portraits

I'm a photographer and a couple of years ago I saw Jeff Bridges on some entertainment show and he was talking about photo books that he would make as gifts for cast and crew members on films that he worked on, and how he used special Widelux cameras. The Widelux models that Jeff uses are no longer made, which is a shame, because it was one of the very few panorama cameras that used 35mm film. (The bigger Widelux model which uses 120 and 220 film is still made, but it's much larger and heavier than the 35mm model.) After seeing the interview with Jeff I went out and bought one (I now own 3) and it's one of my favorite cameras to work with, and that's why I was so excited when I learned of Jeff's book.

This is a great book by a photographer with a good eye in an interesting format. The pictures are beautiful and the subjects interesting. The Widelux is not an easy camera to work with and I can appreciate the effort that went into making these pictures. There are a plethora of photo books from the famous that are published simply because the shooter is famous. Jeff Bridges is a photographer and this is a refreshing, interesting book.

And though the Widelux F series has been discontinued, you can still find them on eBay and at used camera stores.

I'm sure the fact that Jeff Bridges starred in 2 of my all time favorite films; The Last Picture Show and The Big Lebowski, doesn't have much to do with my high recommendation for this book. For it is a great book in it's own right.

I'm a bit of a sucker for photography books, especially ones with black and white photos, and needless to say, I've bought more than my fair share. Some I have regretted buying, having only looked at them once or twice. Pictures by Jeff Bridges is one of the few books I don't regret spending money on. In fact, my purchase was totally guilt-free because Jeff Bridges is donating all the proceeds to a non profit organization.

But maybe I like this book so much because I am a photographer myself and have worked in feature film production. In fact, one of the companies I have worked for did the special effects for Starman.

That aside, Jeff Bridges offers a unique window of opportunity to gain a glimpse of what it's like on movie sets, from the point of view of one of the members of the cast. Stars like Penelope Cruz, Michelle Pfieffer and Gary Busey are featured. Although members of the production crew are also featured, I wish they would be featured even more (as a member of 'the crew' myself, I often feel like our contributions are overshadowed by the celebrities).

Jeff Bridges' special perspective is not only represented in the subject matter of the photos, but also in the panoramic format. There is something cinematic about these wide shots and the format suits the subject matter of moviemaking wonderfully. Further, Bridges has some stories and hand written notes throughout the book, a very nice touch, entertaining and appreciated.

The book is nearly 200 pages, seems sturdy and is put together quite well. Whether you are a fan of Jeff Bridges, filmmaking, black and white, panoramic photography, or all of the above, this is a comprehensive book you won't regret buying. Heck, I've bought photo books that cost way more yet only include a handful of photos. Pictures by Jeff Bridges is definitely a book in which you get your money's worth.

If you've ever fanaticized about being present on a movie set, this book will come as close as it gets to satisfying the fantasy. And if you're a fan of Bridges film work, you will find yourself in movie heaven. There are no set-up shots, no posing, and no actors being movie stars-just pictures of the sometimes grueling, sometimes effervescent work of making the movies we have loved. The real deal-both in terms of documenting the making of movies and unique photography.