Until Now

The hardcover version of this book deserves more than five stars. It is the most enjoyable and rewarding book of baby photographs that it has been my pleasure to view and hug. I vastly prefer it to the paperback version. The book has lots of modestly done baby nudity, and a little partial adult female nudity that is totally tame and artistic. One of the pleasures of this book is that the images are HUGE! In some cases (such as with preemies), the babies are almost life size. The reproduction quality and paper are outstanding, so you can almost feel like you are present with these sleeping, mewling, cuddling, delightful little creatures!I recently reviewed Ms. Geddes's Black-and-White: Photofolio. Until Now overcomes the limitations that I found in that wonderful work. There are many more images here (113), the size and reproduction are better here, and Ms. Geddes has provided interesting notes about the origins of each photograph.The book begins with a nice quotation from Pablo Casals about the potential that is represented by each new life. The images connect the babies to nature (appearing as part of fruits and vegetables, masquerading as insects and animals, and overwhelmed with flowers) and to other babies and people. Many of the images also play with the thought that babies are angelic. Beyond that, there is a strong message of the connection that all humans have with one another. If you are like me, you won't fall in love with all of these photographs. Sometimes sleeping babies aren't exactly the right models for the compositions Ms. Geddes has designed. On the other hand, sleeping babies are perfect in many images here, such as the baby lying upside down on a woman's abdomen.But almost all of the images of babies and children who are awake are amazingly good. How does she do it? A few of the images where the babies are extremely small seemed a bit contrived to me, but they are technically very well done. My only complaint about the book is that a few of the images on two pages are marred by the center crease, and should have been reproduced differently.Here are some of my many favorites in this volume: Zac & Georgina 1991; Woodland Fairy 1995; Phillip & Arin 1993; Eddie with Scott & Sean 1993; Cabbage Kids 1991; Caleb (head version) 1997; India 1992; C.J. 1996; Ruby 1994; Zac 1992; Rebecca 1991; Christopher 1995; Four Angels 1996; Peony Angel 1995; Trent & Joel 1992; Aleesha & Jessie 1992; Crocodile Tears 1990; Linda & Ben 1994; Aunty Biddy's Face 1996; Boys & Doves 1993; Kieran & Abigail as Angels; and Jim, Flora & Pearl.I also suggest that you think about how you could create your own imaginative versions of these images with your own children and grandchildren. Imagine what a great gift of enhanced self-image that could be for the child in the future. Rather than wanting to hide her or his baby picture (like those nude shots on the rug), the child can draw upon the photograph as a source of self-imag

I have Geddes' "Garden" book and never imagined that I would want another of hers -- not because it disappointed me but rather because it is so wonderful. After reading other reviews on "Until Now" I decided to splurge. I could hardly wait to get it out of its delivery wrapping. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I love this woman's work. The babies are wonders. The poses are wonders. The art of her photography shows me the wonderfulness of life itself. I can't help but be in a more relaxed smiling place after going through this book. Buy it! Do yourself a favor. Buy it! (Give it as a gift to someone you love!)

I was first introduced to Anne's work by a co-worker who has one of her calendars. I was truly delighted to find her book "Until Now". It awakens wonderful emotions in me that I sometimes 'forget' in the hustle and bustle of my every day life. The color photos are usually the source for my giddiness (the 'large' baby with the sharpei puppy is priceless)...the black and white photos (especially the infants sleeping in adult hands) truly move me to tears. Thank you, Anne.

I recieved this book as a gift. I love children, I believe they are our greatest asset, so does Anne Geddes. The natural poses, the ability to catch innocence at its best is amazing. My teenagers loved the book and so did their older grandparents. The pictures will stir a number of emotions from tears to smiles. It brought back many memories of my children as infants. This book is an outstanding investment for someone you love or anyone one who loves children.

Dear husband, Buy this book for me for Christmas! It's absolutely stunning, and it reawakens every maternal bone in my body! Geddes is so creative, and the babies are so sweet and perfect. The book is one of the those things that is so beautiful that I want to own and savor it.