Abstract
There are many practitioner books on different branches and styles of photography (e.g. landscape, studio, American, etc). Some of these even cover digital photography, as it exists today (e.g. Chambers 2001). However, there are very few research books on the meaning and practice of domestic photography, and almost none on the potential impact of digital technology on this important and widespread behaviour. Chalfen’s (1987) book is still one of the best in the former area but is badly in need of updating. A collection of readings by Lister (1995) can be counted in the latter category, but adopts a rather abstract media studies approach that fails to describe photographic practices in any detail. A new book by Lambert (2003) addresses the possible combination of digital photographs, video and voiceover in 'digital storytelling'. But this is essentially prescriptive and not connected to existing photographic practices. 'Audiophotography' combines a detailed ‘user studies’ approach to photography, with consumers’ own critiques of new media content they have generated themselves. It is therefore a new book about domestic photography and its possible transformation with digital technology. Although it focusses on the role of sound in photography, it does so in relation to a new theory of photography which is tested and refined by empirical research. Such work is timely because of current interest in new media forms and the wide variety of new photography and video products and services emerging in the consumer market. It defines a new media type, audiophotos, and how it works, and should help readers to understand the possible benefits of other innovations in the digital photography industry.