Joel Meyerowitz's Cape Light is a timeless masterpiece that has stood the test of time, quite literally. This 50th anniversary edition is a testament to the enduring power of color photography, and a reminder of the importance of stillness in a world that often glorifies the fast and the fleeting. The book's impact on the art world and photography as a whole cannot be overstated, and its influence is still felt today, from Instagram's love of dusk light to the quiet American road photography that followed in its wake.
What makes Cape Light so remarkable is its ability to capture the essence of Cape Cod's quiet light and transform it into high art. Meyerowitz's use of color is both bold and subtle, creating a sense of tranquility and beauty that is both timeless and modern. The book's success surprised many at the time, as color photography was still fighting for acceptance in the art world, which had long favored monochrome. But Meyerowitz, along with contemporaries like William Eggleston, helped dismantle that snobbery, and Cape Light was one of the arguments that won the case.
The key to Cape Light's success lies in its technique and subject matter. Meyerowitz worked with an 8x10 view camera, which forced a kind of discipline that is helpful regardless of what's in your bag. He slowed down, waited for the light to do the work, and resisted the urge to fill the frame with incident. Half the pictures in Cape Light contain almost nothing happening, and that's exactly why they hold up. There's a lesson in subject matter as well: Meyerowitz didn't need drama. A parked station wagon outside a shingled cottage, or a phone box glowing at dusk, was enough when the light was doing its job.
In my opinion, Cape Light is a must-read for any photographer, regardless of their preferred medium. It's a reminder of the power of stillness and the importance of waiting for the right light. It's also a testament to the enduring power of color photography, and a reminder that sometimes less is more. The new hardcover edition from Aperture is a welcome addition to any photographer's library, and a chance to revisit a classic that has stood the test of time.
What makes this particular reissue so fascinating is the remastering of the original images. Aperture has kept Carl Zahn's original design, and the hardcover runs to 112 pages with 40 four-color plates. It's a chance to revisit the book that changed color photography forever, and a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating the work of masters like Meyerowitz. So, if you're a photographer or an art lover, I highly recommend picking up a copy of Cape Light. It's a timeless masterpiece that will continue to inspire and captivate for generations to come.
