The Creation
Ernst Haas
Penguin Books, 1988, 160 pages
ISBN 0-14-004284-9
In this photographic tour de force, Ernst Haas uses his photographs to reinterpret the Creation story from the Book of Genesis. The full range of his skill as a photographer is found in these color photos: double exposures, combination photos, motion studies, as well as stunning traditional images. Some of these photos extend across a full two-page spread, giving a near panorama effect.
The photographs are divided into three sections: The Elements, The Seasons, and The Creatures. There are no captions, but in the back of the book Haas provides extensive notes on the photos.
As you might expect, these are all nature photographs. No recognizable man-made objects appear in any of the photos, and humans themselves only appear at the end of the book. A variety of nature shots are included: wide landscapes, aerial views, telephoto shots, and close-up images.
Although based on a religious text, this is not a religious book per se, and the Introduction points out that variations of the Creation story can be found in many religions and cultures throughout the world. This is a book that can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of their personal beliefs.
Recommended.