November 18, 2007

"Writing Photo Gift books"

Marty Knapp, author and photographer of Point Reyes 20 Years, will present the Story Behind the Photographs, Why the Book was Written and Sharing the Personal View. See his website: www.martyknapp.com

Marty Knapp is a Marin County treasure. He has lived in Point Reyes since 1973 and photographed the local landscape in stunning large format black and white images for over 20 years. Fine art photography is his life's work and this year he self-published a large fine art book, Point Reyes 20 Years, documenting with evocative photographs and personal essays his twenty year journey in one of the world's most beautiful landscapes.

Marty says, "I've used cameras for thirty years, but didn't put one on a tripod until 1985. I remember my first camera, a 35 mm rangefinder my grandfather gave me for my eleventh birthday. The dials with etched numbers and the velvet lined leather case that protected its jewel-like lens were irresistible. That a small tin can could hold the world in it was magical for me! The magic has never died. I still love cameras, both old and new. I can't resist taking pictures. It is what I do, and I never wanted to do anything else. "The dramatic, clear beauty of Ansel Adam's photographs inspire me. I seek to bring the clarity I find in his work to my expressions of the landscape. I spend countless hours walking the trails, ridges and beaches of this precious world. Every once in a while, I'm blessed to see and record a moment of light that fills me with wonder. I hope these moments will do the same for you."

Marty Knapp's photographs are owned by individuals and corporations worldwide and he is a California State Honored Artist. His new book, Point Reyes 20 Years, received a bronze medal for Photography books in the 2007 Independent Publisher Book Awards. For our CWC Marin November meeting, Marty will show some of his stunning photographs as he shares his creative process, telling us why the book was written and the reason he included stories about the making of the images. He will also touch on the decision to self-publish and his experiences, pros and cons.

Join us for a few hours to celebrate the majesty of west Marin County by an artist, photographer, and writer who clearly communicates an intimate, personal view with a strong, authentic voice.