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When Justin O'Neill and his wife of thirteen years separated four years ago, their young daughter, Stella, was caught in the middle, as are so many children of divorce. Thinking that his camera would be a joint “project” that would bring them together, give them a continuity of purpose, and create a bridge to a greater relationship and understanding, Justin began the project that, at its completion three years later, has accomplished all of those goals. Though heavily discussed in psychological texts, divorce is not usually the subject of photography books, and this beautiful essay is not just the personal exploration of Justin and Stella—it represents the universal struggle of divided families in today's complex world and how a child, a parent, and a camera can do so much more than document. They can mend and transform this most primary of relationships. The profound emotional impact of these extraordinary photographs makes On Stellar Rays indispensable for those examining the effects of a family in crisis, including potential positives outcomes of a painful situation. Delicately offering up beautiful black and white imagery, O'Neill's debut book is sure to cast him as a new light on the horizon of photography and brings into focus the problem, the explanation, and a solution that worked for one family, and will provide inspiration for many others.
