cover shot

"Far below lay the fields green with wheat, the flat pastures grazed by horses, the darker greens of the woods." - Richard Adams, Watership Down

I'm currently reading a book called Watership Down. It was written in 1972 and somewhat of a classic (I've been meaning to read it for years). If you haven't read it, it's a fictional story about a group of rabbits roaming around the English countryside and much of the story includes detailed descriptions from the rabbits' viewpoints. It's a beautifully written book but to tell you the truth, it tends to put me to sleep quicker than most books. It's not that it's boring, but it is written in a very soft, soothing way that makes my eyes want to close. The next thing I know I'm dreaming about bunnies.

As I was editing the above photo, I immediately thought of this book. Everything about it fits perfectly with the story; the wheat (good for munching), the angle of the photo (low to the ground like a rabbit), the soft, muted colors (much like the storyline). It could be the new cover of Watership Down. I was thinking that might be a fun little project for anyone looking for a some photographic inspiration. You could choose a book and then go out and shoot the new cover. Or you could go through old photos and match it up with a book you've read. If you decide to try it leave a link to your photo and then tell us which book it belongs to. I'm curious to see what you come up with!

Comments

[Lawyer Mama]

OOOOOOH! How fun! I can't wait to try this.

When you're reading Watership Down, just try to keep in mind that its really about individual freedom versus government tyranny. It makes it a lot more interesting! But when I think about the book that way I'm a little horrified that we give it to children to read.

[carrie]

This reminds me of a shot I took awhile back that made me think of Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass.

except it's a spoon... http://gremlinwrangler.blogspot.com/2008/03/wordless-wednesday-through-looking.html

[laura - dolcepics]

Oooo very nice! I'd try one but then that'd mean I'd have to read books. LOL

[Marcie]

Here's another for Watership Down:
http://bravo.unisonplatform.com/~marciesc/index.php?showimage=450

And one for Make Way for Ducklings:
http://bravo.unisonplatform.com/~marciesc/index.php?showimage=387

[Shelli]

That's a great project! I'll have to think about it. Your photo is wonderful.

I don't think I've ever read the book (or maybe I read a condensed version of it as a child), but I'm pretty sure there was a T.V. movie when I was a kid, and I loved, loved, loved it.

[maya]

oooooh, i want to do this! we're in the midst of a move, though, so it might be a while. plus i really have to think about it, so that will also take some time.

what a great idea!

[Hay]

How fun! I'll have to put my thinking cap on.

[elizabeth]

that is a great idea!

On a humorous attempt, I think this photo would be the new cover for one of my favorites - Atlas Shrugged:

http://retinalperspectives.wordpress.com/2008/03/14/my-dear-doggy/

though it only works if you know that his name is Atlas, and can tell that he's trying to shrug his "clothing" off. Heh.

[zeghsy]

watership down is my very favorite book. i saw the animated movie for it before i read it. the simon and garfunkel song in it always makes me cry. and when i read it (typically once a year) i can hear the song in my head. love that shot. very bunny view.

[Teresa]

That really is a great shot for the cover and an excellent idea. I've not read the book but I saw the movie quite recently on DVD not knowing anything about it. I thought it was going to be a cute little animated movie about bunnies. Uh...not so much. I think if I had seen it as a child it would have horrified me. But as an adult it really made me think and it will stick with me for a long time.

[Bari]

Now, I must find the book and read it, though I've never heard of it. And, I love the challenge. I need to something to inspire me right now (photography wise) and this just might be it. Thanks for the great idea!

[Tracy]

My husband and I are obsessed with Watership Down and have been pleading with our 14 year old niece to read it. After about page 100 I couldn't put it down! I can't think of a photo & book combo at this time, but I love this idea and your photo.

[Barb]

I *love* this idea and shared it with my little camera club as a creativity exercise (though I expanded it to album and movie covers as well). :D

My problem is that I can't choose a book for which to make a cover! I've been thinking of short stories that I read in high school, though, and may do one of those. Then I won't already have a picture in my head, too.

I think it's time for me to get Watership Down and read it again; it's been about 14 years. It was so well written that a lot of books I read afterwards were horrible in comparison.

Ooh, maybe I'll re-read Tailchaser's Song and see what I can come up with. :)

[Paige]

Lawyer Mama, good point! I'll have to keep that in mind.

I'll be checking back often to see what you ladies come up with!

[Thea]

I loved the book Watershed down!

What a perfect shot indeed for a new cover:)

This is such a fun idea.