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Picturing Joy: Stories of Connection
For more than fifty years, photographer George Lange has been obsessed with connecting with the world through his work. Whether he was shooting a movie star or a family member, he saw his own search for joy reflected in the images. While growing up in Pittsburgh, Lange cherished his happy childhood, and he found himself unconsciously yearning for that feeling in his adult life. He strove to re-create those fleeting sparks of childhood joy in his relationships and his photographs. “Each day I am trying to find the place we are all connected, but I never know where that place will be. I create spaces where my subjects feel safe and trusting and can share their part of their own joy.” Picturing Stories of Connection is a lively guide to Lange’s approach to life as well as the highlights of his career. This optical and optimistic book captures his curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm for people and photography. It also distills wisdom gleaned from a lifelong search for quotidian beauty that might otherwise go unnoticed. Through intimate stories and more than eighty photos, Picturing Joy invites readers to appreciate life with all their senses and to change their perspective by being open to new things.
- GenresPhotographyNonfictionArt
144 pages, Hardcover
Published November 7, 2023
1 person is currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
George Lange
9 books7 followersGeorge Lange is a photographer whose pictures have appeared in almost all major magazines, ranging from Entertainment Weekly to Esquire. George has shot advertising photos for many movies and TV shows including Seinfeld, The Today Show, Cake Boss, and many of Jim Carrey’s movies. Most recently, he has worked with Norwest Venture Partners, Twilio, RK Mellon Foundation and the Grammy Award winning Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. George is known for his ability to see everyone - from celebrities to people in all walks of life - in an honest and joyful way.
George's new book, Picturing Joy: Stories of Connection, is a lively guide to George’s approach to life, as well as the highlights of his career. This book captures his curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm for people and photography. It also distills wisdom gleaned from a lifelong search for everyday beauty that might otherwise go unnoticed. Through more than 80 photos and intimate stories, Picturing Joy invites readers to appreciate life with all of their senses and to change their perspective by being open to new things.
George's new book, Picturing Joy: Stories of Connection, is a lively guide to George’s approach to life, as well as the highlights of his career. This book captures his curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm for people and photography. It also distills wisdom gleaned from a lifelong search for everyday beauty that might otherwise go unnoticed. Through more than 80 photos and intimate stories, Picturing Joy invites readers to appreciate life with all of their senses and to change their perspective by being open to new things.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 14, 2023
2 "more a glossy advertisement..." stars !!!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author/photographer and Flashpoint. This will be released November 2023. I am providing an honest review.
Mr. Lange appears to be a very successful photographer for magazines, advertisers, celebrities and some more everyday folk. He has a very nice website here.... www.georgelange.com
I did not connect to this book very much at all. The anecdotes were full of humblebragging and namedropping and felt like a glossy advertisement. The photographs did not (mostly) resonate for me either but I could mildly appreciate a few of them. Not for me but it might be your cuppa...
I was hoping for a deeper look of the philosophy of joy in the art form of photography.
Here is a photo off his website but not included in the book:
Thank you to Netgalley, the author/photographer and Flashpoint. This will be released November 2023. I am providing an honest review.
Mr. Lange appears to be a very successful photographer for magazines, advertisers, celebrities and some more everyday folk. He has a very nice website here.... www.georgelange.com
I did not connect to this book very much at all. The anecdotes were full of humblebragging and namedropping and felt like a glossy advertisement. The photographs did not (mostly) resonate for me either but I could mildly appreciate a few of them. Not for me but it might be your cuppa...
I was hoping for a deeper look of the philosophy of joy in the art form of photography.
Here is a photo off his website but not included in the book:
August 5, 2023
Picturing Joy: Stories of Connection, by George Lange, is an attractive and engaging book that highlights the stories behind the pictures as much as the photographs themselves, which makes for an interesting behind the scenes glimpse.
As an established and sought out photographer Lange has had sessions with celebrities, models for advertising images, and whoever he might encounter on the street. What stands out is the same sense of, well, respect for the subject, even one that I would have had a hard time being in the same room with. But, heck, I won't name names.
Speaking of names, I'm going to state what should be obvious, but apparently isn't. A book that covers the long career of a photographer who has photographed many big names, from politicians to musicians and beyond, and that has as a goal illustrating the connections made between photographer and subject (and hopefully anyone looking at the pictures), will include the names of those subjects as well as Lange's interactions with them. Pretty elementary, most of that is made clear in the book title. So this doesn't, in reality, count as "name dropping" or "humblebragging." How in the world would he talk about those people and his interactions without mentioning himself or them? So many self-important disingenuous reviewers who have to stretch to find things to complain about, even if it makes absolutely no sense. Ignore and let them stay in their little echo chamber, they feel better there.
The idea of joy is problematized with the inclusion of a couple of pictures of people who committed suicide. Outwardly, these people (like many of us with depression) seemed happy, or at least not down. The man I had to look up had a beautiful tribute written about him by an independent journalist from his town. These people brought joy into other lives, but did they themselves experience joy? I don't know, I'm not even sure what to call what I feel when I am at my highest. Happy? Joyful? Maybe simply not unhappy, or noy unjoyful. That middle ground we sometimes forget exists between the extremes.
This is a nice size, 8"x8", so would work on display tables smaller than a coffee table, though big enough to work nicely there too.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
As an established and sought out photographer Lange has had sessions with celebrities, models for advertising images, and whoever he might encounter on the street. What stands out is the same sense of, well, respect for the subject, even one that I would have had a hard time being in the same room with. But, heck, I won't name names.
Speaking of names, I'm going to state what should be obvious, but apparently isn't. A book that covers the long career of a photographer who has photographed many big names, from politicians to musicians and beyond, and that has as a goal illustrating the connections made between photographer and subject (and hopefully anyone looking at the pictures), will include the names of those subjects as well as Lange's interactions with them. Pretty elementary, most of that is made clear in the book title. So this doesn't, in reality, count as "name dropping" or "humblebragging." How in the world would he talk about those people and his interactions without mentioning himself or them? So many self-important disingenuous reviewers who have to stretch to find things to complain about, even if it makes absolutely no sense. Ignore and let them stay in their little echo chamber, they feel better there.
The idea of joy is problematized with the inclusion of a couple of pictures of people who committed suicide. Outwardly, these people (like many of us with depression) seemed happy, or at least not down. The man I had to look up had a beautiful tribute written about him by an independent journalist from his town. These people brought joy into other lives, but did they themselves experience joy? I don't know, I'm not even sure what to call what I feel when I am at my highest. Happy? Joyful? Maybe simply not unhappy, or noy unjoyful. That middle ground we sometimes forget exists between the extremes.
This is a nice size, 8"x8", so would work on display tables smaller than a coffee table, though big enough to work nicely there too.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
November 1, 2023
Picturing Joy: Stories of Connection by George Lange is a guide to Lange’s approach to life as well as the highlights of his career. It is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. This optical and optimistic book captures his curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm for people and photography. It also distills wisdom gleaned from a lifelong search for quotidian beauty that might otherwise go unnoticed. Through intimate stories and more than eighty photos, Picturing Joy invites readers to appreciate life with all their senses and to change their perspective by being open to new things.
Picturing Joy is a lovely coffee table book that offers stories and photographs from Lange's career and life. Some of the people he has had the opportunity to work with, and the amazing shots he has taken are wonderful to read about and enjoy. I was glad that he included stories for the celebrates that he did, but that he also included 'normal' folks and lesser known individuals in the book. I love that he also included information on why and how he does this job, and offers encouragement and tips for others to follow their own path. I think aspiring photographers, and those just starting out or interested in the field will get the most out of this book.
Picturing Joy is a lovely coffee table book that offers stories and photographs from Lange's career and life. Some of the people he has had the opportunity to work with, and the amazing shots he has taken are wonderful to read about and enjoy. I was glad that he included stories for the celebrates that he did, but that he also included 'normal' folks and lesser known individuals in the book. I love that he also included information on why and how he does this job, and offers encouragement and tips for others to follow their own path. I think aspiring photographers, and those just starting out or interested in the field will get the most out of this book.
August 3, 2023
I have no expertise in photography and didn't know who George Lange was before reading this book, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. It contains many short anecdotes from the author's life, centering on his growth and experiences as a portrait photographer.
He seems to always be finding the joy in the situation, without trying, like it's just his natural predisposition. He somehow manages it in this book without appearing childish or naive, and despite his fame now, he seems remarkably grounded.
The stories he tells are stories of joyful human connection. One can't really help but feel a bit of the joy coming through the photos while viewing this book. It's a bit infectious, actually!
Perhaps a bit of prior knowledge of photography would help to appreciate the technical skills of the author in the photos, but I think anyone with eyeballs, a heart, and an open mind will enjoy this.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this eARC.
He seems to always be finding the joy in the situation, without trying, like it's just his natural predisposition. He somehow manages it in this book without appearing childish or naive, and despite his fame now, he seems remarkably grounded.
The stories he tells are stories of joyful human connection. One can't really help but feel a bit of the joy coming through the photos while viewing this book. It's a bit infectious, actually!
Perhaps a bit of prior knowledge of photography would help to appreciate the technical skills of the author in the photos, but I think anyone with eyeballs, a heart, and an open mind will enjoy this.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this eARC.
August 31, 2023
I truly enjoy paging through books of photographs, and I particularly enjoyed doing so with this book for three reasons:
- George Lange focuses on the moments of joy and happiness to be found all around us in our daily lives if we will but see them.
-He also focuses on the connection we so often have with others as we share in those moments of joy.
- With each picture he tells us background about the subject of the picture and the impact of the photograph on him as the photographer.
Well done, striking photographs, and a unique presentation made me wish this book was longer!
My thanks to Flashpoint for allowing me to read this book via NetGalley. It is to be released on 11/7/23. All opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.
- George Lange focuses on the moments of joy and happiness to be found all around us in our daily lives if we will but see them.
-He also focuses on the connection we so often have with others as we share in those moments of joy.
- With each picture he tells us background about the subject of the picture and the impact of the photograph on him as the photographer.
Well done, striking photographs, and a unique presentation made me wish this book was longer!
My thanks to Flashpoint for allowing me to read this book via NetGalley. It is to be released on 11/7/23. All opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.
November 8, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this before publication. I enjoyed it a lot.
I read a review where the reviewer complained that the photographer was "humble bragging," but I have to say that it didn't feel like that..The book had pictures of his own family, refugees, and celebrities. Instead of providing a technical list of how to create professionals, there were simple descriptions of how to create moments of connection. There was even a hilarious picture of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs.
I love pictures, and this book is full of pictures of love, connection, and joy. Reading the commentary and looking at the pictures made me feel the interconnection of the world and the possibilities of finding love everywhere.
I read a review where the reviewer complained that the photographer was "humble bragging," but I have to say that it didn't feel like that..The book had pictures of his own family, refugees, and celebrities. Instead of providing a technical list of how to create professionals, there were simple descriptions of how to create moments of connection. There was even a hilarious picture of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs.
I love pictures, and this book is full of pictures of love, connection, and joy. Reading the commentary and looking at the pictures made me feel the interconnection of the world and the possibilities of finding love everywhere.
December 10, 2023
I really enjoyed learning about George Lange’s approach to his work I’d not come across it before but now follow him. His sense of joy certainly does come through in photos and this book captures his energy and enthusiasm for people and photography. I appreciated the message which was a reminder to find and share joy in our day to day lives. Through stories of connection and the highlights of Lange’s career, Picturing Joy offers encouragement to readers to appreciate life and open their eyes to the small moments of joy.
I’d recommend this book to people who like photography or anyone really who might need a reminder of the joy available to us or need encouragement to follow their own path. A great combination of written and visual inspiration !
I’d recommend this book to people who like photography or anyone really who might need a reminder of the joy available to us or need encouragement to follow their own path. A great combination of written and visual inspiration !
July 19, 2023
I truly enjoyed this latest book by George Lange, Picturing Joy, due to be released in November, 2023. Chock full of Lange’s beautiful photographs, the coffee table book also offers tips on how to get the ultimate photo, as well as colorful snippets of Mr. Lange’s career. I would be surprised if amateur photographers, in addition to seasoned veterans, weren’t immediately drawn to the book as both pure enjoyment and resourceful guide.
August 4, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. This book will be published in Nov 2023!
Ugh, I loved this book, and now I want to see more of Lange’s work. I loved reading some of the background stories to his pictures. Brought me happy/bittersweet tears several times!! While I mainly enjoyed the pictures of average people/kids/families, I also appreciated the stories and pictures of the celebrities he shot, showing their rawness.
Ugh, I loved this book, and now I want to see more of Lange’s work. I loved reading some of the background stories to his pictures. Brought me happy/bittersweet tears several times!! While I mainly enjoyed the pictures of average people/kids/families, I also appreciated the stories and pictures of the celebrities he shot, showing their rawness.
December 6, 2023
4.5 stars. Exactly as advertised, Picturing Joy is a curated collection of photographer George Lange’s work, paired with the stories behind the pictures. The themes are our shared humanity, creativity, worth and, yes, joy! For Lange, his personal life and life’s work as a photographer has brought him much joy, and he shares the love with his subjects and readers.
July 29, 2023
I appreciated how each photo captured a moment of joy, some big, some small, but always with warmth. Hearing the stories behind the work enriched my appreciation of the artist’s work and mission: to crystallize moments of joy.
ARC from NetGalley
ARC from NetGalley
September 16, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC for this book. This book inspires the reader to look for the moments of joy in everyday experiences. A great book to shift one's perspective from the negative to positive.
November 9, 2023
I love this book George Lange photography is amazing and brought me joy as I read through the book.The background stories were excellent emotional moving.#netgalley #picturingjoy
November 30, 2023
Pure joy! From his own personal and professional life, in Pittsburgh and beyond, this is a small collection of photographs and anecdotes I only wish was much, much bigger in size!
April 6, 2024
My favorite was Jimmy Buffett!
May 21, 2024
Such a fun and beautiful read!
November 23, 2023
I received this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
WOW, this was so fun and good to read! I wasn’t sure what to expect, just photographs or maybe a mix of text and photographs? But it was a fun personal read with photographs to accompany it. I do think I know George Lange, the name rings a bell, though I wouldn’t know one two three what from, I do read a lot, so maybe I saw his name somewhere, or maybe I saw one of his pieces in a place. Either way, thanks to this book I learned a lot about George Lange, about his photography journey, about how he makes his photographs, how he is with the people he works with. Plus, I loved how there was a good blend of celebrities and normal people. I wouldn’t mind a whole book with just celebrities, but unknown people are just a bit more interesting to read about.
I really hadn’t expected to have this much fun. Often with books featuring photography the text just isn’t my cup of tea. It is boring/doesn’t grab me, but this one? From the first sentence, boom, I needed to read more.
The photographs were a lot of fun and they indeed capture joy, connection, and more. A lot made me smile, some made me laugh.
All in all, I would recommend this book to all. I am very happy I discovered this book!
review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
WOW, this was so fun and good to read! I wasn’t sure what to expect, just photographs or maybe a mix of text and photographs? But it was a fun personal read with photographs to accompany it. I do think I know George Lange, the name rings a bell, though I wouldn’t know one two three what from, I do read a lot, so maybe I saw his name somewhere, or maybe I saw one of his pieces in a place. Either way, thanks to this book I learned a lot about George Lange, about his photography journey, about how he makes his photographs, how he is with the people he works with. Plus, I loved how there was a good blend of celebrities and normal people. I wouldn’t mind a whole book with just celebrities, but unknown people are just a bit more interesting to read about.
I really hadn’t expected to have this much fun. Often with books featuring photography the text just isn’t my cup of tea. It is boring/doesn’t grab me, but this one? From the first sentence, boom, I needed to read more.
The photographs were a lot of fun and they indeed capture joy, connection, and more. A lot made me smile, some made me laugh.
All in all, I would recommend this book to all. I am very happy I discovered this book!
review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews