The Portfolios of Ansel Adams
Category: Books,Arts & Photography,Photography & Video
The Portfolios of Ansel Adams Details
Ninety prints from the seven limited-edition portfolios of the noted photographer testify to Adams's sustained talent and continuing achievement
Reviews
In this wonderful book we see seven great portfolio works of a lens crafter extraordinaire. His work is on the same level as the Impressionist Artists of Cezanne or Van Gogh. In looking at the selected photos of each of these portfolios one wonders at the genius of Ansel Adams. Obviously Adams possesses the technical ability to compose and shoot a good picture. The question remains, how is it that Adams can depict an impressionistic blur in black and white which resembles the art prevalent in the late 19th century by the school of Impressionistic painters. To further complicate the description of Adams work, while he shows the hint of a blur, his pictures are absolutely clear. His use of light along with mirrored reflections are his absolute trademarks. Also his use of capturing the different textures of subjects in his pictures are remarkable. In looking through these magnificent works of Adams, we see the grandeur of our National Parks which were essentially created by President Theodore Roosevelt with the passage of the "Antiquities Act" during the beginning of the 20th century. In retrospect it's a shame that Roosevelt never witnessed the portfolios of Ansel Adams. Looking at the entire works in these portfolios we see that Adams has concentrated his oeuvre of work mostly to the Western sections of the USA. I find some of his work due East as being worthy of further Adams attention, which of course never happened. In studying, analyzing and perusing these portfolios, I find myself presented different textures and subjects presented to my field of vision which are different each and every time I see these presentations. These pictures are a joy to our sense of sight. They are works of art to be treasured. Ansel Adams has brought forth the ultimate art form of photography. How can anyone rate this book less than 5 Stars?