The Power of Photography

"There are very few books about photography that achieve the status of essential reference, maybe even seminal. Well, I believe this is one of them. Enjoy it!" — Gilles Decamps, The Eye of Photography

"...the book itself will surely go down as one of the most vivid visual documents of what were arguably the most transformative one-hundred years in human history." — Ken Scrudato, BlackBook

"These photographs encapsulate the range of images that capture Fetterman’s imagination, from anonymous photographs to iconic masterworks, all with an underlying humanist spirit."—photograph

“When I photograph, I project what I’m not. What I would like to be.” — Lillian Bassman

"What makes the book so enjoyable is the same as the email: It is one great image after another, with personal commentary."  — Tom Teicholz, Forbes

"Although many of the images have standalone intensity, it is Peter’s direct encounters with the artists themselves that allow us to see them in a new light." —  Eva Clifford, WhyNow

The power of photography lies in its ability to ignite emotions across barriers of language and culture. This selection of iconic images, compiled by pioneering collector and gallerist Peter Fetterman, celebrates the photograph’s unique capacity for sensibility.

Peter has been championing the photographic arts for over 30 years. He runs what is arguably the most important commercial photography gallery in the world. During the long months of lockdown, Peter ‘exhibited’ one photograph per day, accompanied by inspirational text, quotes and poetry. This digital collection struck a chord with followers from around the world. The Power of Photography presents 120 outstanding images from the series, along with Peter’s insightful words.

This carefully curated selection offers an inspiring overview of the medium while paying homage to masters of the art. From the bizarre Boschian fantasies of Melvin Sokolsky to the haunting humanity of Ansel Adams’s family portraits; from Miho Kajioka’s interpretation of traditional Japanese aesthetics of to the joyful everyday scenes of Evelyn Hofer; from rare interior shots by famed nude photographer Ruth Bernhard to Bruce Davidson’s wistful depiction of young men playing ballgames on a street; this book gathers some of the most unique and heartening photographs from the 20th century. Each image is a time capsule, offering us a glimpse into days gone past. Yet each photograph also speaks of tranquillity, peace, and hope for the future.