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This magnificent collection of 280 photographs by many of the world´s greatest photographers tells the tale of portrait photography over time in page after page of arresting images

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Culled from National Geographic´s extraordinary archive, each of the 280 photographs in this wonderful book offers its own unique answer to the question, What makes a great portrait? "In Focus" is divided into periods that correspond roughly to changes in photographic equipment and techniques, from the cumbersome cameras and long exposures of early days to the advent of color film and the lightweight, modern gear that fostered a new, informal spontaneity in portraiture. The book traces the evolving roles and goals of photographers themselves, themes eloquently explored in the text by editor Leah Bendavid-Val and five of our finest contemporary photographers: Sam Abell, Stuart Franklin, Jodi Cobb, William Albert Allard, and David Alan Harvey. Through their essays and the ever evocative photographs, "In Focus" offers revealing insights on how photographers´ work both reflects and influences how we see ourselves and the world.
The Collectors Series edition of In Focus is simply the existing book at a smaller trim size. This magnificent collection of 280 photographs by many of the world´s greatest photographers tells the tale of portrait photography over time in page after page of arresting images. Each photograph stands proudly on its own, yet taken together, they tell a much more complex and subtle story of the ever-evolving art form in constant creative response to new ideas, new eras, and new technologies.

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National Geographic
DAN WESTERGREN took up photography after being taught how to develop film by an indulgent science teacher in the eighth grade. That early experience instilled in him a reverence for the classic, timeless feel of a wonderful photograph, a reverence that he continues to feel even with his job as Director of Photography for National Geographic Travel. In addition to photo editing for National Geographic Traveler magazine and Natgeo.com/travel he has photographed a variety of stories, including expeditions up Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa and Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn in the European Alps. Westergren also went on and photographed an expedition to ski the last degree to the North Pole. Over the years, he´s shot some of the world´s most intriguing people, places and experiences.

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