This is the second of Bruce Barnbaum's Tone Poems books. It continues his study of our world-and the visual world he has created-with 91 stunning black-and-white photographs in three more opuses. As its title implies, Opus 4, "Between Real and Surreal," deals with aspects of our world that border on otherworldly-the weird, the strange, the bizarre. Opus 5, "Aftermath," is a study of the aftermath-from death to rebirth-of two major chaparral fires that struck Southern California on October 23, 1978, charring 30,000 acres. Opus 6, "Among the Trees," is part of Bruce's continuing life-long study of trees, without which the earth would be an entirely different place. Tone Poems: Book 2 is accompanied by a CD of classical piano music, in the continuing collaboration between Bruce and pianist Judith Cohen. Once again, solo and trio music was selected to support each opus by mirroring its emotional content. Also included is an introduction by photographer, author, critic, and teacher Bill Jay (1940-2009). Originally published by Photographic Arts Editions, now distributed by Rocky Nook.
Bruce Barnbaum, of Granite Falls, WA, entered photography as a hobbyist in the 1960s, and after four decades, it is still his hobby. It has also been his life's work for the past 30 years. Bruce's educational background includes Bachelor's and Master's degrees in mathematics from UCLA. After working for several years as a mathematical analyst and computer programmer for missile guidance systems, he abruptly left the field and turned to photography. Bruce has authored several books, some of which have become classics. The Art of Photography was first published in 1994, now with a successful updated edition in 2011. Bruce is a frequent contributor to several photography magazines. His series "The Master Printing Class" is featured in each issue of Photo Techniques, and his articles are published regularly in LensWork. Through his workshops, articles, lectures, books, and innovative photography, Bruce has become a well-known and highly-respected photographer, educator, and pioneer. Bruce is recognized as one of the finest darkroom printers on this planet, both for his exceptional black and white work, as well as for his color imagery. He understands light to an extent rarely found, and combines this understanding with a mastery of composition, applying his knowledge to an extraordinarily wide range of subject matter. His work is represented by more than ten galleries throughout the United States and Canada, and is in the collections of museums and private collectors worldwide. Bruce has been an active environmental advocate for more than three decades, both independently and through his involvement and leadership with organizations such as the Sierra Club, the National Audubon Society, the Stillaguamish Citizens' Alliance, 1000 Friends of Washington, and the North Cascades Conservation Council.
