Member-only story

Capturing the Elusive: "The Ongoing Moment" by Geoff Dyer, a Masterpiece of Photographic Criticism

Rob Foster

·14.4k Followers· Follow

Published in The Ongoing Moment Geoff Dyer

5 min read · 4 weeks before

1k View Claps

53 Respond

Save

Listen

Geoff Dyer's "The Ongoing Moment" is a seminal work of photographic criticism that has redefined our understanding of the medium. Published in 2005, the book offers a deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of photography's ability to capture and preserve the fleeting experiences of life.

Through a series of insightful essays, Dyer examines the work of renowned photographers such as J.H. Lartigue, Walker Evans, Robert Frank, and Diane Arbus. Each essay is a masterful combination of critical analysis, personal anecdote, and philosophical musing, as Dyer explores the complexities of photography's relationship to time, memory, and the human condition.

The Ongoing Moment

by Geoff Dyer

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7029 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	305 pages

The Ongoing Moment By Geoff Dyer Book Cover The Ongoing Moment Geoff Dyer

One of the most striking aspects of "The Ongoing Moment" is Dyer's emphasis on the "decisive moment," a term coined by Henri Cartier-Bresson to describe the split second when a photographer captures a perfect and meaningful image. Dyer argues that while the decisive moment is often elusive, it is the pursuit of this moment that drives many photographers.

However, Dyer also cautions against fetishizing the decisive moment. He suggests that photography's true power lies not only in its ability to capture fleeting moments, but also in its ability to reveal the ongoing nature of time and experience.

In his essay on Robert Frank, Dyer writes:

> "Frank's photographs are not about decisive moments, but rather about the accumulation of moments. They are about the ongoing moment, the way that life unfolds in a series of small, often unnoticed gestures and interactions."

Dyer's writing is full of such insightful and provocative observations. He challenges our assumptions about photography and encourages us to see the medium in new and unexpected ways.

One of the things that makes "The Ongoing Moment" such a compelling read is Dyer's willingness to be personal and vulnerable. He shares his own experiences with photography, both as a viewer and as a practitioner, and he does not shy away from sharing his own doubts and uncertainties.

This personal approach gives the book a sense of authenticity and immediacy. It is as if Dyer is inviting us to join him on a journey of discovery, as he explores the complexities of photography and its relationship to our lives.

"The Ongoing Moment" is not simply a book about photography. It is also a meditation on time, memory, and the human condition. Dyer's writing is full of philosophical insights and lyrical passages that resonate deeply with the reader.

In his essay on Diane Arbus, Dyer writes:

> "Photography is a way of bearing witness to the world. It is a way of saying, 'This is what I saw, this is what I experienced.' But it is also a way of saying, 'This is what I want you to see, this is what I want you to experience.'"

Dyer's words remind us of the power of photography to not only document the world, but also to shape our understanding of it.

"The Ongoing Moment" is a profound and thought-provoking work that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. It is a must-read for anyone interested in photography, art criticism, or the human condition.

Here are some additional quotes from the book:

* "Photography is the art of the fleeting moment." * "The camera is a device for capturing the present and making it past." * "Photography is a way of preserving our memories and sharing them with others." * "Photography is a way of seeing the world." * "Photography is a way of expressing ourselves."

The Ongoing Moment

by Geoff Dyer

4.3 out of 5