In Transforming Photography, distributed by Simon & Schuster, the artist and author Thomas Ruff presents new work that continues his ongoing probe into the history, processes, techniques, and technology of photography. Over the course of his three-decade career, Thomas Ruff has taken up many approaches to photography in his investigation into the status of the image in contemporary culture.

One of the most influential photographers working today, Ruff has redefined photography's conceptual possibilities, simultaneously capturing and challenging the essence of the medium as a means for visual experience. He has investigated various photographic genres, including portraiture, the nude, landscape, and architectural photography, using both analog and digital technologies, and culling imagery from scientific archives, print media, and the internet.

Presented here is a selection of Ruff's most well-known works, as well as the newer Tripe/Ruff series, begun in 2018, which draws on negatives of India and Burma taken in the 1850s by an officer in the East India Company army. Also included is a conversation between Ruff and Okwui Enwezor, which took place at Haus der Kunst in Munich, in connection with the artist's retrospective then on view. The conversation, published here for the first time, has been edited for this volume and examines Ruff's artistic practice and inspiration, serving as an engaging and dynamic introduction to the artist.

Published on the occasion of the artist's solo exhibition at David Zwirner, Hong Kong, in 2019, Transforming Photography is available in both English-only and bilingual English/traditional Chinese editions.

Author: Thomas Ruff    Contributions by Okwui Enwezor    Hardcover, 76 Pages    Publisher: David Zwirner Books    Published September 3, 2019

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Will this software run on Mac OS 10.13.6 High Sierra?

A: This BH #ORPC360 can be used with MacOS 10.13 High Sierra.

Q: 2. what is the slowest continuous speed this can rotate at for video?

A: Hi Tom, 36 seconds on low 24 seconds on normal 18 seconds on high

Q: 3. Does the turntable have a "dumb" input or output so that either it can trigger unsupported cameras (signal gets put into a pocket wizard that transmits to a camera connected to another pocketwizard) or unsupported cameras can trigger it (eg: rotate to next position after some delay after seeing flash x-sync signal)? I would like to use this with higher end medium format cameras.

A: As per the manufacturer, their turntables have a shutter release cable that can attach to any cameras shutter release cable input. This will allow the user to select the number of images they would like to capture and the turntable will give the camera the signal to capture.

Q: 4. Can I use this product with strobes, or do I have to use continuous lighting?

A: Strobes are primarily for creating still images. Yes this item can be used with strobes, but depending on your photographic objective, you may want to stop the table from rotating. If you are trying to achieve a motion blur look in your still images, this item is an excellent creative tool.

Q: 5. is it possible to connect multiple cameras at the same time to this machine?

A: Unfortunately, this turntable can only be connected to one camera at a time.

Q: 6. can you have both WhiteLight and RGB light going at the same time... SO let's say I have dialed 5500K in addition I want the RGB to have RED all at the same time?

A: According to the manufacturer regarding the LituFoto R60 RGB Photography LED Light, no, the white light CCT mode and the RGB mode cannot be used at the same time. The CCT white light balance and the RGB mode are independent of one another.

Q: 7. What is the weight of this backpack when empty please?

A: The K&F Concept Beta Photography Backpack (Black, 20L) weighs 1.75 lbs.

Q: 8. RGB model have more LED's than Bi-Color mode and both have 60W max power, but is there any way to know which one have max power in Bi-Color mode?

A: Typically a bi color can be brighter than a RGB, but they difference is usually small. In most cases you can make up for it with camera settings. The versatility of RGB is nice and if you need raw power there are other more powerful units than this.

Q: 9. I have a Sony a7R4. Is this compatible with this is can I use the Built-in 3.5mm jack for triggering remote shutter release?

A: No, the Ortery PhotoCapture 360 Turntable for Product Photography software is not compatible with the Sony A7R 4.

Q: 10. Do you know the dimensions of this bag yet? It looks like it is a slightly modified version of their other 'Large DSLR backpack'--same size?

A: We don't have the dimensions for this K&F Concept DSLR Camera Backpack (Green, Large) BH #KFCBPGRL yet. We will update the website as soon as we have the information.