Customer Reviews

Recollections: Three Decades of Photography

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4 star:		(1)
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"Recollections" is a must have book for everyone interested in the magic of elegant black and white photography.

John Sexton's "Recollections" as presented in this book are indeed magic. Photography is writing in light and John's photographs are powerful examples of the best this medium has to offer. Three decades of photography have refined his vision and honed his craft to the highest level of any photographer today.

John looks into the soul of the land very intimately then graciously shares his vision with us. Interspersed among the landscapes are clear, dignified abstracts, and isolations of Architecture. His impeccable technique allows refined and magical expressions.
Some are very simple yet elegantly beautiful as exemplified by "Casa del Oro, Monterey" While others challenge your sense of scale and progression as in "Geologic Conundrum, Banff National Park, Canada". You owe it to yourself to explore the rest of this book and discover all the other delights "Recollections" has to offer.

This is not a lightweight book either in the physical or spiritual sense. "Recollections" is a masterful presentation by a Master Photographer.

Bob Darby, Photographer

The on-line Oxford Dictionary defines the word magnificent simply as "impressively beautiful"; where beauty is said to be "a combination of qualities that delights the aesthetic senses." While both words come to mind in describing John Sexton's new book, Recollections: Three Decades of Photographs, if we are to go by Oxford's rather banal definitions, neither word even comes close to conveying the depths of visual and spiritual pleasures that await anyone who focuses their eye on the masterful B&W images assembled here.

Though I own hundreds of photography books, and regularly peruse most of them for years, I have had a relatively few "Wow!" reactions over the years - indeed, the last such experiences are at least two decades old (!): to Bruce Barnbaum's late 1970s' Visual Symphony and, in the middle 1980s, to Fay Godwin's Land - but Sexton's new Opus not only evoked an immediate heartfelt "Wow!" from me, it also raises the bar on what will trigger a similar exclamation from me in the future. I sat transfixed for hours after receiving it in the mail yesterday, and already consider it a sacrosanct member of the deepest core of my photography library. It is truly an extraordinary work of art; one that I will be savoring - and learning from - for years to come.

It is also clearly the work of a master photographer and printer, at the height of his creative powers; and a "master" not just of the "moment" compared to his living peers, but a "master" as judged in the context of the history of the medium.

Of course, it is impossible to describe the "contents" of this book, except to say that it contains 52 plates (and a few short essays) of such things as rocks, trees, and water. But, as with all great photographic art, by the time you get to even the second image, such conventional, blandly and trivially representational categories are understood as absurd and meaningless. The best of Sexton's images - and there are none in this book that are not! - capture spirit itself.

In short, a masterpiece!

Yesterday we received your "Recollections" book. What a glorious collection of images to enhance the world of fine art photography! One page is more spectacular than the other. In these days when traditional photography seems to be headed towards the sunset, your artistry promises a new sunrise.

Gordon & Marilyn Bowie
Boise, ID

John's latest book is a "must have" collection of some of the best fine
art photography I have ever seen. The images have the finest detail and
tonality. the book itself has magnificant lithography, printing and binding. this publication is a treasure that any discerning photographer or collector would be excited to have.

Sure, John ist one of the famoust living photographer on this planet. Sure, the quality of the printings in this book is stunning, fantastic and impressing. Very rich tonality and finest structures and details. Sure, some of his photos with an deep impact, for example "Fallen Trees", "Rock forms and roaring River" or "Reseding Doorways". On the other hand there are some so lala photos for example "Snow covered Slopes" or " Geologic Conundrum". But I'am sorry I have to say some pictures are dissapointed me like "Painted Window" or "Cathedral Alcove",
And some pictures we have seen for many times before: the golden gate bridge, antelope canyon, paria canyon, o.k. in b/w it's an other point of view.
The picture shows the wide range of John's images and gives us a great cross-section from his work.
Sure, people who are interested in b/w photography need to buy this book, the same is for John Sexton fans.
But in my opinion not one of the best b/w books there are light and shadow. I recommended Michael Kenna, Josef Hoflehner or Mapplethorpe

John Sexton is an amazing photographer! This books shows some of the early works of Mr. Sexton and these are some inspiring photographs from one of the worlds greatest photographers. The images just pop off the pages. If you are looking for a book with large vistas and grand landscapes, keeping looking, this is not for you. However, if you are looking for something very special, from a unique perspective, you will enjoy this work.

With " Recollections," Mr. Sexton once again displays his rare and unique blend of artistry, talent, technical expertise and his very large capacity of old fashioned perserverance. All rolled up between the covers of one very beautiful book.

Daniel B. McIntyre
Photography Instructor

Gave as a gift to an amateur photographer. He immediately began reading it and has commented numerous times how much he likes it.

One cannot help but marvel at Sexton's technique but I'm afraid most of the images in this beautifully printed book leave me cold. This isn't to say there aren't some exquisite images herein (the cover and plate 40 for example). This is my third Sexton book so I consider I've paid my dues.

With all the recommendations by photographers whom I respect, I expected something wonderful. But there are no great images in it, only the dust cover and another of Corn Flower leaves (oh Jesus, not more cornflowers!) are better than ordinary camera club show and tell. Perhaps the quality of his prints makes up for the blandness and sameness of the imagery shown here. If this is the best he has done after 30 years, then it's time to get another dayjob.
This will be the first time that I've ever taken advantage of Amazon's liberal return policy.