Quick Take

The morning hours before the hustle and bustle of the day commences is the perfect time to pause and enjoy a sense of renewal and vitality. On the morning of December 7, 2006, Maria Alexandra Vettese and Stephanie Congdon Barnes each took a digital photo of everyday objects randomly arranged on their kitchen tables and, unbeknownst to one another, uploaded them to the website Flickr. Noticing a remarkable similarity between their images, they agreed to document their mornings by posting one photo to a shared blog every weekday for a year. Their site, 3191 (http://3191.visualblogging.com) named after the distance in miles between their homes in Portland, Maine, and Portland, Oregon quickly acquired a worldwide following of devotees fascinated by the magical coincidences and pictorial synchronicity of their photographic pairings.A Year of Mornings collects 236 images, always taken before 10 am without discussion between the two women, from this uniquely 21st-century artistic collaboration. The intimacy of these photographs; discarded clothing, a view of a snowy day from the window, a tablecloth combined with their striking similarities in color and composition, defies the reality of their long-distance collaboration. While clearly kindred spirits, the two women have met in person only once. Their friendship is maintained solely online, sustained by a shared love for moments of serenity, solitude, and peacefulness. The annotated photographs in A Year of Mornings radiate an aura of sweetness and light, the promise of a new day.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: A Year of Mornings: 3191 Miles Apart

Introduction

A Year of Mornings: 3191 Miles Apart is a book that captivates readers with its unique concept and stunning photography. Authored by Maria Alexandra Vettese, this book presents a collection of 236 photographs taken by two women who lived 3,191 miles apart. The book showcases their daily morning routines and the serene beauty of their surroundings, creating a visual narrative that resonates with readers. In this article, we will delve into the book's author, analyze the views of readers, and summarize the reasons for both recommendations and not recommendations.

About Maria Alexandra Vettese

Maria Alexandra Vettese is a talented artist and photographer based in Portland, Maine. With a background in art direction and a passion for photography, Vettese brings a creative and collaborative approach to her work. She owns and curates the shop More & Co., where she showcases her photography and designs. Vettese's ability to capture the essence of everyday life through her lens has made her a sought-after photographer and artist.

Analysis of Views

Appealing Concept: Readers found the concept of A Year of Mornings: 3191 Miles Apart appealing, as it presents a unique collaboration between two individuals living in different locations. The idea of documenting daily mornings through photography and sharing them with the world resonated with many readers.
Beautiful Photographs: The photographs in the book were widely praised for their beauty and ability to evoke a sense of tranquility. Readers appreciated the intimacy and serenity captured in each image, which made them feel connected to the authors and their daily routines.
Lack of Diversity: Some readers expressed a desire for more diversity in subject matter. They felt that the book could have explored a wider range of themes and scenes, which would have added depth and variety to the collection.
Desire for Background Stories: Readers were interested in learning more about the background behind certain photographs. They felt that providing context or stories behind the images would have enhanced their understanding and appreciation of the project.
Book Design: A few readers mentioned that they wished the book design had included equally-sized diptychs for each day. The small size of some of the photographs made it difficult to fully appreciate their beauty and impact, which led to some disappointment.

Reasons for Recommendation

Unique Collaboration: The collaboration between two individuals living in different locations was a significant factor in recommending A Year of Mornings: 3191 Miles Apart. Readers found the idea of documenting daily mornings through photography and sharing them with the world inspiring and thought-provoking.
Serene Beauty: The book's photographs were widely praised for their serene beauty, which evoked feelings of tranquility and peacefulness. Readers appreciated the intimacy and connection they felt with the authors through the images, making the book a source of solace and inspiration.
Inspiration for Artists: Many readers found the book to be a source of inspiration, particularly for those interested in photography or other forms of artistic expression. The book's focus on everyday life and its ability to transform mundane objects into something beautiful made it a valuable resource for artists seeking inspiration.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Diversity: Some readers felt that the book lacked diversity in subject matter, which limited their appreciation of the images. They felt that exploring a wider range of themes and scenes could have added depth and variety to the collection, making it more engaging for a broader audience.
Desire for Background Stories: Readers expressed a desire for more context or background stories behind certain photographs. Without this information, they felt that they were missing an essential element that would have enhanced their understanding and appreciation of the project.

Conclusion

A Year of Mornings: 3191 Miles Apart is a captivating book that offers readers a unique perspective on daily life through its stunning photography. Maria Alexandra Vettese's collaboration with Stephanie Congdon Barnes creates a visual narrative that resonates with readers, evoking feelings of tranquility and serenity. While some readers expressed a desire for more diversity in subject matter and additional context behind certain images, the book's overall appeal lies in its ability to inspire and captivate through its beautiful photographs and intimate glimpses into daily routines. Whether you are an artist seeking inspiration or simply looking for a moment of peaceful contemplation, A Year of Mornings: 3191 Miles Apart is a book worth exploring.