Good photography can tell amazing stories. That old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words does ring true.
My interest was peaked when I read about the new title, Real, by Shelley Malcolm. I’ve seen a few photos where a person’s hands were the focus of the picture and they always moved me more than I might have expected. Adding photos like those with words promised to be uplifting and truly capture the individuals featured.
Now, I do have to state that for this review I have been working off of a pdf file. So, the impact is not quite the same that I’d expect from the printed book. (The book was mailed to me, but things seem to be taking longer to arrive here.)
Along with having a one page ‘spread’ with the photo of an individual’s hands along with the brief write-up about an aspect of the individual’s life, Ms. Malcolm has grouped the different featured hands based on similar attributes (e.g. courage, hope, dreams, and purpose.)
Both the photography and the ‘backstory’ have proven to be captivating and I’m looking forward to my print copy finally arriving here. Even from the pdf file, I find the photos drawing me in and wanting to expand upon what is written as my imagination extends the story beyond the words on the page. I can only wish that some one might look at my hands one day and see the stories behind them.
About Real and Shelley Malcolm:
“REAL” is a collection of 60 inspirational stories by Shelley Malcolm, with photos by Terilee Dawn Ouimette. The stories are deeply revealing, while the photos are anonymous, focusing only on each subject’s hands. Subjects range from adolescent to elderly, from former gangster to humble homeless, international refugee to hero-housewife, from pro athlete to Hollywood celebrity. While “Real” is her first published book, Malcolm is no stranger to creative projects, as co-owner and restorer of an historic chapel, La Perla del Mar in Shell Beach, CA, and a set designer for theater and film. Shelley Malcolm was named Pismo Beach’s Citizen of the Year in 2011 for her extensive contributions and involvement in the community. Proceeds from the book will benefit the Alzheimer’s Foundation and other charities. Shelley Malcolm graduated from University of Southern California with a degree in dental hygiene. For more information, please visit http://marthamartha.net or http://shelleymalcolmblog.wordpress.com/ Shelley Malcolm resides in Shell Beach, California with her husband, Doug.
Shelley has four adult children. Her interests include painting , drawing, sculpting, building, playing piano and other musical instruments, outdoor activities including hiking, ocean kayaking, running, water and snow-skiing, international travel, sewing, reading, writing and others. Visit www.marthamartha.net for more information.
Real – The Book from David Malcolm on Vimeo.
Order your own copy of Real by Shelley Malcom to grace your coffee table for $32.95 plus shipping and handling. Until December 22nd, the book is on sale for $25 plus shipping and handling. Proceeds from the sale of the book goes towards various charities: (http://realthebook.blogspot.com/ ).
Curious what other reviewers are saying about this title? Visit the Real tour page to check it out.
Disclaimer ~ I was sent a copy of Real to facilitate this review. No monetary compensation occurred and all opinions are my own.
