World Press Photo 08Have purchased this book since 1994 and for the first time from Amazon, which was both easier and cheaper compared with a direct purchase from Holland.
GREAT CONTENT LETDOWN BY POOR LAYOUTImages rate 5 stars, layout rates 1 star!
I agree with the other reviews, I've no idea why World Press Photo are playing around with the layout, but I wish they wouldn't. The content is of the highest standard, as usual, but the book layout is all over the place! I found it very difficult to actually follow and had to keep referring back to remind myself to what category an image belonged!
I have all the World Press Photo books since 1998 and there is a downward spiral as far as image presentation and clarity is concerned. I could accept the style of presentation if this were an art book, but it is supposed to be a showcase of the best in photojournalism!
World Press Photo, please go back to your previously high production standards, this work deserves to be viewed properly, we don't need the arty layout, the work is strong enough to stand by itself!
AverageThis year's edition shoes some important images that sum of the year. Much is given to the awful events of '07, with the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts featuring heavily. Also included are environmental issues, so as a collection of photos it does not disappoint. What is disappointing, though, is the layout of the book. As commented upon previously, it demonstrates the the art of the designer over and beyond the photo themselves, with a complex layout at times, images cutting across 2 pages thus losing detail in the fold. Also, the ordering of photos from 1st - 3rd prize and differentiating between single and story shots is confusing, making this book a difficult one to follow. Finally, there are some images with no reference, commentary or explanation whatsoever. This latter point seems to be a serious editorial omission.
Well below standardWorld Press Photo is an important annual of record but this year's (2008) edition does not live up to the established standards. Only some of the photographs earn their place, but the chief problem is one of design which shows off the designer's craft at the expense of the photographers. Many of the images are reproduced on too large a scale and, being printed over two pages, cannot be properly viewed across the binding. This was already a defect in the 07 edition but this year the results are even more damaging.
Amazing photographs of the past yearMany haunting, many wonderful, many dangerous photos, but everyone is great. Shows what is really going on in the world at street level. If you are interested in the news and current affairs and photography this is a prefect addition to your collection. Magical!
Hide Reviews
Buy used for 
