North Atlantic Lighthouses

Rating:
Summary: Guichard earns his reputation
Review: Jean Guichard is probably the world's best-known lighthouse photographer, due to his popular lighthouse-keeper-about-to-get-whomped-by-a-wave poster. This book solidifies his crown.

The photos in this book are about the most beautiful lighthouse photos you will see. And they are not the result of digital manipulation - you see what he saw.

I was fortunate enough to spend some time with Guichard when he was on Long Island working on this book. Being an amateur lighthouse history researcher, writer, and photographer, I picked Guichard's brain mercilessly about his experiences, and photographic techniques and philosophy. I also got to see his camera equipment. He's a purist and, in fact, despises the new wave of Photoshop-enabled lighthouse photographers.

The photography is so stunning that it overpowers the text. That's a shame, in some respects, as Trethewey knows lighthouses.

In short, Guichard knows both his subject and his craft, and Trethewey's text is an appropriate accompaniment. This book is one that you will be eager to show your friends. It makes a great gift for your lighthouse buddies, too, which is why I am purchasing another copy. Enjoy it!