picture window # 1 ~ picture window
Friday, April 25, 2008 at 07:48AM 
Even more signs of Spring • click to embiggenBack in the late 80s, John Pfahl published a book of photographs, Picture Windows, in which there were 47 landscape photographs. All the pictures were made from inside buildings, mostly homes, looking out through picture windows.
Most of the pictures were of somewhat grand landscapes. Pfahl traveled extensively throughout the US looking for places to picture and, finding them, knocking on doors to ask owner / occupants for permission to photograph the view from their living rooms. My copy of the book seems to have gone missing. It's a book I would like to replace.
But, it's also a book that I would like to replicate, sort of.
Think about it. Unless you live and work outside, the better part of your view of the world is through windows of one sort or another. With an eye towards illustrating that shared human experience, I would like to start collecting pictures made through windows.
I would like to start that effort through The Landscapist.
How about it? Let's do a book together. I would love to see your world through your windows - the windows of your house, your car, the bus, the plane, at work, where you shop ...
I'll design and produce the book and make it available to anyone from an POD printer. Of course there will be a Picture Window Gallery here on The Landscapist. And, who knows, maybe we can get a gallery show.
How about it?
Reader Comments (12)
Windows are big in my life. If it's got anything to do with windows, I'm there.
"My copy of the book seems to have gone missing"...
I, ummm, borrowed a few of your books, but don't have that one.
But anyway, here is one of my recent landscapes through a window. I don't tend to shoot many "landscapes" through windows, but I do find myself shooting a lot of scenes that include a window of some sort. I don't use artificial lighting, so the windows become my only available light source.
http://aaronhobson.com/window.php
Well what is going on with everyone's book project that you had us work on before? Haven't heard anything lately.
I love the idea. I really love views from (moving) trainwindows.
Now this is a project an amateur like me can even get into. I am always shooting through car windows doesn't matter if I am parked or moving.
Mark, also I want to say that I saw Aarons work in the new Adirondack mag, great work. To be where he is in just two years is amazing.
Mark - I'm into this idea big-time. I'm currently working on a series from my car window, but I have some stuff from my house window that would fit the bill. It's an interesting angle to photograph from, as you mention.
Count me in as well. Sounds like a superb idea!
Interesting idea. It brings to mind Friedlander's, America By Car.
America By Car can be seen here - www.fraenkelgallery.com/
This is something I've been working on slowly for the past couple of years. (Everything I work on goes slowly!) At this point there are a few views from my own house, and then there are a couple interesting ones from houses that I've been working on. I'd love to contribute.
Great idea Mark. I also have a good collection of shot done through windows, especially from abandoned houses.
Massimo
Here's a window pic for you.....
http://pitchertaker.blogspot.com/2008/05/picture-windowfor-mark-hobson.html
P'taker