I Fought the Law: Photographs by Olivia Locher of the Strangest Laws from Each of the 50 States

Locher’s playful book offers visual interpretations of the quirky laws that exist (or are rumored to) in America’s 50 states. Inspired by a friend’s conversational non sequitur about laws during a photo shoot, Locher became interested in the visual possibilities of state legislation. Enlisting the help of friends and models, Locher staged and photographed enactments of laws ranging from absurd (“In Alabama, it is illegal to have an ice cream cone in your back pocket at all times”), commonsensical (“In New Mexico, defacing rocks is a crime”), and just plain random (“In North Dakota, it is illegal to fall asleep with shoes on in bed”). Her photos are deceptively simple; most are shot indoors against single-color backdrops. She makes use of brightly colored props, clothing, and even body paint, helping to make the images pop. Small details add another layer of humor, as with the visualization of Nevada’s law banning the depiction of an American flag on a bar of soap, which includes a few strands of hair on a pink bar of soap with a toothpick-size American flag. Funny and a pleasure to peruse, Locher’s book works both as fun novelty book and a provocative photo essay. Color photos. (Sept.)