10 Years

By William Mark Sommer
Publisher: williammarksommer.com
Description:48 pages, 8½ x 5½ inches, Printed, side staple binding

10 Years is a photozine with no text beyond a title page and a small copyright notice on the back. The photos center on a small group of skate borders in what is presumably Southern California. The imagery here is a first rate collection of color and monochrome photographs often "collaged" onto the page. All the photos in this zine, both posed and candid, have a raw honesty and undeniable authenticity that engage the viewer instantly. The mood of the photos is generally one of warm nostalgia for a time and place that will translate to even non-skaters. Sommer has tapped into universal appeal.

My only complaint is one I have lodged before. I wish I could be allowed a little context for the images. Any context really. Even a line or two about which 10 years the title refers would be nice. Alas, Sommer wanted his work to speak for itself so I will try to be satisfied with images themselves.