New photo book of Saipan to be launched at arts festival

 Digital photographer Leslie Ray Ware will be launching a book compilation of his favorite photographs taken on Saipan over the last 10 years at the 31st Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival.

Saipan: Tropical Isle Defined, had its soft launch about two months ago when it was made available at the Star Sands Plaza in Garapan and at the NMI Museum at $80 per copy.

The hardbound book features over 350 colorful and vibrant images of the island-its sunsets, the flame trees, and a wide range of panoramic views of its beaches, historic and tourist sites such as Old Man by the Sea, Last Command Post, Sugar King Park, and even not so familiar spots like Tiger Beach and Boy Scout beaches.

As part of its grand launching, the book will have a “Flame Tree Special Price” at Ware’s booth. The biggest arts festival in the Commonwealth will be held at the Civic Center Park on April 20 to 22.

“It’s a good representation of Saipan. Right now, I have so many photos of the island that it would be advantageous for me to publish a book that somehow serves like a portfolio and catalog. The good thing about it is that everything in the book is available as prints,” said Ware on Tuesday.

He said this is his first book, printed in “extra special” or “super glossed” paper to bring out-even enhance-the quality of the photos for a better viewing experience.

Ware explained that the Arts Council has been appreciative of his work and has been helping him promote his works through the council’s various annual exhibits and events, making it easy for him to choose to launch the book at the festival.

Ware said he “feels good” about the warm reception that his book has been receiving since its soft launch. “Everybody who picks up a copy of the book loves it, and I’m really excited that it will reach out to more people in the community through the grand opening at the festival,” he added.

He noted that the book is only the first of his planned ventures, which will include compilations of photos taken on Tinian and Rota as well as other places he’s visited and continues to visit such as Guam, Hawaii, Cambodia, and Thailand.

A native of Idaho, Ware works as a supervisor for the Transportation Security Administration and was sent to Saipan on “temporary duty.”

“I never left. I love it here,” said Ware, who plans to retire from his job with the federal government in May and focus his time on digital photography.

Ware, 63, revealed how he began his career as a photographer in the ’60s-back when taking photos meant using cameras and rolls of films he would develop in his dark room.

“I bought my first digital camera sometime in ’92 or ’93. It was a Fuji; 2.2 megapixels,” he said. Since then, Ware has had several digital cameras “more than my wife wants me to have.”

“It’s not a cheap profession to be in. You have to upgrade your equipment and software every two years to improve your knowledge and your craft,” said Ware, who plans to buy the Canon EOS 5D Mark III once it’s out in the market

Ware’s photos are mostly, if not all, landscape shots that have the color and texture he’s looking for, then enhances them using various software tools.

“I’m taking what’s there and making it better. I don’t consider it cheating,” said Ware, who considers Ansel Adams, a photographer renowned for his black and white photos of Yosemite National Park, his idol.

Ware said that with his imminent retirement, it’s also a “possibility” for him to teach technique and technology to aspiring digital photographers.

“I believe that art is intrinsic. If I could help somebody bring that out by giving that person inspiration or teaching a technique, I am most willing to do so,” he added.

Ware encourages the public to visit his booth at the festival and check out his book. To purchase the book or for more information, email leslieware@lesliewarephotography.com or leslieware2003@yahoo.com.