Parhelion by the Parhelion Group | My Photo Bookshelf
Having followed the work of several members of the Parhelion Group for a number of years, the release of a book bringing together work from across the collective immediately caught my attention. It wasn’t long before I had my own copy sitting on my bookshelf.
Author’s synopsis
Parhelion is a collective of photographers based in and around England's North and South Downs. Capturing images of the landscape, the ocean, flora and fauna, we share a passion for nature in all its glory. Our members are established outdoor photographers with a commitment to excellence whether it be by undertaking prestigious commissions, regular publication in magazines and books, as educators leading workshops and giving presentations, by achieving awards in national and international competitions, or exhibiting and selling fine art prints.
My thoughts about the book
Made up of seven photographers based in the south of England, the Parhelion Group is a collective comprising Jenifer Bunnett, Matthew Cattell, Lorraine Heaysman, David Southern, Carys Jones, Sarah Medway and Sue Oakford. While looking at the group’s website while writing this, it appears the membership has changed since the book was released, with the publication also including the work of Rachael Talibart and not featuring Sue Oakford, suggesting she may have joined the group after its release.
This softcover book begins with a short introduction to Parhelion, followed by a selection of photographs from across the group. Between the photographic sections, each member is given a dedicated page with a short biography. This is a nice way of introducing the photographers individually, offering a little context while also giving the reader a brief pause before moving on to the next collection of images.
The uncoated 150gsm paper feels very pleasant to hold, and the matte finish softens the colours throughout. This works particularly well for the work included, giving the book a calm, relaxed quality that suits the overall experience of browsing the images.
The photographs are sequenced by subject, genre, colour, and mood, rather than being grouped by photographer. This approach feels appropriate for a collective publication, and if you want to identify individual images, there is a useful index towards the back of the book.
Not including information alongside the images feels like a deliberate choice. The photographs are given space on the page, with a modest border along the longer edge. It doesn’t feel too tight, but had titles or image data been included, the layout would likely have felt more cluttered. As it stands, the design strikes a good balance between maximising the available space and allowing the images to breathe.
Overall, this is a thoughtfully produced book showcasing the varied work of a group of talented photographers. If you have the opportunity, it is well worth adding to your bookshelf while it is still available.
Book Details
350gsm Silk Softcover
Size: 254mm x 254mm
Pages: 74 150gsm Uncoated
Availability at the time of writing: Still in print. Available from the Parhelion Group’s website: https://parheliongroup.co.uk/
Until next time.
Trevor