The West

I was excited to learn that Richard Phibbs was working on a new book to follow his extremely successful Chasing Beauty, published in 2010. I recently purchased The West, Phibbs' 2017 collection of images taken from points leading there; Utah, Montana, Colorado, and Alberta, Canada. Born in Calgary, Alberta, (home to one of the world's greatest rodeos, the Calgary Stampede), Phibbs uses this as his focal point and inspiration for many of the 125+ images in this volume. As with Chasing Beauty, Phibbs partners again with Editor Alfredo Paredes, who succeeds greatly in combining words and images in the best possible, most cohesive way to tell Phibbs' story.The subjects are vast and varied--a wheat field in Alberta, horses in the snow, a young cowboy sporting a missing front tooth at the Calgary Stampede. Each image is unique, yet each represents the sprawling, vibrant, impactful and intimate vision that Richard is known for. Most of the images are shot on film and include both color and black and white photographs. My favorite shots have a quality similar to ones taken from an older camera, like plate glass photography and feel historic in nature.If you or your friends love beautiful photography and/or western images, this book is a must-have. Both The West and Chasing Beauty reside on a table in my living room and are repeatedly picked up and talked about by those who visit. I've given each as gifts over the years, with two more wrapped and ready for the 2015 holidays! It's also good karma to purchase from those who give--100% of Phibbs' proceeds for The West go to support indigenous youth and education, as well as animal rescue.

Once again fashion photographer Richard Phibbs takes us to an exotic locale – this time, the North American West – and whoooo, what a beautiful journey it is. Phibbs’ images have a vintage tintype-look that only add to the mystery of their age. Were the taken last week? Or 60 years ago? Doesn’t really matter…..they’re simply stunning. It’s very easy to see why Phibbs is fond of his Western-Canadian background…….the fields, dilapidated barns, and even teepees. Everything seems to move just a little bit slower in front of his lens. Like the rodeo. Phibb’s version isn’t the blurry, fast-paced jolt that we might expect, but more of a softer, father-son kind of experience.There’s a slight nod to Herb Ritz, Edward Curtis and Bruce Webber, (all my favorite photographers) but not too much……and there doesn’t need to be.Phibbs has his own vision of this idyllic, western life……and luckily, he shares it with us in this beautiful book.Get a copy now. You won’t regret it.

Beautiful pictures, would recommend as a must have for western enthusiasts.

Beautiful book

Beautiful!

My copy of Richard's book arrived yesterday. I can feel the layers of dust, sweat, bruising and toughening in the way he presented his studied subjects. Beneath that is his love of the athlete, regardless of species. And the fringes, straps, bindings - functional and ornamental. A cowboy's stance becomes a flamenco dancer's swishing dress. A native in headdress becomes a spirited prairie pinto. A simple graceful halter sits breathlessly on a horse's sensuous face. Lovely!And the personalities! Young anticipation and possibilities, laser focus in athletes, and family honoured passion for tradition and training deep in all their bones, no matter what their age and stage. He caught it in them all. And then he linked it right back to the remote, unseen relationship between man and horse out on the prairie of movement and weather. And gorgeous skies and clouds witness it all in passing. Those selective bits of colour of land and sky fill me up sweetly.

This is such a beautiful photography book. The pictures are breathtaking and timeless. It encompasses all the allure of that lifestyle and also makes a great gift. I ordered two books one to keep and one to a friend who loves horses and the western landscape. I display it on my coffee table and everyone always picks it up first and asks about the photographer. He is truly gifted. I would definitely recommend this art book.