When I was growing up, my doctor had an Adams mural on the walls in one of his patient rooms. The image to me was enormous. Even more, the impact on me of this image was enormous. It has shaped the way I viewed photography and in many ways, how I view life in general. When I view the photographs in 400 Photographs, I get this same feeling.
Sure, the small images that are presented in this book cannot replace the feeling that one gets when you see his full size presentations, but that is not the purpose of this book. 400 Photographs is about presenting a body of work from someone who chose not to make photography fit into the notion of the pictorial art of the day, but instead made photography into an art form that could stand on its own. That is what makes this book so important.
I think that Ansel Adams: 400 Photographs is an absolute must have for anyone that enjoys Ansel Adams, art work, photography, or just wants to get lost into the world of images. It is also a must have for artists from other disciplines as the compositions, arrangement of light, and locations are inspirational. It should also be in every waiting room or patient room as well; you never know whom it will inspire.
Article comments
1 - Chris Bancells
Ansel Adams' photographs are, without exception, breathtaking. If you ever have the chance to stand where he stood, with a copy of one of these pictures in your hand, do so. You will feel suddenly connected to the man and the land in a way which defies description.
2 - T. Michael Testi
Chris,
Thanks for the comment. I cannot say that I have done that, but will try to make a point to. I have always been just so awe-struck by the feeling that one can get from the all encompassing feeling from the largeness of his work.
Thanks -- T.