Here is a beautiful new book
from National Geographic. Visions of Paradise contains 155 images from 82 well
known photographers divided into three themes: land, water, and air. The
sections are introduced by a writer on the topic. Linda
Kulman describes the critical issues facing the land and how we need to change
our ways to keep it healthy. Joel Bourne Jr. points out the bleak state of the
world's water, but offers some hopeful solutions. Brian Doyle covers the
miracles of air in a lyrical manner. The
photographers include Sam Abell, who I recent interviewed (see Sam Abell Talks about Photography and Life) after I
reviewed his book (The Life of a Photographer – Sam Abell).
The site says, “The
photographers at National Geographic—some of the most peripatetic and
adventurous people on Earth—reveal wonders of nature so uniquely beautiful that
we're filled with hope and inspiration to celebrate and protect the world's
environments. Visions of Paradise is the magnificent result of their
work. Through breathtaking images from across the globe, and stories as
exquisite as the glance of a leopard seal, these men and women share the places
they have personally found to be Heaven on Earth.” I would agree. Sam selected a photo of a school of
migrating and a salmon in Australia under a breaking wave. The contrast between
the breaking wave an the drama underneath is very striking and the composition
follows the rules conveyed in his interview with me. There is a centrality, the
fish under the water, with the breaking wave serving as the horizon. I was struck by the diversity of visions. It made
me reflect on what could be considered paradise on earth. There are probably as
many visions as there are people. This book provides 155 versions from many
different locations and perspectives. I highly recommend it. The book is one
that you will savor in small doses.
You can see a video description of the book on YouTube. National Geographic also has a related Visions of
Paradise photo contest. Entries will be accepted from Oct. 21 to December 21 at the Visions of Paradise web page. Enter your vision of paradise. Each week, the public can vote on their favorite images. Entries will also be judged by an expert panel of photographers and art directors. Three winners will be selected for each of the nine weeks of the competition, with the first week's winners announced on Nov. 3. Winners will receive a customized edition of VISIONS OF PARADISE with their photograph as the cover image.
Thanks for the tip! I look forward to sending in some of my images. I'm going to request that our library system order the book, as well.
Posted by: Lana | October 21, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Lana - good luck in the contest Bill
Posted by: bill Ives | October 21, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Looks like a beautiful book! Thanks.
Posted by: susie | December 18, 2008 at 04:31 PM