Lavishly illustrated and accessible, this dazzling array of photographs by seventy-five of the world’s foremost contemporary photographers focusses on self-portraiture.

From intimate images of introspection and those that challenge notions of ethnicity and sexuality, to dramatic, stylized photographs of dream-like scenarios, Auto Focus shows how one of the longest-established artistic genres continues to fascinate artists today.

Susan Bright provides a clear guide for readers through this significant and dynamic genre, showing how issues of identity – whether national, sexual, racial, personal or artistic – are key to understanding the work of many of today’s leading photographers.

Susan Bright is a curator and writer. She has taught extensively and has convened major international conferences and seminars on many aspects of art and photography. She was formerly Assistant Curator of Photographs at the National Portrait Gallery, Curator at the Association of Photographers and Acting Director for the MA Photography (Historic and Contemporary) at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Exhibitions and catalogues include Something Out of Nothing (Fotogalleriet, Oslo), How We Are: Photographing Britain (Tate Britain, London) and Face of Fashion (National Portrait Gallery, London).