'Learn to see'

A photographic essay :

'Learn To See - A Photographic Essay' authored by veteran photographer Kala Bhushana L.E. Samararatne will be launched by Dr. D.B. Nihalsingha, at the Galle Face Hotel Colombo on March 30 at 3 p.m.

A first-of-its-kind publication, the book, a classic hard-cover coffee-table edition, is not only an enviable collector's item for cultured connoisseurs of art, but is also an educational guide to all aspiring and practicing photographers. It contains 125 black and white picture reproductions created by the author in a career that has spanned more than 50 years. The publication includes articles by other eminent professionals as well.

Celebrated Editor and writer Gaston de Rosayro has enhanced its tone with his enchanting captions together with specialized editing skills of the highest professional standards.

Fellow photographer Panduka de Silva had been responsible for the entire co-ordination of the publication from its embryonic stage. Its designer Gamini Mendis has conjured up an impressively innovative format that adds to its appeal.

The publication provides camera enthusiasts with straightforward invaluable tips on how to visualize, capture and create a professional picture. It is also a compendium of Samararatne's finest work encountered in his long and illustrious professional career.

Among them are personality portraits, scenic studies, historic news, graphics and aerial images among a whole array of other aesthetically stunning black and white compositions.

The opportunity for the publication came about with a submission by the author in response to a newspaper advertisement calling for literary works on Sri Lanka to be sponsored by the President's Fund. The manuscript was selected and commended by the panel of selectors appointed by the President's Fund for publication and was duly approved by President Mahinda Rajapaksa for a special bursary.

The launch and felicitation ceremony will be sponsored by the KODAK Company in recognition of the author's stature and commitment as a world-class professional and for his close association with its products for more than a half-century.

It is published by well reputed book publishers - Stamford Lake (Pvt) Ltd, a Singaporean Company based in Colombo. The high technology printing by Lake House printers has helped augment its quality to one of classy refinement. The Lake House Book Shop is handling the distribution of this publication.

No shelf in any library would by complete without a copy of this limited edition publication, which would prove a priceless masterpiece for discriminating collectors. The book will be on offer at a special promotional price at the launch.