Bermuda photography book continued this weekend, as the book is set to hit stores for Christmas.

Bermudians were encouraged on the weekend -- by angry professional photographers -- to boycott the collection of shots by amateur photographers because it is not a Bermudian publication.

The "pros'', represented by the Bermuda Photographic Association (BPA), "did their arithmetic'' and opted not to submit their work, citing the minimal fees paid, regardless of experience.

But late yesterday Randy French, chairman of printers Island Press (Holdings) Ltd. struck back, calling the boycott call "pathetic'' and the product of fear of competition and greed.

Greame Outerbridge, spokesman for the BPA, decried what he called "very personal attacks'' on him by Moods publisher George Colesworthy and said he was only acting as spokesman.

"There is little the BPA can do other than encourage people not to buy the book,'' he said in a BPA statement released yesterday.

The "critical'' mistake was allowing Moods to gain sponsorship, Mr.

Outerbridge said, adding that the time had come for businesses to have immigration protection like workers.

"Because the work permits (to sell the sponsorships) were not advertised, we never had an opportunity to protest,'' he said. "We were offered $150 for prints. No one was willing to do the work for that amount.

"Who benefits from Moods? It's a great sales gimmick,'' he added. "We don't know about the involvement of Island Press.

"But we would have made moves to block it. It is not a Bermuda-published book. It has to be bound overseas -- it was printed here but they sent it away.'' When asked about the boycott call's effect on the tourist market, Mr.

Outerbridge said: "People in the retail market will see books of better quality. There are some good publications out there.'' But Mr. French said he was proud to be involved with the book.

"It is a serious matter to call for the boycott of a publication,'' he said.

"Normally it happens when publications are extremely offensive. In this case it appears to be no more than fear of competition and perhaps personal greed.'' Mr. French added: "It is pathetic that Mr. Greame Outerbridge of the BPA and National Liberal Party is calling for a sales boycott...'' "There is no valid reason why amateur photographers who do not belong to the BPA should not have a book published celebrating their work. Photography, like writing, is not the exclusive preserve of professionals.''