WEEKEND BOOKING

Alan Cumming, when he was about 10, was visited at home in Scotland by a man announcing that the lad had won a camera at the church jamboree. However, Cumming’s father (whose cruelty Cumming detailed in his 2014 memoir, “Not My Father’s Son”), wouldn’t let his son take pictures, objecting to his framing of subjects and the cost of film processing.

The parental ban didn’t quite have its intended effect: A passion for photography has stayed with Cumming all his life, and the stage, film and television actor has just released a book of 45 short essays accompanied by his photos. “You Gotta Get Bigger Dreams: My Life in Stories and Pictures” (Rizzoli; $29.95) captures both the good times — of which there have been many in a blessed career — and more reflective moments. We’re given a self-deprecating account of Cumming’s encounter with Elizabeth Taylor; a touching valentine to his husband, the Bay Area-born artist Grant Shaffer; an assessment of Gore Vidal’s meanness; and whimsical celebrations of body parts … and chest hair.

Cumming will discuss it all with activist Cleve Jones at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at the Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St. Tickets are $10-$55. www.commonwealthclub.org