Sam Abell's The Life of a Photographer from National Geographic

I was honored when National Geographic asked me to review The Life of a Photographer – Sam Abell on my Art and Photography blog. I have been a long time subscriber to National Geographic and always enjoyed their photography. It sometimes seems simple and then as you look closer you can see the wonderful compositions that take most pictures beyond mere illustrations.

I was even more pleased when I got their package and opened the book. In this book, Sam Abell shares some of his best images and asks the question, “what gives life to a photograph?’ This I something that I always struggle with so I explored the book carefully. The pictures include works on assignment to National Geographic and some form his personal collection, appearing for the first time. There are many examples of two views of the same subject.

There are also series. I especially liked, The Approach and Departure of Gerald Mack, Little Belt Mountains, Montana. Here you see a rider and his dog appear on a snowy white out field. They come close enough to get a good view of all three and then ride off into the white out. I have been In similar conditions in Wyoming and it really evoked the feeling of isolation that these conditions can create, and yet you get a very personal look at the participants on this stage. .

When you see two or more images you can see how small differences effect the same view. There is a lot of commentary. Sam writes, “I was taught to see settings by my father on our photographic outings together. He was an amateur so under no pressure to produce. I never saw him force a photograph. Instead, I’d watch him size up situations, then wait.”

His pictures show this patience. It is an approach that I strive to take when I have time but too often I am rushed. Henri Cartier-Bresson talks about finding stage and then waiting for the scene to unfold. Sam takes us to stages all around the world. I especially liked his images of rural America.

But then Breakfast at Musgrave Station in Queensland Australia is a marvelous still life of beans and bread on a light blue formica counter. The bend of colors makes me want to paint it as I have been working through similar themes. Sam achieves a great blend of color, texture, and shading that gets stronger the more you look at it. I highly recommend this book for both its pictures and its text. You will go back to it often whether you are a photographer or someone simply who lies to both at pictures.

Comments

[Mick Mather]

Searching for the subject, getting things ready and then to simply wait are the keys and required tools of the photographer. Many times I've overheard people, as they were naively looking at marvelous photographs, say, "I could've taken that." To those of us who view the world with that artistic eye - framing, composing, setting things up - this sort of attitude can only be described as ignorant. Too, as Tom Petty has said only too well, "the waiting is the hardest part." :)

[bill Ives]

Mick - You nailed it. I am often frustrated when I do not have time to properly deal with a great subject. It takes an eye and it takes time. Nice to hear from you. Bill

[Lana]

National Geographic is an amazing publication. How cool that they approached you! I'm jealous. ;)
Thanks for the info on the book. I'm going to see if I can order it for our library.
Hope everything else in your life is going well!

[bill Ives]

Lana

Thanks for your comment. It is a great book. I am sure you will enjoy it. Bill