The topic of race is a familiar one to many Bermudians, but Ian MacDonald-Smith's new photography book sheds a whole new light on it.

His book 'Black & White?' to be released this week, contains abstract colour photos of often unnoticed black and white architectural features in Bermuda.

All of the photos — an angel in the graveyard, the corner of a building, the doorway of The Old State House in St. George's are in shades of white, grey and black.

"I wanted to show that there are rarely polar opposites," he said. "Things aren't always as they seem. That's why there is a question mark after the title."

He started taking the photographs in 2001, when he switched to digital photography.

"A digital camera will read the white value of a subject and exposes exactly for that white value.

"That means every time you look at just white, it will give you the correct exposure every time."

He took the theme further to concentrate on shape and form.

Photographs in the book are arranged along a past, present and future theme.

The past is represented by graveyards across Bermuda.

The present is architecture from 1620 to 1900, such as City Hall, The Old State House, and Carter House in St. David's.

'Future' buildings were ones built after 1900 such as the Ariel Sands complex in Smith's Parish and a house at Elbow Beach.

"None of the buildings in the photographs are recognisable for what they are," said Mr. MacDonald-Smith. "That's the point. They are abstract photos.

"It was just about looking around and seeing where the details were. Often the older buildings have great architectural details and patina."

Mr. MacDonald-Smith took the photos over a period of eight years. He said it opened his eyes to many things he hadn't noticed before. "You concentrate on the composition a lot more," he said.

The book includes quotes from many famous people such as writer Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) and civil rights leader Martin Luther King.

"I have been collecting quotes for about 15 years for various projects," said Mr. MacDonald-Smith. "I tried to pair a quote with an image."

Until the book arrives in Bermuda on October 13, it will sell at a pre-publication price of $50. After it arrives it will be on sale in local bookstores for $75.

"It is a limited edition as 2,009 copies were ordered," said Mr. MacDonald-Smith. "There will be 1,609 copies coming to Bermuda, and the rest will be sold internationally."

Some of the photos in the book were displayed at the annual Bermuda Biennial Exhibition.

'Black & White?' is Mr. MacDonald-Smith's seventh book.

His last photo book, 'Bermuda Ruins', was released in 2006.

His other books include 'A Scape to Bermuda' and 'Bermuda House and Gardens'.

"In a way, this book was the polar opposite of the ruins book," said Mr. MacDonald-Smith. "Because, in order for me to take the photographs, the buildings or graves had to be fairly well painted and maintained."

He said after seven years, he has learned a thing or two about putting together books.

"I have learned that you can keep doing books on Bermuda, but it's better not to be too generic, and put everything in one book," he said.

Instead, his themes have zeroed in on specific aspects of Bermuda's life and scenery.

"I think it gives each subject matter more integrity," he said. "It allows Bermudians to see the Island in a different way. How much time do we spend in our graveyards? I think our graveyards have so much character and history in them."

His next book will take him further afield. He will be concentrating on the work of British architect M. H. Ballie Scott. That book will be published by Rizzoli International.

To preorder the book, contact Mr. MacDonald-Smith on 292-3295. For more information go to http://www.imacsmith.com/.