Botanica

This oversized collection of Schatz's photographs of exotic flowers serves as a venue not only for Schatz's technical skill, but his eye for composition and color. A brilliant sense of texture is realized in Schatz's ability to create the look of feathers-and even fabric-with these heavily stylized flora. Shot using a powerful macro lens and bold lighting, the flowers fairly glow with color and, when set against stark monochrome backgrounds, the images exude on a nearly spectral feel. Each of the full-sized photographs has a corresponding thumbnail in the book's quasi-index, with both common and Latin names listed. Though many of the images appear to be digitally enhanced, Schatz doesn't discuss his process in detail, which may cause some hard-line photography purists to balk. Greenthumbs will appreciate the way Schatz transforms common flowers (roses, tulips, carnations and the like) into stunning studies of form, line and light, bringing a fresh perspective to mundane objects. His photographs of exotic flowers are similarly beautiful, making this a gift for flower or fine photography enthusiasts.