Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Some books leave us free and some books make us free.” There are so many boks out there for us to learn from, and yet so few unlock the secret doors of our minds that allows our souls to soar. With this in mind, I am excited to post what I hope to be the first of many book reviews. In the annuals of Photographic history there are many names that people know. Henri Cartier-Bresson, Ansel Adams, Dorthea Lange, Diane Arbus, Robert Capa, and of course our generation’s addition Annie Leibovitz. Ms. Leibovitz is considered by many to be one the best Photographers of the modern age. Other tend to lean in the opposite direction linking her to some sort of Andy Warhol of the Photographic world, driving their “art” only by the recognition of their name. I, happen to one of the former, and believe that Ms. Leibovitz is an amazing photographer.
A few weeks ago I picked up her newest book, At Work, and I must say it is both exactly what I expected it to be as well as far away from it at the same time. All in all however, it is an excellent read. Let’s start by judging the book by the cover …
At first look the book is packaged in a very nice way and the design is exactly what I want from the cover of a Photography book. Let me sum up what I like in 4 simple words … Eye-catching, simple, simple, an simple. I absolutely HATE over-designed, self-righteous, pretentious, book covers that do nothing but create an eyesore on my bookshelf. Annie’s book is classically designed, simple large serif font in black, on a tactile taupe canvas jacket covering. The book feels solid, heavy even, everything a book should be to catch my eye. But for those who don’t get butterflies in their stomach for good design this book is a little treasure, the kind that one stumbles over and never really understands the value of it until they spend ample time with it.
Moving along to the actual information in this book, first off let me tell you this isn’t some sort of directional manual. The entire book is more of a autobiographical memoir that moves in a non-fluid manor. Annie has picked out the high points of her life and expounded on each of them. Add in amongst the various remembrances she has inserted some simply amazing pictures that gives us a peek into the lives of those she has had the honor of capturing on film. Well know stars like Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ella Fitzgerald and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Legendary authors of our time such as Hunter S. Thompson and Robert Penn Warren. As well as various Presidents and political figures. While amazing, the book sometimes gets a “look at all the famous people I’ve taken pictures of” feel to it, but Annie’s words help to put this feeling to rest.
Near the end we finally get some good “insider” information when Annie discusses gear, both new and old. She then responds to 10 commonly asked questions. For me, these last two chapters were the most enjoyable to read after the sections on photographing John Lennon and Yoko Ono. I think her points on gear might surprise some of those who are new to the field.
Even though it is obvious that Annie worked hard to get where she is, throughout the book I feel that she feels overwhelmingly lucky to have been in the right place, at the right time, to get to apply her love of Photography in the way she has for so many years. She understands that so many of us hope for just such a time and place. I think each of us can be honest that we too would write this type of book if we had lead the life of this institution of American Photography.
In short, love her or hate her, this artist’s life is one to revel in. When one of us makes it big, in some small way, we all make it big. This is no less true for the amazing Annie Leibovitz. With this in mind, I highly recommend this book and suggest it as a great rainy day inspiration piece. [end]
As a side note, no one has paid me for this review. I purchased the book with my own funds and of my own volition. I have added a few links to where you can pick up this awesome read below.
Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or Half.com
Tags: annie leibovitz, biography, book, photography, review
