Robert Adams' Summer Nights & Perfect Times, Perfect Places

[Shawn Rahman]

I know there are many Robert Adams fans on APUG, but I wanted to hear from anyone that finds these two books, in particular, completely enthralling.

These two small books, Summer Nights and Perfect TImes, Perfect Places, have become among my favorites. I know there are Adams books that are more coveted, but these two do it for me.

Summer Nights never fails to evoke the feelings of summer nights of my youth, and Perfect Times, Perfect Places takes me places I want to go now.

I could sit here and explain some more of what these books do to me, but I'd love to hear from others who share my sentiments about Robert Adams' work, and especially these two books.

 

[david b]

I am a big fan of the "other" Adams too.

His book Summer Nights, is on sale at photo-eye

 

[noblebeast]

Interesting timing for starting this thread. Friday I picked up "Summer Nights" at the Getty Museum book store (went to see the Weegee and Photojournalism exhibits). I had probably heard Robert Adams name before but never saw any of his work. As soon as I looked at no more than two of the images in the book I decided I would buy it, they hit me that immediately. And the nice part was the book was in the bargain bin - $6, as opposed to the cover price of $25. Now I'll have to look for "Perfect Times, Perfect Places" as well. But back to "Summer Nights," it's a simple, succinct presentation of night photography that really does evoke memories of my Mid-West youth. Every time I open the pages I half expect fireflies to flit from the photos.

Joe

 

[Shawn Rahman]

Joe,

I completely agree with what you said about the fireflies.

Perfect Times is different in that it is more in line with Robert Adams' (and his wife Kerstin's) love of the landscape. The book evokes memories and feelings of simplicity and solitude that have the power to haunt. I was stricken by this book over time - it has a solemn power to it that dwells in you long after you've put it down.

 

[photomc]

Have enjoyed his work often, have not picked up one of his books yet..so perhaps one of these would be good.

Oh, and don't forget the 3rd Adams...Shelby Lee Adams, quite different for Robert Adams, but good work IMO.

 

[ongarine]

From the Missouri West
Listening to the River. Seasons in the American West
The New West
These are the books of Robert Adams I prefer among the great number of books he made.
These are three different period of his approach to images and everyone is a complete work in which you can find the different seasons of Adams photography.