People News III: Merg Ross

The son of fine art photographer Donald Ross, Merg Ross grew up surrounded by people like Edward and Brett Weston, Imogen Cunningham, Wynn Bullock, and Ansel Adams. He became a photographer for good at the age of 12 when his father gave him a 4x5-inch view camera. How would you like to have a portfolio review with Edward Weston? Merg did. (The aged Edward's verdict: "photography is in good hands.")

In my mail recently there arrived a modest, moderately sized paperback book, beautifully packaged, beautifully printed (by Lenswork Publishing—it's a little larger than an issue of Lenswork magazine, but you'll see the family resemblance). It's called Beyond Casual Vision: Photographs from 60 Years. Mainly a retrospective of a life's work, it also contains an ample autobiography and a number of pictures of the many people Merg met along the way. Closeups, abstracts, details and designs, buildings and landscapes, all acutely seen, gracious, and gorgeous—I've been enjoying the book since it arrived.

If you like the work of Brett Weston and the so-called "West Coast School," you'll enjoy this classic black-and-white artwork. A fine testament to a life in photography. It's available from Merg directly. The price is modest too. Say hi for me.

Mike
(Thanks to Merg)

Original contents copyright 2018 by Michael C. Johnston and/or the bylined author. All Rights Reserved. Links in this post may be to our affiliates; sales through affiliate links may benefit this site.

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(To see all the comments, click on the "Comments" link below.)
Featured Comments from:

Sharon: "I ordered a copy. Thank you!"

Comments

[Mike Ferron]

Mike without investigating this artists work any further than the small lead cover photos on the main page? This came to mind.

How hard do many of us search for photos? Often the answer is plenty hard. We plan trips to the seas, lakes and hills. Travel maybe to a location a few towns away or in some cases a continent away. Nothing wrong with this at all if one has the time and means.

When I see a beautiful photo of what appears to be bark that could be taken even with modest equipment in any park or maybe backyard I also see a photographer/artist that does not need to travel far to both create and entertain.

(makes note to myself)

[Speed]

Do you read photography books (books of photographs, not books about photography) under special lighting conditions? I see you are holding the book by a window presumably for the light.

When I make a print I always take it downstairs to a room with lots of diffuse natural light to view and evaluate. I've never thought about where I am when I'm reading a photo-book.

[I don't read it there. I was just holding it there to take a picture of it. I do have good lighting where I look at photobooks. --Mike]

[Dave Karp]

I love Merg Ross's book. His experiences as a young man/photographer will amaze you! The photographs are wonderful.

Additionally, although I have never met him in person, I have interacted with him quite a bit over the years on the Large Format Photography Forum. He is always quick with advice or a helpful comment. He seems to be a truly nice guy. And one heck of a photographer.

[Lenya]

Mike, I will take a book recommendation any day of the week, and I did look at the book, and very much look forward to receiving it soon, but remember these books sales of the days of yore (or should that be lore)? Any surprises up whatever sleeves you have?

[Hi Lenya, I do have some things in the works. --Mike]

[Trecento]

Hi Mike,
I ordered my copy yesterday. I love Merg's stories on LFF, and his photographs too.

[Brooks Jensen]

Mike, thanks for the mention! Merg is a great guy and his story is a fun and informative read. We were thrilled to be able to help him with his project.

[David Bennett]

I saw those two photos on facing pages and on the strength of that I bought the book.

[Dave Karp]

David, you won't regret it.