Photography books generally fall into many categories, from simple portfolio books, with very little text but displaying images in all of their splendour. At the other end of the spectrum the in depth how to do it books touch on art but rely heavily on the science. My favourite mixes both on a more intimate level. Landscape by Charlie Waite is one of the inspirational books residing in my bookcase.

In Landscape Waite takes us on a journey through 50 of his favourite images and shares the story behind the completed image. Waite does not preach apertures and shutter speeds, but with refined narrative connects the image with his love and passion for landscape photography. He talks about his connection with nature and the moment when composition, and light meet in a defining moment where everything makes sense. How could you not be inspired? There is just enough comment on camera equipment used so the more technically minded can see how the images were created.

Landscape is an honest book and Waite shares his disappointments and frustrations on the journey to achieve the completed image, the reader is left with no doubt that these photographs have only been achieved through many hours of work and lonely journeys in the middle of the night to capture the morning light.

I have the hardback copy, the printing is of a high standard each double page spread is given 50/50 to the image and accompanying text. I would enthusiastically recommend purchasing a copy of this book for your collection.

Charlie Waite has always been one of my photography heroes. He is well known for his many photographic books. His Landscape photographs have been used commercially for many years. His name is well known amongst photographers and collectors of the art.

This book is a departure from what we have come to expect of Waite; bright colorful images in his trade mark square format of the worlds exotic places. What we have are Black and White photographs.

Some are recognisable conversions from some of his famous colour works others you would not recognise as his. I was not sure what to expect within the covers of this book but hoped that these images would reflect Waites personal view on photography. One not tainted by the needs to fulfill an art directors brief, or remain timeless and saleable in the highly competitive stock library. To some degree the book achieves this by eliminating the colour the design of the images become more important. The compositionof many of the images converted from colour stands out more clearly re-emphasising Waite’s skill as a photographer.  We must also  asks the question – did he originally see them in colour or black and white?

The 72 Photographs vary from sweeping landscapes, intimate details of Gondolas in Venice, dark corners of stairwells, and some interesting people studies. I would recommendthis book to any one interested in Photography – take the time to digest the images, question the compositions and ask why?

Charlie Waite was a former actor. He had his photographic breakthrough in 1981 producing images for the National Trust. He now coaches photographers all over the world through light and land photographic holidays.Visit the Landscape Photography Bookshop for more inspirational titles.