Northern Plains Native Americans Vol 3: A Modern Wet Plate Perspective

Shane Balkowitsch has the three skills every successful photographer must be blessed with: technical skill, an understanding of his subject, and a vision of how his photography makes a difference. His work with Northern Plains Native Americans is breathtaking in its execution and moving in its respect and admiration for a people and their ancient culture. What makes Balkowitsch's work so important is not the labor-intensive wet plate technology, but the fact that this extremely skilled photographer uses his talents to bring dignity and a quiet pride to his studio subjects. I believe this is some of the most important photography being done anywhere. And it would be a mistake to call Shane Balkowitsch the new Edward Curtis. The subject may be similar but Balkowitsch is redefining the role of the compassionate photographer in contemporary society. This work is nothing short of brilliant.

I bought this book as a wedding present for a friend who is a member of the Lakota Nation. After reviewing the photos of the northern plains Native Americans, I intend to purchase the book for myself. I am a photographer myself, and I appreciate the author's use of an old photographic method. However, the photographs in this book are a reminder that it is the photographer, not the particular method, that is of the greater importance.

Thank you for a great book on modern Native American photography with high quality photos and hardback book.