The book “Photography as...”, published in 2003, which Alexander Lapin wrote over twenty years, quickly became a bestseller.

The author examines the issue of the relationship between documentary and artistic photography, the problem of constructing the language of the image, offers a classification of types of reportage photography and principles for evaluating and analyzing photographic work.

Particular attention is paid to the problems of photo composition and the psychology of visual perception, including eye movement when perceiving a flat image.

Considering the composition of a photo frame like subtle connections that unite seemingly completely independent objects in the photograph, Alexander Lapin invites the reader to look at the frame from the other side - into that three-dimensional space that is dictated not by the subject of the photograph, but by its elements. With this approach, the concepts “closer - further”, “more - less” acquire different, new meanings. The author teaches how to create frames that attract attention, and understand the very essence of photography, the ability to analyze other people's photographs, finding in them what is hidden from the inexperienced eye. To illustrate his points, Lapin uses diagrams, line drawings and works of famous photographers. Part of the book is devoted to practical analysis of photographs selected by the author.

This book is not tied to shooting technologies and therefore will remain relevant for many decades. The publication is addressed to students of photography (journalists, psychologists, art historians, designers and photo editors, amateurs and professionals - everyone who loves the art of photography.