Picturing Joy

I truly enjoyed this latest book by George Lange, Picturing Joy, due to be released in November, 2023. Chock full of Lange’s beautiful photographs, the coffee table book also offers tips on how to get the ultimate photo, as well as colorful snippets of Mr. Lange’s career. I would be surprised if amateur photographers, in addition to seasoned veterans, weren’t immediately drawn to the book as both pure enjoyment and resourceful guide.

Review to come closer to the release day of November on blog/goodreads.

I received this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange of an honest review.

WOW, this was so fun and good to read! I wasn't sure what to expect, just photographs or maybe a mix of text and photographs? But it was a fun personal read with photographs to accompany it. I do think I know George Lange, the name rings a bell, though I wouldn't know one two three what from, I do read a lot, so maybe I saw his name somewhere, or maybe I saw one of his pieces in a place. Either way, thanks to this book I learned a lot about George Lange, about his photography journey, about how he makes his photographs, how he is with the people he works with. Plus, I loved how there was a good blend of celebrities and normal people. I wouldn't mind a whole book with just celebrities, but unknown people are just a bit more interesting to read about.
I really hadn't expected to have this much fun. Often with books featuring photography the text just isn't my cup of tea. It is boring/doesn't grab me, but this one? From the first sentence, boom, I needed to read more.

The photographs were a lot of fun and they indeed capture joy, connection, and more. A lot made me smile, some made me laugh.

All in all, I would recommend this book to all. I am very happy I discovered this book!

I appreciated how each photo captured a moment of joy, some big, some small, but always with warmth. Hearing the stories behind the work enriched my appreciation of the artist’s work and mission: to crystallize moments of joy.

I have no expertise in photography and didn't know who George Lange was before reading this book, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. It contains many short anecdotes from the author's life, centering on his growth and experiences as a portrait photographer.

He seems to always be finding the joy in the situation, without trying, like it's just his natural predisposition. He somehow manages it in this book without appearing childish or naive, and despite his fame now, he seems remarkably grounded.

The stories he tells are stories of joyful human connection. One can't really help but feel a bit of the joy coming through the photos while viewing this book. It's a bit infectious, actually!

Perhaps a bit of prior knowledge of photography would help to appreciate the technical skills of the author in the photos, but I think anyone with eyeballs, a heart, and an open mind will enjoy this.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this eARC.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. This book will be published in Nov 2023!

Ugh, I loved this book, and now I want to see more of Lange’s work. I loved reading some of the background stories to his pictures. Brought me happy/bittersweet tears several times!! While I mainly enjoyed the pictures of average people/kids/families, I also appreciated the stories and pictures of the celebrities he shot, showing their rawness.

I absolutely loved reading this book. I was completely drawn into the topic of photography and could not stop reading it.

I truly enjoy paging through books of photographs, and I particularly enjoyed doing so with this book for three reasons:

- George Lange focuses on the moments of joy and happiness to be found all around us in our daily lives if we will but see them.

-He also focuses on the connection we so often have with others as we share in those moments of joy.

- With each picture he tells us background about the subject of the picture and the impact of the photograph on him as the photographer.

Well done, striking photographs, and a unique presentation made me wish this book was longer!

My thanks to Flashpoint for allowing me to read this book via NetGalley. It is to be released on 11/7/23. All opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

I loved hearing more of the stories behind George's images from over the years. George comes across as great fun with a playful approach to his work. The results are often relaxed portraits with his subjects at ease. As a photographer, I really enjoyed reading how some of the images came to be taken. Reading this book has definitely given me some ideas as to how to approach portrait sessions and to try new ideas. I love how George also incudes images of his family and the stories behind these images. A wonderful book which I really enjoyed reading.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC for this book. This book inspires the reader to look for the moments of joy in everyday experiences. A great book to shift one's perspective from the negative to positive.

I didn't know who George Lange was prior to reading this book. His photos are delightful, but the words behind each create a new sense behind them. Always fun to hear more about the process and people involved.

Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this before publication. I enjoyed it a lot.
I read a review where the reviewer complained that the photographer was "humble bragging," but I have to say that it didn't feel like that..The book had pictures of his own family, refugees, and celebrities. Instead of providing a technical list of how to create professionals, there were simple descriptions of how to create moments of connection. There was even a hilarious picture of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs.
I love pictures, and this book is full of pictures of love, connection, and joy. Reading the commentary and looking at the pictures made me feel the interconnection of the world and the possibilities of finding love everywhere.