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Mario Algaze Photograph © Javier Silva |
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Cover: Sendero iluminado, Cuzco, Perú, 2002 |
As I said in the beginning, I enjoy photography very much and love all varieties, but I have a special appreciation for a beautiful black and white photograph. There's just something so moving about how the light and shadow play upon each other to create something of beauty. It's very fitting that Algaze's book title plays upon this element of the light in his work as the examples found in his book are stunning. There is a cinematic quality to his work and he is well-aware of this himself. In the foreword by Vince Aletti, Algaze is quoted as saying:
(From A Respect for Light: The Latin American Photographs 1974-2008 by Mario Algaze, published by Glitterati Incorporated,
He also says:
"The most important ingredient in my photographs, is a very early morning light, a magical light, which on most days only allows you about an hour to work. There's a certain quality before 9:30 in the morning, where light hits in a forty-five-degree and there are long shadows and soft light."
(From A Respect for Light: The Latin American Photographs 1974-2008 by Mario Algaze, published by Glitterati Incorporated,
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La movida, Cartagena, Colombia, 1987 |
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El principe del solar, Ciudad de Panamá, 1994 |
As I looked at each photograph I picked up on what he says about the light. Many of the images caused me to think of times when I've been out walking early in the morning and how the light is so pristine at that time of the day. There is a crispness to the light in the morning which is not there as the sun gets higher in the sky later in the day. When the sunlight is bright, it engulfs everything and photographs look very different. Algaze's use of shadow and light is extraordinary.
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Salón de té, Montevideo, Uruguay, 1993 |
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Plaza Mayor, Madrid, España, 1981 |
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Salón de billar, Boquete, Panamá, 1994 |
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Desaparecidos, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1984 |
This book would be a great Christmas gift for anyone that loves photography...whether you get it for someone else or for yourself. It's an intriguing book to return to again and again.
A Respect for Light: The Latin American Photographs 1974-2008 can be purchased here.
*Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book for review. All opinions are mine
4 comments:
Dear Dori,
Sharing!
Sissym,
Thanks so much for sharing! :)
Dori, I love black and white photography! Of course, I'm not very good at it myself. Haven't taken pictures of anything but food for the past five years! :D I'll check out this book.
Jean,
Yes, black and white photos are my favorite too! I love your food photos! I hope you enjoy the book :)
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