Simply Beautiful Photographs

Annie Griffiths

Quick Take

National Geographic's Simply Beautiful Photographs takes readers on a spectacular visual journey through some of the most stunning photographs to be found in National Geographic's famed Image Collection. Award-winning photographer Annie Griffiths culled the images to reflect the many variations on the universal theme of beauty. Chapters are organized around the aesthetic concepts that create beauty in a photograph: Light, Composition, Moment (Gesture and Emotion), Motion, Palette, and Wonder.Beyond the introduction and brief essays about each featured concept, the text is light. The photographs speak for themselves, enhanced by lyrical quotes from scholars and poets. In the chapter on Light, for example, we read these words of whimsical wisdom from songwriter Leonard Cohen: "Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That's how the lights get in." And then the images flow, of light entering scenes via windows, clouds, and spotlights, from above, alongside, and behind, casting radiance upon young ballerinas and weathered men, into groves of autumn trees and island-dotted seas, revealing everything it touches to be beautiful beyond expectation.To illuminate the theme of Wonder, Griffiths chose a wish from Andre Bazin: "If I had influence with the good fairy...I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life." This thought is juxtaposed with an exquisite vision in white, a frame filled with the snowy-pure dots and rays of a bird's fan tail. And on it goes, picture after tantalizing picture, alive with wondrous beauty.When she created National Geographic Simply Beautiful Photographs, Annie Griffiths set two goals: to maximize visual delight, and to create a book unique in the world of publishing--one in which many of the photographs could be purchased as prints. She has succeeded on both counts. Many of these stunning images are available for order, and there can be no doubt as to the visual delight. You must open this book for yourself, and take in its radiant beauty.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Simply Beautiful Photographs

Introduction

National Geographic's "Simply Beautiful Photographs" takes readers on a visual journey through some of the most stunning photographs from the famed Image Collection. Award-winning photographer Annie Griffiths curated the images to reflect the many variations of beauty in photography. The book is organized around aesthetic concepts such as light, composition, moment, motion, palette, and wonder. In this article, we will explore the book's author, Annie Griffiths, analyze readers' views on the book, and summarize reasons for both recommending and not recommending it.

About Annie Griffiths

Annie Griffiths, born in 1953, is an American photographer known for her work at National Geographic and as a founder of Ripple Effect Images. She has published several books, including "Simply Beautiful Photographs," showcasing her talent for capturing stunning images. Griffiths' work has been widely recognized for its beauty and ability to evoke emotion in her viewers.

Analysis of Views

Stunning Imagery: Readers consistently praise the book for its breathtaking photographs. The images are often described as stunning, gorgeous, and beautiful, capturing the essence of beauty in photography.
Escape from Reality: Many readers find solace in the book's ability to transport them to different places and times. The photographs offer a respite from daily worries and allow readers to immerse themselves in the captured moments.
Inspirational Quotes: The inclusion of quotes from scholars and poets adds depth to the images. Readers appreciate the thought-provoking words that complement the visual experience, creating a more profound connection with the photographs.
Educational Value: Some readers find the book valuable as a reference for their photography projects or as an educational resource to learn about the elements of photography. They appreciate the insights provided by Griffiths and her expertise in the field.
Lack of Diversity: A few readers express disappointment with the lack of diversity in the book's selection of photographs. They feel that some images may not represent the full spectrum of beauty or accurately reflect the world's diverse cultures and perspectives.

Reasons for Recommendation

Stunning Visual Experience: Readers recommend "Simply Beautiful Photographs" for its stunning visual experience. The book offers a feast for the eyes, with beautifully captured moments that inspire awe and wonder.
Educational Value: The inclusion of essays and explanations about each featured concept adds value to the book. Readers appreciate gaining insights into the art of photography and understanding what makes a great photograph.
Inspirational Quotes: The thought-provoking quotes from scholars and poets enhance the reading experience, providing a deeper connection with the images and evoking emotions that resonate with readers.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Subjectivity of Beauty: Some readers feel that the selection of photographs is subjective and may not appeal to everyone's taste. They acknowledge that beauty is a personal perception, which can lead to disagreements about which images are truly beautiful.
Lack of Diversity: A few readers express disappointment with the lack of diversity in the book's selection of photographs. They feel that it could have included more images that represent different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives to provide a more inclusive representation of beauty.

Conclusion

"Simply Beautiful Photographs" by Annie Griffiths offers readers a stunning visual journey through some of the most captivating images from National Geographic's Image Collection. The book showcases Griffiths' talent for capturing beauty through her lens and provides insights into various aesthetic concepts that contribute to a photograph's artistic value. While some readers appreciate its stunning imagery and educational value, others express disappointment with the lack of diversity in the selection of photographs. Overall, "Simply Beautiful Photographs" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates photography as an art form and seeks inspiration from breathtaking visual experiences.