Robert Farber: American Mood

Rating:
Summary: RECENT AMERICANA CAPTURED IN PHOTOS
Review: Robert Farber is not only recognized as one of today's foremost photographers, he is also the recipient of numerous awards, including the Photographer of the Year Award in 1987 from the Photographic Manufacturer's Association and the ASP International Award sponsored by the Professional Photographers of America.

Known for his photographs of landscapes, fashion and nudes, Farber has also done work for major manufacturers. His book, Natural Beauty: Farber Nudes, published in 2001 received the Art Director's Award for color photography. Now, with his ninth book, Robert Farber: American Mood, he focuses on America's recent past with several of the images dating from 1970.

Farber's latest work may best be described in his own words: "The photographs that make up By the Sea, as I look back on them, were shot mainly when on a commercial assignment. In the same way, that's how the bulk of my American Mood evolved. Especially when I started shooting a number of back-to-back campaigns for Wrangler Jeans, is when I realized the amount of images I was accumulating had the Americana feel. American Mood is not a book that records a place, but rather romanticizes America past which carries through in the same way as my basic photographic style."

We find a photo of a white clapboard farm with just a portion of a pickup truck seen at the back, a diner lit against the night sky, a De Soto parked by the curb in the early morning fog, an Amish farmer working his land, and many more. Each is an evocative image sure to trigger memories in most of us.

Each photo is accompanied by a brief yet informative text telling where, when and how the shot was taken. An added bonus is the section devoted to Farber's techniques and methods.

Robert Farber: American Mood will be of special interest to photographers and enjoyed by all with its record of scenes throughout America as caught by the author's practiced eye.

- Gail Cooke


Rating:
Summary: Artistic View of America
Review: I've followed Robert's work since 1978. He is only getting better! He has applied his view of the human figure to his landscape and cityscape pictures. Add this book to your coffee-table book collection. . . and learn from this creative artist.