Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Patient - a unique and powerful photographic book

Patient is a unique and powerful photographic book, containing a collection of portraits taken by a doctor of his patients.

For two years, Dr Chris Reid, who is both a general practitioner and a photographer, asked his patients at the end of their consultation whether they would be willing to have their photograph taken. His intention was not to focus on their illness, but to capture something of their personality, and to reflect the wonderful diversity and character of the community in which he works.

The result of this project is Patient, a compelling and moving group of photographic portraits that are in turn sad, optimistic and humorous. These images provide a completely original view of the relationship between a doctor and his patients, the confidential and honest nature of the consultation room, and the thread of illness and wellbeing that we all have to live with. The faces that look out from the pages of this book also reinforce how connected we all are by our shared experiences, and that no matter where we come from, or how old we are, when life throws up its inevitable challenges, above all, we need each other.

Published by Craig Potton Publishing, Patient is available from bookshops and libraries nationwide.

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR  
CHRIS REID is a GP in Kerikeri and an elected member of the Northland DHB. Originally from the UK, Chris trained at the University of Newcastle Medical School before spending 10 years in the Royal Marines. He emigrated to New Zealand in 2004 with his wife and two border terriers, and began to develop his interest in portrait photography. This led to the concept of photographing the patients he consulted in his GP practice, giving a unique insight into the doctor–patient relationship. One of these photos won the People’s Choice Northland BDO Art Award in 2013.

RRP: $39.99
230 x 230 mm, 162 pp, hardback PLC with dustjacket, black & white and colour photographs throughout. Craig Potton Publishing - ISBN: 9781927213209

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