Chasing a Dream

chasing_a_dream

They say you can't judge a book by its cover but I defy anyone not to be immediately wowed by the dust-jacket on this book, especially if you unfurl it and see it become a poster-sized work of art that would serve just as well on your wall as to wrap this innovative and lovely book.

"Love letters of life" is how Carla Coulson, traveller, author, and photographer refers to the stunning images that fill this extraordinary book. These pictures document her brave (some would have said 'foolhardy') decision to leave her secure corporate career and head off overseas to become a photographer.

Fast forward eleven years and her plan is revealed as inspired rather than unthinkable. Today her work is widely acclaimed overseas, she covers fashion shoots and glamorous locations for glossy magazines and has already published two other books: Italian Joy and Paris Tango. All this, and she now lives in France with her husband, Francesco.

Some would say 'living the dream' would be a more appropriate title for this book. Yet despite the glitzy environment in which she often finds herself, Coulson admits to having a 'blue collar heart.'

"I have been fortunate to photograph in many beautiful and prestigious places around the world," she says, "but I am always happiest shooting the cooks, the cleaning ladies, the factory workers, the spinners and the shoemakers."

Indeed her intimate shots of people at work in India, Australia, Greece and many other places show this to be true.

Perhaps the best advice Carla received when learning her craft was to "shoot from the heart", advice she obviously took seriously because these evocative, delightful shots have become heartfelt mementos - truly love letters - that she has generously decided to share with us all, along with the stories behind them.

This book is unique, following the beat of Coulson's artistic drum: captions not always underneath an image, sometimes along the edge; with inserted half-pages of text; black and white images following colour.

Definitely one of the most memorable, innovative and glorious books you will see this year.

Chasing a Dream, Carla Coulson, published by Penguin, 2011, hardcover, rrp $59.95, ISBN978 1921 382 207

- Sally Hammond

Add comment

Www.Foodandtravel.Com.Au - Australia

Best Food Travel Website 2021

foodandtravel.com.au has been awarded

Best Antipodean Culinary Travel Expert, 2019

by the prestigious UK-based magazine...

Ready for a taste treat?

Embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure through the vibrant tapestry of Malaysia.

Led by the charismatic Malaysian ex-pat Chef Wanitha Tanasingam, this intimate journey promises to tantalize your taste buds and ignite your senses, sending you home with memories to last a lifetime.

Find out more....

The flipside of travel...

How not all of it is joyous.