With all that we do on computers nowadays, Ingrid, it makes you wonder if there's a LOT of "absence" these days in libraries...and books?!

anniedog: Thanks Ginnie - you could have a point there. Can't remember the last time I went to a library.
Ingrid

Ginnie made a point there, for me I love to be in a library, to touch the old books, to touch the pages, to smell the atmosphere,
You captured this very well, the soft light, the books, the chair, love it.
I googled the name and the tittle, in this case the Internet comes in handy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanza
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Mor%C3%A9as

anniedog: Thanks for the links Astrid - I hadn't actually found out anything about the author of this book so it was interesting to read about him. Strangely enough, everyone has commented on the fact that this is a library, probably because of Ginnie's opening comment, but it's actually the study of a close friend of mine. It does resemble a library as the walls are lined with bookshelves, and some of the books like this one are very old and quite rare.
Ingrid

You can smell the books and feel the warmth of the wood. Where has the reader gone I wonder?...the loo probably!

anniedog: Thanks Bill - the reader had to take a short break - back soon! The light in this room at the end of the day is very special and certainly illuminates the warmth of the wood.
Ingrid

Nice shot

anniedog: Cheers!
Ingrid

I love this shot there is a real feeling of the comfort, peace and quiet associated with libraries. For what its worth and bearing in mind I am a humble beginner, I don't quite get the abscence, it may be due to me playing too many first person computer games in my youth, but it feels like I am reading the book, for me it would be very different if the book were the other way around.

anniedog: Thanks for the feedback Padraig. I suppose I'm asking the viewer to think a bit about who could have left the book like this - who were they, why were they reading this book, why did they leave the room with the book open like this. If the book was the other way round, it wouldn't have made much sense.
Ingrid

Ingrid the B/W works here,but as mosts know I like colour I suppose the same effect could not be found?

anniedog: There's absolutely nothing wrong with colour - in fact most of my own work is in colour. It just gives a different effect and I most definitely wanted this series to be in black and white to create this enigmatic and ambiguous mood, a bit like an old black and white film.
Ingrid

I'm alone in this library ... very alone.
I've been picked up after being slid from the security of my close relations who were adjacent to me on the mahogany shelves. A warm hand, something I have not experienced for many a month, caressed my hard exterior sliding and caressing before exposing my white pages. I'm ravished by fingertips ... flipping open page after page. I feel molested ... but also relieved that someone has a need for me.
I'm layed back on the table .. left abandoned and vulnerable to the stare of this human. What is to become of me? Will I be used or just admired.
I wait full of forboding and uncertainty.

richard

anniedog: Now you're just teasing me, Richard, or trying to scare me - not sure which! I can assure you in this case you were just admired, and not used. Anyway, you enjoyed your outing but were pleased to return to the security of your shelf where you will probably remain for the rest of your days!
Ingrid

I like the way you did highlight this book which seems holding the keys of the story!

anniedog: Thanks Richard - I was lucky in that the very late evening sunlight did the highlighting for me - you will see more evidence of this in the very last one of the series.
Ingrid

Wow! The clarity and detail. A superb shot.

A splendid choice in camera's if I may so, as well.

anniedog: Thank you Floog. Glad you approve. The camera is a bit of a handful - difficult to cart around, always needs a tripod, and lots of time and care to set up a shot but gives excellent results.
Ingrid

Lovely shot Ingrid especially in B&W. The chair on the other side of the table seems almost to be watching over the book while the reader is away.

anniedog: Thank you Brian - glad you picked up on the chair as I think it adds to the composition.
Ingrid

so simple Ingid but yet so delightful to look at, great work for sure.

anniedog: Thanks very much Tim - I have tried to keep these shots as simple as possible, concentrating on the subject by using a shallow DOF in most cases. Glad you like it.
Ingrid

I wonder if he has read them all? Excellent photo - nothing to nit pick on this one ;o)

anniedog: I don't think the reader got past the first page in this case. Glad you like this one.
Ingrid

What can I say, I see it now, sometimes I have a very simplistic view of things. If I'd have ahd my thinking head on I'd have figured that out especially after looking at the shoes and the cherries. cheers, pat

anniedog: I don't want to direct the viewer too much what to think - ultimately it's up to you. That's the fun of pictures rather than words!
Ingrid

I like this shot a lot - to me it's more about a start than absence - but that's my brain.....

anniedog: Yes, I see what you mean Aksel. Perhaps the reader didn't get further than the first page...
Ingrid

Good to see these wonderful photographs in both formats, Ingrid.

anniedog: You have the advantage over most then, Chad. As good as it is to see your work up on the screen, I never think b/w looks as good. Colour on the other hand often looks better, as it is backlit like a mini lightbox.
Ingrid