die over this essay i’d likely share to.. was a charm too .. the mischievous & timely ‘vault of light haha ‘reverend even ? lovin on the tones .. greyscale palette pitter patter .. all some astonishing ‘available light.. i am ‘grey with envy .. & will wish those images are MINE !

Expand full comment