The Brett Weston Portfolio's

Curt · Mar 3, 2008

I just received a letter from Michael Smith regarding the cost of printing the portfolio's of Brett Weston. As we are all aware the dollar is down and the cost of printing in Europe is therefore higher. He had some choices, one was to discontinue the series altogether, the last choice which was to raise the price to compensate for the poor exchange rate and is the one he chose.

I was relieved, after all it seems that products are disappearing and this series is important to me. I know of no other place where I can see these photographs in their entirety and the increase seem fair. It takes a lot of work and speculation to get a series of books done like this and I for one am appreciative.

Curt

jgjbowen · Mar 3, 2008

Ditto

But it doesn't bode well for the cost of Lodima when it finally becomes available... Of course I guess other european products are up in price (at least for we yankees) by a similar amount compared to where they were just a couple years ago.

doughowk · Mar 3, 2008

The series is priceless. The images are inspiring. I'd rather pay more for continued high quality.

c6h6o3 · Mar 3, 2008

Curt said:
the last choice which was to raise the price to compensate for the poor exchange rate and is the one he chose.

How much is he raising it?

Curt · Mar 3, 2008

Good question, how much, I am not a representative of Lodima press but the email said the price range of the softbound was 29.95 to 44.95 and will be 44.95 to 59.95. These are the price ranges for the books.

It seems that every time you turn around there is a price increase on something, food, fuel, utilities, no let up at all. That said, I am on board for the entire series, I like the photography of Brett Weston, I've seen a good number in person over the years and the images printed in the book series are as good as it gets.

Curt

jgjbowen · Mar 3, 2008

c6h6o3 said:
How much is he raising it?

Jim,

The hard cover books are going up $35, from $100 to $135.

Shawn Dougherty · Mar 3, 2008

Whatever it takes to get this series done is fine by me...

Merg Ross · Jan 5, 2009

I realize that this is a very old thread, however the topic caught my eye.

Recently, I received from Michael and Paula a copy of Brett Weston's portfolio, Baja California. This was the first of the series that I have had the opportunity to peruse.

In a word, stunning; truly a manifestation of the quality we have previously witnessed from Lodima Press. I am familiar with the original prints, having viewed them along with others during Brett's selection process for this portfolio.

The reproductions in this Lodima Press edition capture the character of the original silver prints. Indeed, a worthy project, well presented.

www.mergross.com

c6h6o3 · Jan 6, 2009

Merg-

If you haven't already done so, you should make this post on the Azo Forum. Michael and Paula usually don't see posts on this forum unless someone explicitly points them here. And even then they'd appreciate a cross post.

Dead Link Removed

Jim

Justin Cormack · Jan 6, 2009

I found a copy of San Francisco in my local second hand bookshop (the hardback; someone must have fallen on hard times), it is wonderfully printed, and amazing photos. Had never seen any of the Lodima press books before. I think they have the second volume too, will get it if it is still there.

jgjbowen · Feb 26, 2009

Received the next edition in the series Baja California yesterday. Another wonderful book with some text that includes Merg, his dad and their relationship with Brett.

Curt · Feb 26, 2009

I just checked my account, looks like the Baja edition is on the way.

Merg Ross · Mar 5, 2009

Speaking of Brett, another reminder as the date draws nearer.

An exhibition of Brett Weston's photographs will open at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art in California on May 2, 2009 and close on August 16.

The exhibit is titled, Out of the Shadow, and may interest those who seek an understanding of the relationship between Brett and his father, and the immense influence they had on each other.

I have seen the prints in person, and highly recommend a visit to this fine museum.

Shawn Dougherty · Mar 5, 2009

I saw this exhibit at the Phillips Collection and it was well worth the trip. Highly recommended.

And Merg, I truly enjoyed your contribution to the latest volume of the BW Portfolio series. Must have been one hell of a time... All the best. Shawn

Merg Ross said:
Speaking of Brett, another reminder as the date draws nearer.

An exhibition of Brett Weston's photographs will open at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art in California on May 2, 2009 and close on August 16.

The exhibit is titled, Out of the Shadow, and may interest those who seek an understanding of the relationship between Brett and his father, and the immense influence they had on each other.

I have seen the prints in person, and highly recommend a visit to this fine museum.

Curt · Mar 5, 2009

Speaking of Brett, another reminder as the date draws nearer.

An exhibition of Brett Weston's photographs will open at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art in California on May 2, 2009 and close on August 16.

The exhibit is titled, Out of the Shadow, and may interest those who seek an understanding of the relationship between Brett and his father, and the immense influence they had on each other.

I have seen the prints in person, and highly recommend a visit to this fine museum.

Thanks for the heads up on the show, for those who don't know, Amtrak has a station in Santa Barbara that's beautiful. It's a couple of blocks from the Ocean and just a walk to the Museum. There's an abundance of motels in walking distant also.

I got the Baja edition yesterday and it's very nice. Merg's comments were great, thanks Merg.

Curt

Merg Ross · Mar 5, 2009

Shawn Dougherty said:
I saw this exhibit at the Phillips Collection and it was well worth the trip. Highly recommended.

And Merg, I truly enjoyed your contribution to the latest volume of the BW Portfolio series. Must have been one hell of a time... All the best. Shawn

Hi Shawn, yes it was a special time. Brett is never far from my thoughts, as I am often in the field using a camera he gave me years ago. In fact, I was using it yesterday between rain showers.

For whatever reason, I recently perused your web site and accompanying images. There were many that I found appealing, one in particular. It was of a place much photographed; yes, Ansel, Edward, and countless others were there before you, but I really like your interpretation.

Mesquite Dunes, dried mud in foreground, excellent! Thanks for sharing.

All best,
Merg

Shawn Dougherty · Mar 6, 2009

Thanks so much, Merg. That means more to me than you know.

I'm leaving tomorrow for a trip to Canyon de Chelly... I hope I can find my own way there as well.
Sincerely. Shawn

photomc · Mar 6, 2009

Shawn Dougherty said:
Thanks so much, Merg. That means more to me than you know.

I'm leaving tomorrow for a trip to Canyon de Chelly... I hope I can find my own way there as well.
Sincerely. Shawn

You will Shawn, a wonderfull place - look forward to any new work you make there. Best...

Merg Ross · Mar 6, 2009

Curt said:
Thanks for the heads up on the show, for those who don't know, Amtrak has a station in Santa Barbara that's beautiful. It's a couple of blocks from the Ocean and just a walk to the Museum. There's an abundance of motels in walking distant also.

I got the Baja edition yesterday and it's very nice. Merg's comments were great, thanks Merg.

Curt

Curt, you are welcome, glad you enjoyed the comments.

I was not aware of the Santa Barbara Amtrak station, perhaps an added einticement for some to visit the Museum. Accomodations are abundant, as you suggest; the Upham is a great place to stay, although a bit pricey.

Hope you are able to see the exhibit, it should be a good one.

Merg

Mike Lopez · Mar 8, 2009

Merg Ross said:
Hi Shawn, yes it was a special time. Brett is never far from my thoughts, as I am often in the field using a camera he gave me years ago. In fact, I was using it yesterday between rain showers.

For whatever reason, I recently perused your web site and accompanying images. There were many that I found appealing, one in particular. It was of a place much photographed; yes, Ansel, Edward, and countless others were there before you, but I really like your interpretation.

Mesquite Dunes, dried mud in foreground, excellent! Thanks for sharing.

All best,
Merg

Merg,

I agree with you; Shawn does some very fine work. I love his pond scum series.

And thank you very much for mentioning the upcoming Brett Weston show in this thread. I was not aware of it, and now I plan to spend a weekend in July in Santa Barbara.

This forum must make the airlines happy. I found out about a Lee Friedlander book signing in Santa Fe on this site last fall and promptly booked myself a flight to Albuquerque. Now it's a flight to Burbank. Economy be damned!

Mike

Mark Layne · Mar 8, 2009

Curt said:
I just received a letter from Michael Smith regarding the cost of printing the portfolio's of Brett Weston. As we are all aware the dollar is down and the cost of printing in Europe is therefore higher. He had some choices, one was to discontinue the series altogether, the last choice which was to raise the price to compensate for the poor exchange rate and is the one he chose.

I was relieved, after all it seems that products are disappearing and this series is important to me. I know of no other place where I can see these photographs in their entirety and the increase seem fair. It takes a lot of work and speculation to get a series of books done like this and I for one am appreciative.

Curt

Am I missing something here-the dollar is actually up compared to most currencies.
Mark

jgjbowen · Mar 8, 2009

Mark Layne said:
Am I missing something here-the dollar is actually up compared to most currencies.
Mark

When the OP was posted in March '08, the dollar was very much weaker vs the euro. Although the $ has gotten stronger vs the euro, it is still weaker than it was when Michael 1st introduced this series of books.

Merg Ross · Mar 8, 2009

Mike Lopez said:
Merg,

I agree with you; Shawn does some very fine work. I love his pond scum series.

And thank you very much for mentioning the upcoming Brett Weston show in this thread. I was not aware of it, and now I plan to spend a weekend in July in Santa Barbara.

This forum must make the airlines happy. I found out about a Lee Friedlander book signing in Santa Fe on this site last fall and promptly booked myself a flight to Albuquerque. Now it's a flight to Burbank. Economy be damned!

Mike

Mike, glad you will be taking in the show. Karen Sinsheimer continues to present one good exhibition after another at the Santa Barabara Museum of Art.

Have you had an opportunity to use the Amidol I sent?

Enjoy your visit.

Merg

Mike Lopez · Mar 8, 2009

Merg Ross said:
Mike, glad you will be taking in the show. Karen Sinsheimer continues to present one good exhibition after another at the Santa Barabara Museum of Art.

Have you had an opportunity to use the Amidol I sent?

Enjoy your visit.

Merg

Merg,

Unfortunately, I have not used it yet. It's prominently sitting on a shelf with my printing things, but I have not printed in quite some time. I'll make good use of it eventually. I have too many things going on right now (trying to sell my house is the biggest).

Best,
Mike

Photo Engineer · Mar 8, 2009

George Eastman House used to print a lot of books like this. I have a Weson Daybook volume #1 titled Mexico from their collection that I bought many many years ago. As a GEH Associate, you get these publications free or at seriously reduced costs. They are 8x10 or 11x14 in size and hardcover or stiff softcover, not flimsy books.

I have a number of others in their reproduction library. Very high quality stuff.

PE

The Brett Weston Portfolio's

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