Rubery Book Award Review

Moments in Focus by Alexis Marie Chute

This is a beautifully produced book of photographs from Edmonton, Canada, reflecting a decade of exhibitions that were set up to give local photographers a space for their work. In her introduction, Chute explains how and why she decided to set up the exhibition, and how in 2017, she realized that with all the technological advances it was no longer enough for photographers to produce excellent imagery, but that there should be meaning, methodology and story ingrained in their work.

The result is a fascinating collection of pictures, interspersed with interviews with some of the photographers.  The photographs are many and varied: a torn bag snagged on a fence; a glimpse of sky between crowded flats, wide and wonderful Canadian landscapes; an abandoned kitchen; a pathway through a forest; a jumble of tents with skyscrapers behind; a deserted building falling back into the land; lots of patterns from nature and from everyday life, always there, but not always noticed; and, of course, people in all their rich diversity.

There is so much here to delight in, a tapestry that reflects all the complexity and wonders of life.

Book Review by Readers’ Favorite

5/5 Star Review

Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers’ Favorite

InFocus Photo Exhibit offers amazing exhibitions involving a collection of photos with various genres and themes by photographers from different parts of the world. To mark InFocus’ tenth anniversary, Alexis Marie Chute presents a compilation of images from each exhibition over the past 10 years, along with interviews of the photographers who contributed.

Moments in Focus comprises pictures from various photographers, the themes they focus on, and the messages they aim to convey with their pictures. The book also gives us a summary of InFocus Photo’s growth over the past decade. Additionally, the interviewees answer a broad range of questions, some of which aim to determine where they draw inspiration from and how photographers benefit from platforms like InFocus.

From black and white to color, photographs that depict the beauty of nature, and wholesome pictures of people, the collection offers an experience worth remembering and returning to again. The talented photographers in this book are not only gifted with taking great pictures but also skilled in telling amazing stories and putting their thoughts into compelling words.

Vanessa Tignanelli, who shares about using the camera as a tool to heal, has a very interesting relationship with photography.

The book might feel like an immersive magazine since its large-format pictures fill up a good portion of the pages. The texts, which usually occupy smaller portions, are both straightforward and very informative. All in all, Moments in Focus by Alexis Marie Chute is a brilliant collection of awe-inspiring images and bookmark-worthy words. It’s a brilliant addition to the photography industry. Spark your photography passion with this gem!

Book Review by Readers’ Favorite

5/5 Star Review

Reviewed by Diana Lopez for Readers’ Favorite

Murals are an integral part of our history as a society. Many of them highlight important moments and diverse styles of thought. Stony Plain, a Canadian town, is famous for its collection of murals. They represent its identity and attract tourists worldwide.

Memorable Murals shows us these wonderful works of art and offers us clear interpretations. Alexis Marie Chute begins by explaining the meaning of murals as an art form and the process of creating them. She then delves into Stony Plain’s past by showing us photographs arranged according to the historical period depicted in the mural. The painting is described through a narrative that connects it to the town’s history. The book also includes a section with brief biographies of the muralists, giving a deeper context for the creation of each work.

I loved Memorable Murals because it captures the essence and history of Stony Plain through artistic expression. Alexis Marie Chute narrates entertaining stories and shares the fascinating culture of the place, from the choice of the town’s name to the present day. The quality of her research is amazing. She addresses a variety of topics with clear and simple language.

My favorite parts are when she describes how the postal system and the first newspaper worked, but all the milestones this town has gone through are interesting. The photographs are impressive; they show how the murals bring people together and beautify the area. You can feel the love of the community for these works of art. Each mural has unique aesthetics and subject matter that invites us to reflect on timeless values and the beauty of everyday life.