Photos Framed: A Fresh Look at the World's Most Memorable Photographs

Reviewed by: Bernie Alie - Kennebunk Free Library, Kennebunk, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 20, 2014

Review

An introduction to some classic photos from thoughout history. Included are portraits such as an 1844 daguerreotype of photography's inventor Louis Daguerre (p. 5) and the 2011 royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton (p.13); nature photography including Earthrise taken by Apollo 8 astronauts (p.21); artistic photos such as Andy Warhol's diptych of Marilyn Monroe (p. 31); and documentary photography including the 1917 photo of the Cottingley fairies (p.37). Each photo stands alone on a page. Text on the facing page gives information about the photo and the photographer, invites readers to "Zoom In" and focus on specific details in the photo, and asks thought provoking questions encouraging readers to reflect on issues such as the photographer's intent or feelings stirred by the photo. Following this format sometimes limits what can be said about a photo. Some may quibble with the claim of the "most memorable photographs," as some are obscure and others are missing. However, all are appealing and provide worthy discussion. As an introduction, this title is appropriate for a broad range of curious readers, upper elementary through high school. Artistic readers may be inspired to replicate what they see, increasing their skills and using their cameras in new ways. Useful for art and photography classes, this brings the evolution of photography to the forefront of our digital age.

Overall Book Score: very good