The Art of Kim Anderson

I would recommend this book to anybody, words don't even begin to describe what these pictures make you feel.

I love to give some of these pics away as gifts, because they capture so many different situations, and I can usually find a photograph that suits a friend at a specific point in time. Love it!! Great gift!!!

These photographs will bring you joy beyond what five stars can express.Bertram Bahner, who is Kim Anderson, has created an amazing collection here that will inspire you to see the world afresh, and take heart. You are familiar with his work, because it is everywhere, but the combined effect of seeing 240 of his best will overwhelmingly free your heart. The classic Kim Anderson shot has children around age 3-4 wearing adult clothes (sort of like dress-up) in an adult pose, with simple props (like a single rose), in a black and white image with muted hand-painted color to highlight key elements of the composition, especially the symbolic ones. But the best parts of these shots are the expressions of pure joy on the faces and in the eyes of the children. They're having a ball, doing something that should be great pleasure for adults as well. By looking at the images, you can touch (and remain in touch with) a purer part of your heart and soul. The book is divided into different sections built around a theme. These are first love, thoughts, friendship, let's pretend, little girls, and little boys. Each section is introduced by an essay describing the author's own child or children and impressions of this aspect of childhood. The little boys and little girls essays contain lovely fold-out photographs in their midst. Here are my most favorite images in the book: Gentleman caller; Sweet surprise; All smiles . . . ; Trespass not on their solitude; Just imagine; Youth dwells in possibility; Once upon a time; Happily ever after; Special delivery; Summer idyll; Elfin damsels; Sitting pretty; and Free spirit. In selecting these photographs, let me observe that these are of extremely high quality -- a level I would call "sublime." If I had chosen the "outstanding" photographs instead, the list would have been much longer. Few of the images in the book are less than interesting and less than meaningfully memorable. What is most remarkable is the way that Mr. Bahner captures the spirit of his tiny models to match the physical moment portrayed. "The emotion is perfect." He began by photographing his 3 year old daughter, Nicole, playing with her friends. Later he added his son. Eventually, other children joined the process. I am positively in awe of his ability to work with the children to create such effortlessly appealing and fascinating images from their play. The concept of adding handpainting to create greater imagery is also brilliant.Regardless of your taste in photography, you will find this collection to be very rewarding. I recommend this book to everyone who likes portrait photography.After you finish enjoying these images, focus on what goes through your mind when you find yourself in these situations that steals the joy away from you. Then imagine having a giant mental eraser and eliminating those thoughts, so you can be more in touch with your inner self -- your original perceptions of the wonder and joy of the the world. Liv

After viewing this book, I was touched greatly at the preciousness of children. They are an amazing gift and expressed wonderfully in this book. I highly recommend it and think the photography is phenominal.

In his book, Kim presents an amazing selection of handpainted photos. If you are a hobbist who wants to take some ideas, or if you like Kim's art (which you probably have seen in many postals) or if you just want to see some beautiful and inspiring photos, I STRONGLY recommend this book.