Nightwatch: Painting with Light

Gorgeous, inventive photography. This is a book to get lost in. The introduction is fascinating; Kerns not only explains his background, but provides a window into technique and equipment. Whether you're an urban explorer, photographer, or just love a visual exploration of the places and things emblematic of a vanishing America, you need this book. And after you peruse it, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it. Noel Kerns is an immense talent.

This is a beautiful large coffee table type book, with amazing photos and stories to read about the areas, and the process of the photos, as well as incidents while out on the various shoots. He likes abandoned places, but off the beaten path, not so much shopping malls, like you see everywhere. There are lots of photos in the desert areas, which lends a starkness to them. A lot of Route 66 type things, old gas stations, houses, small buildings used for ? who knows what? and some interiors too. There is also a chapter of Detroit photos, as it is the King of abandoned places. If you like the worn, old and forgotten places, you're going to love this photographer's work. Very interesting, informative, and I LOVE the photos. This is one of the best bargains ever. Beautiful book.

Full disclosure: Noel Kerns is my brother. And I've always known he would do something remarkable, and this is it -- his debut as a world-class night photographer using a distinctive "light-painting" technique to capture the abandoned places and things that are his subjects. Using flashlights and strobes, Noel paints colored light into the scene while the camera's shutter is open, creating unexpected views that often reveal more than any daylight photo ever could. And every photograph is exactly what the camera saw -- no Photoshop effects applied.But Noel is a storyteller, too, and these spectacular photographs are enhanced by tales of his photographic exploits in deteriorating structures and desolate places. He also shares the intriguing histories of his subjects, from deactivated military installations to long-abandoned hotels and small-town brothels.And it's all done up in the most beautifully-printed book I've ever seen, doing full justice to Noel's unique vision. "Night Watch: Painting With Light" is a delight on every level.

His work is eye-bulging. One of his sites is in Fort Worth where I live and I have now "visited" it and I'm amazed at the buildings and rooms and opportunities. I need more lighting and have it now but I'm reluctant to take it all without bodyguards and porters. And maybe permission. Unfortunately, I cannot drive due possible seizures that just cause me to blank out or I would be all over his classes and driving around North and West Texxizz and boring my wife. Mr. Kerns is fantastic.

Noel Kerns is a friend, but before we were friends I was a fan. It's how we first connected: I read something about his photography on the Web, got in touch and asked if he'd sell me some prints. They're still hanging in my house, because I'm still, and always will be, crazy about his spooky, immaculately-composed, gorgeously-lit photographs of American ruins. Kerns manages to make you see in a wholly new way structures that you might not notice at all as you whoosh past them on the interstates. His pictures, even of the most derelict buildings, pulse with life. He has a fantastic eye and the soul of a musician (which he also is). Interesting guy, and an absolutely stunning photographer.

I also stumbled on Noel's work via flickr. Amazing work on every level. Noel is very approachable and has quickly crossed over from "guy who's work amazed me" to "good friend". Can't say enough good things about his skills. I remain a fan. Get this book and embrace the decay!

I bought this book for both my husband and sister for Christmas. Both are into photography and it was a plus that some photos were taken on old Route 66, in ghost towns and in the Southwest. Images are beautiful. Both my sister and husband love this book.

Kerns' eye for composition, lighting and color is absolutely fantastic. This compilation of his art will make a fantastic addition to any photography enthusiast's collection. There's a lot to learn from Kerns!

Excellent, excellentWhat can I say but excellent. Great images throughout the book and well worth the moneyLet's hope another book is released in due course