As I strolled through my local bookstore, mindlessly perusing the shelves like a moth to a flame, something spectacular caught my eye: a man on a book cover staring back at me with an intensity that felt almost accusatory. Now, I often evangelize about the wisdom of not judging a book by its cover—after all, I’ve seen some covers that could induce existential crises—but this photograph drew me in like a kid to candy. Without even contemplating the sage advice I often dispense, I dashed to the checkout, giddy as a child in a candy store, eager to delve into the life and art of photographer Paolo Solari, a name which, astonishingly, I had never encountered before. Clearly, the universe was shaking its head at my ignorance.
Hours later, I stood up from my couch, limbs stiff from what felt like the photographic equivalent of binge-watching a series, and immediately headed to my computer to shoot Paolo an email, a thank-you note for sharing such exquisite images. I’m certain I came off as a gushing fan—a rank amateur compared to the giants of photography—but hey, self-deprecation is my brand, right?
I pride myself on owning a library of hundreds of photography books, each one a portal into worlds untold. Every title on my tightly packed shelves holds a story, and believe me, I could regale you with tales behind each picture—at least until the second glass of wine, at which point the details may get a bit fuzzy. However, few works have stirred my heart and mind as deeply as Solari’s captivating journey through Zambia.
With a mastery of the wide-angle lens, Paolo captures the local people in an extraordinary way, combining the detail of a striking portrait with the rich context of their environment. This is crucial, as the Zambian individuals depicted in this book exist as a vibrant tapestry woven into the land around them—an interconnected narrative of humanity and landscape.
The photos are intimate, as though Paolo didn’t just stroll by his subjects in the village but actually set up camp in their living rooms, lounging across dinner pots. Each image envelops you, offering a metaphorical seat at their family gatherings, where dignity resides, and smiles are unapologetic. Paolo clearly established relationships, crafting a bond that allowed him to capture their stories with such raw authenticity.
Hours later, I stood up from my couch, limbs stiff from what felt like the photographic equivalent of binge-watching a series, and immediately headed to my computer to shoot Paolo an email, a thank-you note for sharing such exquisite images. I’m certain I came off as a gushing fan—a rank amateur compared to the giants of photography—but hey, self-deprecation is my brand, right?
I pride myself on owning a library of hundreds of photography books, each one a portal into worlds untold. Every title on my tightly packed shelves holds a story, and believe me, I could regale you with tales behind each picture—at least until the second glass of wine, at which point the details may get a bit fuzzy. However, few works have stirred my heart and mind as deeply as Solari’s captivating journey through Zambia.
With a mastery of the wide-angle lens, Paolo captures the local people in an extraordinary way, combining the detail of a striking portrait with the rich context of their environment. This is crucial, as the Zambian individuals depicted in this book exist as a vibrant tapestry woven into the land around them—an interconnected narrative of humanity and landscape.
The photos are intimate, as though Paolo didn’t just stroll by his subjects in the village but actually set up camp in their living rooms, lounging across dinner pots. Each image envelops you, offering a metaphorical seat at their family gatherings, where dignity resides, and smiles are unapologetic. Paolo clearly established relationships, crafting a bond that allowed him to capture their stories with such raw authenticity.
One of the standout features of Solari’s work is his dynamic perspective shifts. Sometimes he positions himself on the ground, connecting with his subjects on their level, while at other moments he takes daring aerial shots, treating you to a visual feast that’s ever-evolving. This playful variety prevents the book from losing steam—a refreshing approach, considering my own tendency to take the same shot of my cat from slightly different angles until it starts resembling an abstract art project.
The smiles in these photographs? Genuinely radiant. There’s one particularly memorable shot of a young lady holding a handful of children, her grin so infectious it practically beams across the room (or the page, rather). The kids’ curiosity springs forth, beautifully captured by the wide-angle lens that creates a sense of community—and maybe a hint of chaos, but that’s part of the magic, isn’t it? Now, let’s not delve too deep into my lack of technical expertise. I understand these immortalized moments were captured on medium format film, but beyond that, who cares when the product is such amazing art. What I do know is that the tonal ranges are rendered with meticulous attention, and each photograph could easily stand on its own as a work of art. I mean, flipping through this book is akin to binge-eating gourmet chocolate—one powerful image after another, until you find yourself declaring, “Okay, just one more,” only to be met with an avalanche of visual delectability. |
The individual portraits? Astounding! One of my favorites, a powerful portrait of a man, speaks volumes without uttering a word. The expressive strength captured in his eyes is astounding, paired perfectly with a background that enhances the story while remaining just out of focus. I swear I could lose track of time staring at this one image. And then—just when I think I’ve found Solari’s pièce de résistance—I turn the page and am utterly blindsided by another astonishingly profound photograph. It’s like one of those magic eye pictures; you gaze a bit longer and suddenly, the world reveals yet another layer of charm.
The book itself showcases exceptional craftsmanship, with thick, hefty pages that feel substantial enough to withstand my excited fumbling. The large, square format enhances his images beautifully—each page turning into an art gallery, meticulously curated for your viewing pleasure.
In summary, Paolo Solari has blessed us with a treasure trove of images that breathe life into a quality of photography I thought had disappeared into the ether of Instagram filters and overzealous photoshopping. These photographs don’t exploit or sensationalize; instead, they invite you to feast on the allure of candid art. Just when you think you’ve had your fill, another portrait lures you into the depths of emotional richness, captivating your heart effortlessly.
Simply put, this book has earned its rightful place among the crème de la crème of my collection—the kind of photography book that elevates my spirits while simultaneously reminding me of my own shortcomings. If you’re looking to explore exceptional photography that makes you feel everything and learn a little about humility along the way, I wholeheartedly recommend adding Paolo Solari's work to your shelf. It’s hands down the best photography book I’ve purchased in years—and if someone asks me about it in a bookstore, I’ll have to approach with the reverence of a humble acolyte, hoping not to embarrass myself in front of the mighty Solari.
The book itself showcases exceptional craftsmanship, with thick, hefty pages that feel substantial enough to withstand my excited fumbling. The large, square format enhances his images beautifully—each page turning into an art gallery, meticulously curated for your viewing pleasure.
In summary, Paolo Solari has blessed us with a treasure trove of images that breathe life into a quality of photography I thought had disappeared into the ether of Instagram filters and overzealous photoshopping. These photographs don’t exploit or sensationalize; instead, they invite you to feast on the allure of candid art. Just when you think you’ve had your fill, another portrait lures you into the depths of emotional richness, captivating your heart effortlessly.
Simply put, this book has earned its rightful place among the crème de la crème of my collection—the kind of photography book that elevates my spirits while simultaneously reminding me of my own shortcomings. If you’re looking to explore exceptional photography that makes you feel everything and learn a little about humility along the way, I wholeheartedly recommend adding Paolo Solari's work to your shelf. It’s hands down the best photography book I’ve purchased in years—and if someone asks me about it in a bookstore, I’ll have to approach with the reverence of a humble acolyte, hoping not to embarrass myself in front of the mighty Solari.