The first set of color proofs for Japanese Photobooks of the 1960s & 70s arrived. I dashed over to the studio of the photographer who shot each of the books, Toshio Enomoto. We are thoroughly satisfied with the outcome and these were only the first proofs. This is thanks to the stellar job of the printing plant but also of Enomoto.

In November 2008, we spent three days, from early day to late evening, locked away in his studio shooting each of the books. All the effort of perfecting the lighting and set-up during the shoot really paid off. When I first asked him to take on the project I was a little nervous about the potentially mundane nature of the work. Would he be bored to tears at the prospect of photographing photography books? But once we got into it — and now seeing the results — I can appreciate the complexity of what I was asking him and the aplomb with which he met the challenge.

By the way, he’s just released his own photobook, Kagirohi: Sakura Kyo Tayu (Heibonsha, 2009, ISBN: 4582277713). The theme of the book is Cherry Tree Blossoms (Sakura), Kyoto (Kyo), and actors of the Bunraku (Tayu). These are classic themes in the world of Japanese aesthetics. He’ll also have an exhibition at the Nikon Salon this July.

Posted by: Ivan

This post is tagged: Books, Japanese photobooks, Japanese Photobooks of the 1960s & 70s, Japanese photography, Toshio Enomoto, upcoming releases