In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits (National Geographic Collectors)

Unlike a companion volume, The Photographs, which I purchased some time ago this is about double that book's size in all its dimensions. Although still not large, it is not pocket-sized as the previously mentioned volume is although not yet coffee table size. This allows its content to be of a size that mostly allows an appreciation of the images better than where they are about the size of cigarette packet. This time around, NatGeo has chosen to include a little information about the photographs and some textual information about some of the categories and periods it covers and which gives an insight into the then current attitudes and events that may well reflect in some of the images, for example the flapper period of the 20s, the Great Depression of the 30s and the 'Swinging Sixties' to name a few.The book is mainly arranged by decade from the 1920s until the millennium as the book was first published in 2004, although there is no natural progression within any one chapter. A couple of general introductory chapters precede the main section. Most of the photographs are in colour and it is improbable that any would have been taken using digital cameras, but is is just about possible.Some may question the manner in which the term 'portraits' has been interpreted. Some of the images are clearly posed and formal, especially some of the older ones, but many are informal or casual and include street and beach scenes and others where one or more persons predominate in the shot. Some may more correctly be classified as landscapes with people and it is those people who are the reason for this book's existence. Some of the images are of historical interest or importance in that they show lifestyles and customs that no longer exist, for example the stretched necks of certain African tribes and Australian Aboriginal wedding customs. Consequently, several are unique and unrepeatable.None of the photographers whose images appear in the book are of necessity famous and many would have been staffers or freelancers working for the magazine. In the case of the staffers, it is likely that they would be requested to go to a location in order to illustrate a future article. With the freelancers, it was more likely that they planned to go to a location and then approached the magazine to finance and underwrite their trip and to publish an article or several during the trip or upon their return. In some instances, NatGeo would provide some or all of the equipment needed for their assignments.Although none of the images needs be a masterpiece in its own right, all are or were truly representative of the styles, methods and techniques of their day. Although, with modern technologies, it is practically impossible to exactly reproduce the styles employed, there is something here to be learned. Modern digital cameras are extremely capable and far more complex than the early model Leicas or Rolleiflexes with their fixed lenses that may well have been used for some of the older images, and interchangeable lenses courtesy of later Leica and Contax models would have likely been used within a few years. Their lenses would have allowed a little more latitude in working distance and with different light levels; Contax famously had a lens with an aperture of f0.95 which would sometimes have been needed as the film used before WW2 was of low sensitivity. By the 1960s, interchangeable-lens camera would have been the most often used and film technology, especially that of Kodachrome and some of its competitors, was at its zenith.Although the book is of necessity a retrospective republication of images that were first published in its magazines, that in no way detracts from their value or, in some instances, historical importance. At Amazon's current price, this would make an excellent addition to any photographer's book collection, or as a gift for anyone interested in photography or people.Recommended!

Although I am not a portrait photographer myself I can appreciate the skills and techniques required to produce such diverse and often compelling images.I am from Scotland and it is great to be able to look into the lives of people that are so far removed in distance and in time. I feel privileged and all the better for it.Thank you for producing such a wonderful book.I look forward to the next chapter in National Geographic.

This small book by National Geographic Society is chock full of marvellous images. If you are interested in photography, people & places, this is definitely one to be added to your library.Portraiture fascinates me - probably my favourite form of imagery. 'In Focus' covers photography from the '20's through to the '90's - showing how National Geographic's work has changed, along with the world's cultures.A fascinating look in to other people's lives and cultures.

In common with a lot of NG books, the size and format of this one makes enjoying it difficult. Too small to appreciate images properly and the size also makes it difficult to open the pages sufficiently to view them properly

Get this and it's companions:  Wide Angle: National Geographic Greatest Places  and  Through the Lens: "National Geographic" Greatest Photographs .The repro isn't great, but you'll spend hours looking at them and you'll be inspired to travel.

Really fascinating book. In really good condition as described and very speedy delivery.

I got this as a present for my brother-in-law and he loved it. its in hardcover and with good size, quality print and many, many pages of great photographs and comments makes good present.

A fine collection of insightful portraits from NG! I would recommend it to any person interested in street or portrait photography.