Local Photog's 'Fascinating' 1st Book Wins Big Recognition

Submitted by Bob McGrath


The 2013 New England Book Festival has named "Rye in Focus" as an honorable mention selection in the "Photography/Art book" category of its annual competition honoring the best books of 2013.

New England Book Festival organizer Bruce Haring released the names of the winners on Dec. 23. Bruce congratulated Bob, calling "Rye in Focus" a "fascinating book," and comment on his "excellent eye."  

The authors will be honored in a private awards ceremony on Jan. 18 at the historical Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston as part of the 2013 New England Book Festival.

In this intimate collection of photographs Bob provides the reader with a 12-month glimpse of life and the natural surroundings of Rye. Bound in a beautiful 112-page hardcover book, "Rye in Focus" includes an inspiring forward written by Portsmouth artist Catherine Raynes.

The book has been featured by New Hampshire Chronicle, New Hampshire Magazine and Yankee Magazine Online. "Rye in Focus" is a first-edition-only publication (not to be reprinted) with a total print run of 1,242 copies, of which 100 remain for sale.

Copies may be purchased for $25 each at Seaport Fish, of Rye, or online at ryeinfocus.com.

Bob McGrath has been a professional photographer for over 30 years. He founded McGrath Studios in 1984 and was able to grow his company into one of the nation's leading providers of College yearbook photography. Residing in Rye with his wife Eileen and children, this is Bob's first personal photographic publication.