The Life of a Photograph

by Sam Abell

Drawing on 40 years of fieldwork, The Life of a Photograph takes readers on assignment and inside the heart of a master photographer to witness the process of making a truly great picture. This exquisite book is organized by the known and unexpected themes of Abell’s work, ranging from his sensitive Portraits, beautiful Land, Sea, Sky and thought-provoking Wild Life to the surprising Just Looking (quirky scenes encountered on assignment),On the Road (photographs taken from automobiles), and The Built World (human impacts on pristine land). Anecdotes, explanations, and intriguing glimpses behind the scenes reveal the evolution—picture by picture and thought by thought—of some of the world’s most interesting and recognized images and many never-before seen photographs as well. Selections cover geography and wildlife from the Arctic to the Amazon, and cultures from Australia to Japan to the American West. A beautiful gift for everyone who loves fine photography, this volume is not to be thumbed through once—it is a treasure that will be savored over and over again.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Art

208 pages, Hardcover

First published October 21, 2008

Reviews

[Brian Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sam Abell thinks deeply about photography. Noted mostly for his National Geographic work, Abell’s most personal images are far more austere and conceptual than the usual NatGeo fare. Of course, he always came through for Geographic needs, but I imagine that some of these abstractions that he shot on assignment might have driven the editors a bit batty (but not too batty, as this is a Geographic imprint and a few images I recognize from the magazine).

Interestingly, in many instances he pairs multiple images of the same scene, shot in slightly different perspectives or cropping. It’s the ultimate solution that any photographer would love when unable to find which is “best.” Why do we always have to choose? In any event, the big take-away from Abell’s book is to also think deeply about photographs you see and compositions you make.

[Davy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate to give this a paltry 3 stars, because I've seen a book's worth of Sam Abell photographs I'd give a 5 without batting an eye. But this book -- and this particular assortment of pictures -- is curiously underwhelming. And so many of the underwhelming photographs are included twice! (Usually, a single scene shown from two slightly different perspectives.) Only about a third, or a quarter, of the images pulled me in and encouraged slow, concentrated study. That's a real disappointment, considering the expectations I had going in. I guess this isn't the Abell book for me. I hope there's another one out there that does him justice.

[Zhuo Zhang · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a very lovely collection of photographs. I love the way that he took two pictures of one thing/event from different angle. I sometimes do that as well. I like his words, if not more, but at least the same as those pictures. Those words add another layer to the pictures.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam Abell's quiet photographs have graced the pages of National Geographic for decades. In this book, he presents many series of photos often leading up to one published in the great magazine (or following one). This, along with his wonderful writing about his art, would be enough for me. Maybe I'm easily star-struck, but the fact that Sam Abell grew up and "learned photography" from his father ("'look for strong diagonals; take a low angle; keep the sun to your side; bad weather makes good pictures,' and most influentially, 'compose and wait'") just a couple of miles from my home makes this book especially compelling to me.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book held a lot for me. He does a wonderful job of presenting his photographs as well as writing subtle, short pieces to get small points across. I'm very fond of his style, subdued color and low saturation, low exposure.

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read one book about photography -- this is the one. A remarkable teacher, Abell is generous and honest. Reading this is like taking a workshop with him (which I'd HIGHLY recommend). He shares the set up, the back story of the shot, and ultimately what makes the final images the standouts. He shares images selected by National Geographic for publication as well as those that didn't, but are magical just the same.

[Ginacico · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brand new coffeetable hardcover. A National Geographic photographer describes how he makes his famous photographs. Composition takes precedence over technical details. Many pages are like miniature photo-editing exercises, allowing the reader to choose the best of multiple frames. My copy was signed by the author at a public lecture on Oct 28, 2008.

[Julie]

The Life of a Photograph by Sam Abell (2008)

[Scott Loftesness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam Abell's images are beautifully taken.

[Daisy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taught me some stuff.
Makes me think.

[Cindy May]

I thought it was cool that he's originally from Sylvania, Ohio. Most of his photos are quite impressive.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Съкровищница. Прекрасен, прекрасен Сам Абел.