Couple releases photo book inspired by Lopez Island images

George and Anne Willis have been viewing the world behind their camera lens as long as they can remember. Known locally for their island images of birds, sunsets, landscapes, and everything in between, the husband and wife photography team has released their first book, “Under the Rainbow.”

“The photographs in this book were inspired by and taken on Lopez Island between 2006 and 2008," Anne said. "You never leave a place you love. You go away, taking a part of it along and leaving a part of you remaining. Since the loss of so many precious family and friends, I have been reflecting on the truth found in the Ecclesiastes 3:1-9 (Old Testament). ‘There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under Heaven ...’ While working on this book, I’ve been thinking of the old Byrds song ‘Turn, Turn, Turn’ and the song by Terry Jacks, ‘Seasons in the Sun,’ and ‘Slip Sliding Away...’ by Paul Simon."

Each of the photographs is accompanied by a brief saying that relates to the theme of the book. Beneath an image of the ocean it reads: “A time to speak, and a time to be silent.” The caption for a photo of a ferry is: “A time to love, and a time to hate.”

“George and I work as a team," Anne said. "We actually work well as opposites, as we see things very differently, so it’s a book created by two sets of eyes. I’ll insist on a photo that he kiboshes, and vice-versa, but the end result is, ‘see I told you it had potential.’ We don’t use any fancy design programs, so what you see is what you get. George has a gift; he’s a tough act to follow. He can ride a bike going about 30 mph, hold out the camera, and click on a bird flying past.”

The book reflects the couple’s quirkiness, blending both somber and humorous snapshots of Lopez.

Anne and George published the book through Blurb, which provides software for creating bookstore-quality photography books. The hardcover book is $39 plus tax and shipping. They are donating proceeds from book sales back into the community. To purchase the hardcover book for $39 plus tax and shipping, go to www.blurb.com/bookstore and type in “Under the Rainbow.”

“We can’t remember ever not taking photographs nor can anyone who knows us," Anne said. "Some family members even ‘take bets’ on how many minutes go by before the first click of the camera! Our camera is a must at all times. We never leave home without it, and if we slip up and forget our little ‘friend,’ we must return for it ASAP."

Many of their photographs are featured each week in The Islands Weekly, and they sell prints of their work locally as well.

George and Anne Willis can be reached at windowscape@centurytel.net.

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