Mona Kuhn: Photographs

Rating:
Summary: Gorgeous Collection of Photographs
Review: Mona Kuhn's photographs are beautiful. That is to say, she takes beautiful photographs, but she also photographs a beautiful world. Her subjects are content and sun-kissed, and the glimpses we get of the landscape surrounding them is one we all wish we could visit-- one full of chaises lounges, sand, and saturated colors. But these photographs are not simply pretty, for they reveal an intelligence and depth in both photographer and subjects. These are photographs that make one think, and I happen to think those the best kind.

Rating:
Summary: Give her a hand ..........
Review: The strongest photographs in the book are of hands. Hands that have shown hard labor, in sharp focus. Hands that are delicately draped, in sharp focus. There are some exceptional photographs, showing tremendous control of depth of field (i.e. pages 51, 79, 85). The overlying theme is strength of character in the persons depicted and that is well executed. Those who are used to seeing a greater depth of field in photographs will not be pleased. For the most part, only portions of the shot is in focus, and sometimes very little (pages 77, 90) or not at all (page 95) for an unearthly feeling. For a study of how one can manipulate depth of field to provide strength of image, this book is very valuable. The individuals shown have strength of character and this comes through well, but I wanted more. I really wanted to give this more than three stars, but feel I cannot.