A Photographer's Life: 1990-2005

I opened this book with anticipation. I washed my hands so I would not mar or fingerprint the photos. And I removed the dust jacket to keep it nice. Annie Leibovitz' artistry compels me to treat her artworks with respect and care. I appreciated the book's large size, because I love large, beautiful images. Some people probably think portrait photographer's are gifted because they know how to stage a great photo. That is probably true. But I think the less often recognized talent is seeing who people become in the presence of a portraiture artist. When people are in Annie Leibovitz' presence, I think they may ask themselves: What images do I want to define me? What images do I want to represent me for a long time? Around Leibovitz, her subjects become regal, considered, relaxed, and sincere. Sure, the comedians are still cheesing it up for the camera sometimes. But most of her subjects realize this may be one of the few times an image will be created that may portray them in a substantive and enduring light. In the introduction, Leibovitz' notes "But after Susan died, . . ." And when I read those words, the above thought formed in my head. Leibovitz' subjects realize her photos may be a dominant defining, popularly-known image of them after they are dead. So I think her subjects make extra effort to become something larger than 'everyday' in her presence. I don't like to make criticisms in my reviews, and I tend to only review artworks I recommend. But it takes more than great photographs to make a great photography book. I was frustrated with the number of photographs that were enlarged across the book gutter, breaking up the photos' flows. Bigger is not always better and many of the photos would have been better as smaller images on one page. Alternatively, produce the book in two volumes, one volume in portrait, the second volume in landscape. If we're going to put down $75 for one large book, then we probably would be willing to put down $50 twice for two better shaped volumes that adapted to the needs of the photographs. Some artists can find great art and photograph it professionally. Some artists can re-interpret or choose a point of view that makes their photograph of something otherwise unremarkable into something artful. And some artists seem to have the effect of making the people, social moods, and environments around them more artfully active and aware. Leibovitz' photos reveal that she does all three of those things well. The more sensient her subject matter, the better her photography. She draws out great intelligence and creativity from the people she is interacting with. Her photos show not only her subjects' uncommonly revealed personas, but also her encouraging, emboldending, and enlightening effects on the people in her presence. Leibovitz' artistry suggests to portraitists that if you want your subject to reveal uncommon beauty in your image of them, first create an atmosphere where they

It was refreshing to see a collection of Annie's work that focuses more on the person behind the camera than the people in front of it. While I love the photos she does for the magazines, I was tired of seeing books that focused on that. That's too superficial to me. I was interested in getting into her soul. And this book gave it to me! From the introduction pages to the final snapshots of her children, this book kept me drawn in. I felt like I was there with her experiencing all the events. It gave me a personal glimpse of what she's been through without being intrusive. If I were to be really picky, I would say that, yes, there are some pretty obvious technical mistakes. Especially for someone as experienced as herself. But that's not what this book is about. If you want the technically flawless and aesthetically perfect stuff, go look in Vogue or Vanity Fair. If you want to see a bit of her heart and soul, get this book.

Annie Liebovitz, one of the world's most talented photographers, has released a book that is not as much an exhibit of her world-renowned photography as it is an open expression of her love for family and close friends. The famous people that we've come to expect from a Liebovitz release are still there, although not as prevalent. The world-class photos that have always been her trademark are still there, although not as prevalent. Annie's soul and personal feelings that have been seen sparingly in past releases, are now most prevalent. If you're buying this book for the usual Annie Liebovitz material, you would do best to ignore this release. If you're wanting to see a side of this photographer that the world has yet to see, please don't hesitate to make the purchase.

The photographs are impeccable, as always, but this photographic glimpse of her life and her loved ones is beyond words. Each photograph will evoke emotions and make you ponder what each subject was feeling and thinking at the time. You will love this.

I am a very big fan of Annie Liebovitz, and have been for nearly fifteen years - ever since I had the opportunity of viewing some of the artists photographs in a Gramacy Park photography agent's office. Ms. Leibovitz has captured the beat of society in her many but many photographs . . . all with a unique depth and in some way, a contradiction to the obvious: which is in part where Liebovitz's genuis lies. In the retrospective 'A Photographer's Life: 1990 -2005, there is a series of high profile and well known individuals that range in their celebrity and notority: however, one thing is certain, each individual captured through Ms. the artist lense is depicted in such sheer dimensions that their essence, their struggles, their strenght, and their desire are captured in ways that offer the whole picture. In 'A Photographer's Life: 1990 - 2005', Annie Leibovitz has captured the kalidoscope of the movers and shakers who have created the moving image of life as we have experienced it. Extraordinary.