On Assignment (Photographers at Work)

Signed "Jay Maisel" on half title page. Scarce thus. A 64-page softcover volume from the Photographers at Work series. Includes 30 color plates with commentary by the noted American commercial photographer Jay Maisel. It features a detailed interview with Maisel conducted by editor Susan Weiley (with editing contributions also noted by Constance Sullivan), exploring how he manages client demands while maintaining artistic integrity. Maisel breaks down his real-world working methods, explaining how approaching and executing a commercial job balances solving a client's problem with artistic expression?famously noting that structuring an assignment becomes almost conceptual and political, instead of photographic. Jay Maisel (1931?2026) was an iconic American photographer whose career spanned over six decades, fundamentally shaping how generations of visual creators approach street, commercial, and fine art photography. Renowned for his razor-sharp New York wit, uncompromising professional standard, and deep devotion to visual awareness, Maisel left behind an indelible mark on the industry before passing away at the age of 95. His profound contribution to the medium earned him widespread institutional acclaim, including the International Center of Photography (ICP) Infinity Award (1987), induction into the Art Directors Club Hall of Fame (1995), several Lifetime Achievement Awards, and induction into the International Photography Hall of Fame in 2020. Up until his final days, Maisel never left his house without a camera strapped around his neck?the ultimate testament to a life entirely devoted to seeing.…