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Ansel Adams’ Examples: The Making of 40 Photographs is a compelling and insightful journey into the mind and methods of one of the most outstanding photographers of the 20th century. This book is a treasure trove for photographers, art enthusiasts, and admirers of Adams’ work, offering an intimate look at the stories behind some of his most iconic images.
Content and Structure
The book is structured around 40 of Adams’ photographs (45 are actually in the book), each with a detailed narrative. Adams meticulously describes the circumstances under which each photograph was taken, including the technical aspects of exposure, composition, and printing. He provides the camera settings, type of film, and the specific conditions that influenced the final image. This technical information is invaluable for aspiring photographers who wish to understand the intricacies of fine art photography.
Insight into Artistic Process
Beyond the technical details, Adams delves into his artistic vision and the emotional context of each photograph. He shares his thoughts on composition, light, and the profound connection he felt with the natural landscapes he so famously captured. This blend of technical mastery and artistic insight is what makes the book truly remarkable. Adams’ ability to convey his thought process and emotional response to the scenes he photographed provides readers with a deeper appreciation of his work and the art of photography in general.
Educational Value
This book serves as an educational guide for photography students and professionals. Adams’ explanations of the Zone System, a method he developed with Fred Archer for achieving the desired exposure and contrast in black-and-white photography, are particularly valuable. His step-by-step breakdown of the photographic process from visualization to the final print is both instructional and inspirational.
Personal Anecdotes
Adams also includes personal anecdotes and reflections, offering a glimpse into his life and personality. These stories add a human element to the book, making it more than just a technical manual. Readers get a sense of the passion and dedication that drove Adams to spend countless hours in the field and the darkroom, striving for perfection in his craft.
Visual Appeal
The book is beautifully designed, with high-quality reproductions of Adams’ photographs. Each image is presented with clarity, allowing readers to appreciate the fine details and tonal range that Adams achieved. The layout is clean and elegant, enhancing the overall reading experience.
Closing Comments
The few images I show in this review are some of my favorites. Although I never considered myself a huge Ansel Adams fan, I have been proven wrong. His photograph of Alfred Stieglitz has always been a favorite of mine because I adore the man. I have always regarded Stieglitz as a pivotal historical figure. Every photographer should appreciate him as the father of modern photography, bringing awareness to its possibilities as an art form and not just for documentation.
A poster of the Rose and Driftwood image lived on a production room wall during my busy Atlanta studio days. I genuinely enjoy viewing many more Ansel Adams images over and over. Here is a link to The Ansel Adams Gallery.
Conclusion
Examples: The Making of 40 Photographs is a must-read for anyone interested in photography. It offers a rare combination of technical instruction and artistic inspiration, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of Ansel Adams’ photographic philosophy and techniques. Whether you are an aspiring photographer, an art student, or simply an admirer of Adams’ work, this book will enrich your appreciation of the art and craft of photography.
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Video
Below is a great video (minus the scary close-up image of Ansel with really bad dentures!) to accompany this article: the documentary Ansel Adams: A Documentary Film by Ric Burns. This documentary provides an in-depth look at Adams’ life, his work, and his lasting impact on photography and environmentalism.
The film includes interviews with Adams’ family, friends, and colleagues and stunning visuals of his most famous works. Like the book, it delves into his creative process and offers viewers a rich, contextual understanding of Adams as both an artist and a person.