A Stunning Photography Book Chronicling International Medical Corps' 25-Year History

International Medical Corps and Three Hawks Press have released "A Thousand Words: Photos from the Field," a stunning coffee table photography book documenting the humanitarian crises to which we have responded in the last quarter century.

Written and edited by Stacy Twilley and with a Foreword by CNN Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour, the book is a collection of award-winning images chosen by renowned Los Angeles museum curators and noted collectors including Mario Testino, Richard Gere, and Anjelica Huston that show International Medical Corps' long-term commitment to healing, training, and self-reliance.

"I first became aware of the extraordinary work International Medical Corps was doing after the tsunami in Indonesia," Twilley said. "I started volunteering with International Medical Corps and that's when I discovered their archive of more than 10,000 photographs. The images were extraordinary. Some were taken by famous photographers and others by aid workers in the midst of crisis. I realized that I had stumbled onto an unprecedented account of history."

The book was more than two years in the making. Those involved worked on a pro bono basis–donating their time, talent, photographs, and in some cases, dollars. "I think the result is an incredibly compassionate and remarkably moving photography book that raises awareness for an organization we passionately believe in," said Twilley.

While the images captured in the book reveal the devastation of war, famine and natural disaster, they also are a testament to the power of compassion, strength and innovation in helping people recover from crisis and rebuild their lives.

"I have witnessed some of our generation's worst human tragedies–and the remarkable resilience of the human spirit," said Nancy Aossey, President & CEO of International Medical Corps. "Each photograph in this book is a profound reminder of the incredible journey of International Medical Corps, and the exceptional efforts of our colleagues who have cared for hundreds of millions of people in these fragile, often dangerous environments."

"A Thousand Words: Photos from the Field" is available at Amazon.com (http://tiny.cc/1000words) and makes thoughtful gift for all those with a compassionate humanitarian spirit.

Net proceeds from the book sales will be donated to International Medical Corps. More information and a preview of the images can be seen at http://www.imcworldwide.org/Page.aspx?pid=736.

Somerset Photographers Create the Art of Science

Most people would struggle to name more than one or two living British scientists. Thanks to Somerset-based professional photographers Anita Corbin and John O'Grady this could be about to change. Portraits of nine British scientists, commissioned by The British Council and taken by Anita and John, have recently been acquired by The National Portrait Gallery, London for its Collection and will be displayed for the first time from 26 August 2009 to 17 January 2010.

Anita Corbin from Corbin O'Grady Studio in Wellington, explains, “The colour portraits were taken in 1989 for the series “Science in Profile" commissioned by The British Council. The pictures were taken by my partner John O'Grady and me over a three month period. There were 24 in total and the resulting set of portraits was exhibited in the early nineties all over the world but never in Britain. The large colour prints will form part of the photographic archive of significant Britons at The National Portrait Gallery and will be exhibited for the first time in the UK in August."

Helen Trompeteler, Picture Librarian at the National Portrait Gallery, says that the Gallery is delighted to obtain these nine portraits which will be displayed within its new Science in Focus display.

Anita remembers each portrait session clearly, "These guys are highly intelligent, but they were easy to talk to and we even understood most of what they were saying! They were all absolutely passionate about their subjects and we enjoyed capturing that passion in their pictures." Anita singles out Joe Farman, an environmental scientist, whose discovery of the ozone 'hole' has had consequences of far-reaching and global importance, describing him as “very intense and very straight talking regarding the troubles of the ozone layer."

One particular scientist, who will ring a bell with many people, is Robert Edwards who pioneered In vitro fertilization techniques at Bourn Hall Clinic at the time he was photographed in 1989 his work had helped to create over 2000 babies.

Anita and John, of Corbin O'Grady Studio, have been working together since 1984 and moved their business from London to Wellington in 2001.