Customer Reviews

Trees: National Champions

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I also want to add that the reviewer who gave this book one star really seems to miss the point. If you do want full-color "calendar" photos, then, yes, this book is not for you. But if you want insightful, subtly beautiful and out of the ordinary images, take a look at "Trees: National Champions."

Bosworth's photographs are always thoughtful and often surprising--some of the "national champions" are not majestic at all, at least not as towering giants. Instead, they may seem relatively small compared to the trees of larger species that grow around them. Bosworth also shows most of the champions in their surroundings in a way that comments on the larger landscape and its human presence even as she takes individual trees as her starting point. She's a marvelous photographer, and this great series deserves a good long look.

I just received this book in the mail. I was so looking forward to taking in the images - but now I am so disappointed. First of all, I understand panoramic images have certain proportions, but when an extensive landscape photo in a book is only slightly over 4 inches in one dimension, that is just too small to be able to show all the detail to the viewer. This book would be much more successful if it were larger. Also, I am a big fan of black and white, but I did not read in any advertisement that these images were black and white. I think that should be stated, especially in nature photography since black and white film creates an entirely different product from color film. The consumer should be given the information to make their choice according to their taste. I was looking forward to comparing the different shades of green in the different varieties of trees and landscapes I would be seeing. Looking at these trees in black in white is more a study in texture, tone, and form. The trees have been abstracted for me since these images do not make me feel like "I am there" since being "there" would be in color. Also, the majority of the images all have the horizon line in the same place and the tree in the same place in the photo, as if the trees were all taken to the same studio and asked to sit in the same chair. I'm sure this perspective choice brings unity to the photo series when it is hanging on a wall, but in a book it is visually boring, page after page. I am sure I would enjoy these photos much more in person. They are just not impressive in this book.

(Planeta Journal) -- Panoramic black-and-white photographs document the authors visit to the largest of their species in the United States. The National Register of Big Trees is updated every two years. It has prompted the development of a society of "big tree hunters" who track down rumors of possible champions and to verify the size of new contenders as well as the passing of old champions.

This book is not about creating "calendar" images. It compiles a visually stunning record of our nation's diverse landscape.

"Bosworth's dramatic, panoramic black-and-white photographs simultaneously document our country's evolving landscape and capture the dignity, tenacity, and singular nobility of gnarled yet graceful giants."

As a Photographer this book is Fine, as a Sculptor it is OK, as a Botanist it is Minimal, as a Lumberjack it is a Bore. I would suggest you not buy this book if you are looking for Good photographs of Champion Tree Specimens. But if you are looking for Beautifull photographs of Trees this is a great book. The photographic style takes it away from a book of specimens and to a book of photographic art.

I found this book quite beautiful. Wall to wall black & white photographs of trees showing the intimate relationship with their environment. I would definately recommend this book to anyone who is passionate about trees. Or to anyone who is looking for great photograhic reference as I was. If you are concidering getting this book also look at "AMONG TREES" by Sean Kernan.

With all due respect, S. Bowman's (Very disappointed!, September 27, 2005) review of this volume must be the product of an extraordinarily tiny brain, enormously inadequate eyesight or both! Perhaps Mr. and Mrs. Bowman should consider exploring visual and literary experiences that are better matched to their obviously limited capabilities - The Hallmark Store!

Bosworth captures the ineffable grace and dignity of trees with clarity and directness: the green ash that shades a midwestern crossroads, the common pear that blooms in a Washington field, and the Florida strangler fig with its mass of entwining aerial roots. Her photographs, panoramic views taken with an 8 x 10 camera, show the immensity of the largest species and the hidden triumphs of the smallest. Some trees are dethroned each year because of sickness or destruction, but more often simpy because a new and bigger specimen is discovered; only three trees from the original Register in 1940 are still living today. Bosworth's 70 photographs of champion trees are not only a collection of tree portraits but the story of an American adventure as well.

When do we get to see Volume II?

My husband and I have seen many National and State Champion Trees. This book does not even begin to do them justice! I have seen better photos on a calendar! Also, all the photos are black and white, and may be artistically worthy, but certainly do not give you any sense of the trees magnificence.