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Photography Books from the Masters – Part 5

Admin — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:34:56 +0000

This question must have already stroked you, why do we insist much on the masters of photography. The answer is because photography cant be taught and there is no specific rules or principles of law for taking a good picture, as they often say it just happens. Developing a vision is more important than anything, appreciating some wonders and inspiring from millions of art form to inject in your style of photography. The Forms of photography drifting between art and various cultures doesn’t need any introduction. And all said, visiting art galleries, and gelling with photo books can take turns with your style and flavor. One need to feel the pictures in book (printed media), rather than starring it on our computer screens, the amount of emotions and truth these books and pictures convey are sensational.

Here, We have put together a collection of 15 most wanted photography books from the Masters. This is an ongoing series, we will update more books in coming weeks. As always, if we’ve missed something you think should have been included, please let us know in the comments.

Please check our previous list of books here:

Sebastiao Salgado. Genesis

Raised on a farm in Brazil, Salgado possessed a deep love and respect for nature; he was also particularly sensitive to the ways in which human beings are affected by their often devastating socio-economic conditions. “In Genesis, my camera allowed nature to speak to me. And it was my privilege to listen.” —Sebastião Salgado

Sightwalk

This is more than just a book of photographs. It is a modernist Japanese photograph album created from Oriental fabrics and papers, and bound by hand. It contains the work of Gueorgui Pinkhassov, a highly-acclaimed photographic artist, innovator and member of Magnum. The sense of innovation and artistry is carried through in the photographs which explore how singular details, plays of light and reflection can capture a spirit and shape an atmosphere. The artist’s haiku texts accompany the images.

Vivian Maier: Out of the Shadows

Presenting her breathtaking photographs alongside revealing interviews with those who knew her best, this volume is the first attempt to put Vivian Maier’s work in context and create a moving portrait of her as an artist. Though she created more than 120,000 negatives during her lifetime, only a few were ever seen by others. Shortly after her death in 2009, the first group of her unseen photographs–gritty with humanity and filled with empathy and beauty–were shown online.

An Inner Silence: The Portraits of Henri Cartier-Bresson

Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908–2004) was perhaps the finest and most influential image maker of the twentieth century, and his portraits are among his best-known work. Over a fifty-year period, he photographed some of the most eminent personalities of the era, as well as ordinary people, chosen as subjects because of their striking and unusual features.

Ara Guler’s Istanbul: 40 Years of Photographs

This book is a vivid photographic record of daily life in Istanbul from the 1940s to the 1980s. Captured through the unerring lens of the award winning Ara Guler, the Eye of Istanbul, it reflects the city’s melancholy aesthetic as it oscillates between tradition and modernity. Gulers remarkable duotone photographs are accompanied by evocative commentaries from Orhan Pamuk, another leading figure in Turkish culture.

The Life of a Photograph

Drawing on 40 years of fieldwork, The Life of a Photograph takes readers on assignment and inside the heart of a master photographer to witness the process of making a truly great picture. This exquisite book is organized by the known and unexpected themes of Abell’s work, ranging from his sensitive Portraits, beautiful Land, Sea, Sky and thought-provoking Wild Life to the surprising Just Looking (quirky scenes encountered on assignment),On the Road (photographs taken from automobiles), and The Built World (human impacts on pristine land).

Diane Arbus: An Aperture Monograph: Fortieth-Anniversary Edition

When Diane Arbus died in 1971 at the age of 48, she was already a significant influence–even something of a legend–for serious photographers, although only a relatively small number of her most important pictures were widely known at the time. The publication of Diane Arbus: An Aperture Monograph in 1972–along with the posthumous retrospective at The Museum of Modern Art–offered the general public its first encounter with the breadth and power of her achievements.

What Remains

Mann’s previous collections, Immediate Family and At Twelve, recorded the bodies of children with a frank, slightly detached sensuality at a time when public hysteria around issues of child sexuality was sharply on the rise. The fact that many of the images were of her own children left Mann particularly vulnerable to charges of exploitation. But though controversial, what deflected such accusations was the serene flawlessness of Mann’s pictorialist photographic technique, which somehow contained her very real provocation without necessarily resolving it.

Stephen Shore: Uncommon Places

Published by Aperture in 1982 and long unavailable, Stephen Shore’s legendary Uncommon Places has influenced a generation of photographers. Among the first artists to take color beyond advertising and fashion photography, Shore’s large-format color work on the American vernacular landscape stands at the root of what has become a vital photographic tradition.

William Albert Allard: Five Decades

This gorgeous gift book reveals nearly 50 years of photography by seasoned National Geographic photographer Bill Allard. Allard was a pioneer of color photography with a style that called for entering people’s homes and hearts; by winning their confidence he was able to capture “off guard” moments, and reveal the depth of human nature as never before seen in the pages of National Geographic.

Garry Winogrand (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art)

Widely regarded as one of the most important photographers of the 20th century, Garry Winogrand (1928–1984) did much of his best-known work in Manhattan during the 1960s, becoming an epic chronicler of that tumultuous decade. But Winogrand was also an avid traveler and roamed extensively around the United States, bringing exquisite work out of nearly every region of the country.

The Photographs of Ray K. Metzker (Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art)

Ray K. Metzker (b. 1931) is one of the greatest living photographers of the modern era, although his name may not be as broadly familiar as that of some of his peers. Richly illustrated, The Photographs of Ray K. Metzker brings his extraordinary work to the attention of a larger audience, summarizing his life and achievements over the past six decades. With a fresh perspective, curator and author Keith F. Davis explores the roots of Metzker’s innovative vision, from his early interest in photojournalism through his studies with Harry Callahan and Aaron Siskind at Chicago’s Institute of Design in the late 1950s, and his bold innovations of the 1960s and 1970s.

Bruce Davidson: Outside Inside

Journey of Consciousness is a gorgeous three-volume box set of 800 photographs drawn from this master photographer’s immense archive. Chosen by Davidson himself, the selection spans a 60-year career, and features such seminal bodies of work as Circus(1958), Brooklyn Gang(1959), East 100th Street(1966-1968), The Civil Rights Movement(1961-1965), Subway(1980) and Central Park(1992-1995), as well as his two most recent works in progress–a series of urban landscapes made in Paris (2007) and Los Angeles (2009)–and many unpublished photographs.

The Americans

Armed with a camera and a fresh cache of film and bankrolled by a Guggenheim Foundation grant, Robert Frank crisscrossed the United States during 1955 and 1956. The photographs he brought back form a portrait of the country at the time and hint at its future. He saw the hope of the future in the faces of a couple at city hall in Reno, Nevada, and the despair of the present in a grimy roofscape.

The Photographer’s Eye

The Photographer’s Eye by John Szarkowski is a twentieth-century classic–an indispensable introduction to the visual language of photography. Based on a landmark exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art in 1964, and originally published in 1966, the book has long been out of print. It is now available again to a new generation of photographers and lovers of photography in this duotone printing that closely follows the original.

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Sebastião Salgado: Genesis – A Portrait of Nature

Admin — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:00:15 +0000

It has taken more than a decade of hard work, some phenomenal amount of passion and good will behind this book Genesis by Sebastião Salgado, an amazing photographer and wonderful human being who doesn’t need much of an introduction. In this short post of ours, we wanted to underline what makes it so special and why is Genesis a lifetime project for our Master Photographer.

Earlier, the idea was conceived by his wife Leila Salgado. The Struggles he had faced being a documentary photographer, the way he had overcome it, the creation of such an extraordinary rain forest out of nothing but through strong will and immense hard work. It all started there, having gone through such dramatic events all through his life, Salgado wanted to find the precious things in this planet, which are still out there untouched by our very own urban civilization, this made him want to photograph again, but this time on the identities of this planet and to create a representation for the whole of it.

Sebastião Salgado – About Genesis

Salgado speaks about humanity, and his wish to photograph us right from the beginning which is obviously the sole bottom-line for Genesis. He wants to create a discussion out of it, which is pristine about our planet. In such a way he could create a system of information and ultimately draw a wonderful presentation of this planet. Salgado speaks about the importance of trees, and shows the paradise he has created in name of rainforest, here the perseverance shown is phenomenal. Salgado has recreated a wonderful ecosystem which was better than how it was before the erosion.

“Photography is a kind of phenomenon, you are a complete part of the subject, they are linked to the camera and become part of the system, everything acts together and then you reach the maximum, you know you can’t get a better picture. You grow with the phenomenon, you become part of the phenomenon and then you come out of it. ” – Sebastião Salgado

Breathtaking Photographs from Genesis

These pictures here are about the landscapes, about the people, and about the love of Salgado towards this precious planet. Photographs here show us what Earth should be known for and what we should strive hard for being so. Genesis is simply a love letter from Salgado to our planet Earth and he believes we all together could save it and preserve it the way it stays in these photographs.

Sebastião Salgado – TED Talk

The Master gives one of the most inspirational speeches ever in regards to the current global scenario, the way urbanization takes its shift on our ecosystem, some quick glimpses of photographs from his book “Genesis”.

Purchase Book

One of the amazing creations and arguably a milestone and new trendsetter in regards to both photography and publishing. It was a wonderful courtesy from Taschen Publications to have agreed to this giant art copy, Leila Salgado’s Book design has been magnificent, typically a lifetime purchase for any art or nature lover.

More Information about Genesis

Gueorgui Pinkhassov – Inspiration from Masters of Photography

Admin — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:49:39 +0000

Gueorgui Pinkhassov is a Russian Photographer who is also a member of the prestigious Magnum Photos. It was during his teens, when his interest towards photography became much more extreme which made him get enrolled with the Moscow Institute of Cinematography. This was more than a starting point for Pinkhassov to get awarded the independent artist status by the most prestigious Moscow Union of Graphic Arts group, which allowed him to travel more freely and passionately around the globe.

His work has a critical international acclaim and Pinkhassov has been exhibited in more than one country. After his inclusion into the magnum agency, Pinkhassov’s work became much more open to a wider audience. He has worked for major international magazines and has been to all the major countries.

Speaking about his photographs, there seems to be a wonderful stint of work amusingly for the early color era. His Pictures follow the unique magnum style of contemporary street documentary along with a maximum exposure to the subject oriented style of photography. Light and Shadows seem to prevail in most of his beautiful captures. Subtle and tenure variations in the color, dramatic treatment to the photographs and brilliant hint of warm tones in almost every photograph seems to be an address for his photographs. Pinkhassov is a french citizen and currently lives in Paris.

You can find more info about Gueorgui Pinkhassov

Wikipedia
Magnum Photos

Publications

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15 Photography Interviews from Masters – A Roundup

Admin — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:41:21 +0000

Hearing it from the Masters through the interviews is always feasty for any photographer. The Questions which you would have always wanted to ask your godly photographer and the answers which were until now unknown for a fan like you. Here in this post we bring you a valuable bunch of interviews from our Master Photographers. There are some legends in this field to pave way and show directions for the beginners to follow. And we should understand the fact that art has no boundaries or directions. There are certain concepts which have been already laid by our masters through which we echo along the passage of time.

Follow their voices, read through their words and am pretty sure we all would definitely fall in the right place.

You can check our previous Article here: 15 Great Interviews From Masters

An Interview with Saul Leiter by Photographers Speak

One of the master craftsman in redefining color photography, Saul Leiter speaks in Photographers Speak. Leiter is one of photography’s underrated masters, and a living testament to the maxim that the greatest artists are often the most humble and self-deprecating.

An Interview with Dorothea Lange by Archives of American Art

In this valuable interview, Lange speaks to us about her decision of choosing photography as a career, her individual style, the subjects she chose to photograph, their feelings, including the migrant workers and the Dust Bowl farmers.

An Interview with James Nachtwey by Salon

James Natchtwey one of finest of the finest war photographers speaks about his book “Inferno”. About his medal of honour, his own life and about working with a focus to the missionary like sense of purpose.

An Interview with Eve Arnold by BBC Radio

Eve arnold’s pictures are some of the abiding and strong images of our time. She worked for years on the sunday times colour magazine, and had covered the making of dozens fo feature films and travelled around the world. It feels wonderful to get a glimpse through this interview.

An Interview with Gordon Parks by Archives of American Art

Parks speaks of his background; his early interest in photography; influences on him; his early career as a fashion photographer; joining the Farm Security Administration, how being black and the experience of racism influenced his ability to related to his subjects. A Plenty more discussed in this interview.

Mary Ellen Mark Interview by United Nations of Photography

Mary Ellen Mark is one of the most revered and important portrait photographers in the world today. Her husband Martin Bell is an acclaimed filmmaker. Together over the last four years they have recorded the American prom. Grant Scott spoke to them both individually about the project that has resulted in a book, exhibition and film. In this wonderful interview with he speaks with Grant and we get to know a lot of inside information.

An Interview with Annie Leibovitz by Foto Tapeta

One of the phenomenal portrait photographers Annie is being interviewed by fototapeta. About her personality, her exhibition and her relationship with the subjects she portray and much more.

An Interview with Imogen Cunningham by Archives of American Art

An Interview of Imogen Cunningham conducted 1975 June 9, by Louise Katzman and Paul Karlstrom, for the Archives of American Art, in Cunningham’s home. Cunningham speaks of her training in Germany, working in Edward Curtis’ studio, her childhood art classes.

An Interview with Robert Frank by ASX

One of the rare interviews with Robert Frank, who had often declined requests for interviews in the past. Americansuburbx somehow makes it to interview this legendary photographer. This is one of the open and frankest conversations you could see, a wonderful interview.

An Interview with Sam Abell by University of Kentucky

It was during 1967, Sam Abell attended his first interview. It was with National Geographic, in 2001 he ended his 33 years of traveling stint them. But by the time,his pictures have become synonymous and have taken him all over the world. This interview takes us much closer to Sam Abell.

An Interview with André Kertész by XPAT Loop

“I decided that as soon as I was earning money, I would buy myself a camera. That was my private secret. After I had got my school certificate, I had the money, my pocket money, and out of that I bought a little box camera, a small Ernemann.” – Andre Kertesz. Listen to what this genius photographer has got more to speak about.

An Interview with Ara Güler by My Merhaba

Ara Guler, asks the interviewer “Are we on record? Actually, I don’t like it much because throughout my life I’ve interviewed others, now you’re cross-examining me. Anyway…” Witty and clever Turkish Photographer speaks his heart out here.

An Interview with Martine Franck by Tasveer Arts

Martine Franck speaks about his channel tunnel, his mind spectrum, his idea of thoughts and his brilliant project of Monks with John Berger for Tasveer arts.

An Interview with Duane Michals by Robert Farber

Duane Michals has a wonderful chat on his fineart photographs, his start as a photographer, his instincts and his late discovery.

An Interview with Arnold Newman by ASX

Arnold Newman on his wonderful thoughts as a environmental photographer, his vision and views, opinion on digital photography and his short stint as a painting artist.

Please check our previous documentary photography stories here:

Ernst Haas – Inspiration from Masters of Photography

Admin — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:13:13 +0000

One more Master Color Photographer to our grand list of Masters of Photography section.

Speaking about the early shooters in color and pioneers of color photography, Ernst Haas (March 2, 1921 – September 12, 1986) becomes a valuable inclusion here. He is one of those finest photographers who bridged the gap between art and photojournalism. During his period not many would have thought about reducing the gap between art and photography, on the contrary Ernst through his brilliant pictures made a solid statement in this criteria.

In his early life, Ernst did not have much an influence on photography, he was a slow learner but an autodidact who learned photography tirelessly on his own. So much of this earlier works were based on still life. He slowly started gathering much passion towards photography in color.

As an appreciation for his series on Homecoming prisoners which was during his work as a photojournalist, Ernst was well rewarded a place in Magnum Photos a rich abode for photojournalists which was two years old by then. But on a longer vision, it was his brilliance in color which earned him a wonderful place before art enthusiasts and admirers of photography. He loved to experiment a wholesome in this style of photography. Many techniques such as selective focus, shallow depth of field, motion blurred shots were masterly handled by Ernst. He became interested in, as he put it, “transforming an object from what it is to what you want it to be.” Beyond the physical place, person, or object he depicted, Haas hoped to reflect the joy of looking and of human experience.

In this wonderful post, we bring you some of the creative as well as metaphorical works of Ernst Haas, one of the rarest master color photographer of the good old times.

You can find more info about Ernst Haas

Publications

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Analyzing the Iconic Pictures – Part 3

Admin — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:31:51 +0000

To Continue with our last post, this is yet another breakdown of groundbreaking work from our masters of photography. Analyzing some iconic photographs would be one of interesting aspects of photography, for it provides an in-depth analysis and idea to all the aspirants in this field.

As always, looking at these pictures, there are numerous emotions within us plus a lot of valuable knowledge and vision to be inspired from. It helps us to know what made this particular picture a sensation besides it is a great opportunity for all amateurs to learn from a picture which has already been a winning one.

Here in this part 3 of this chapter, I have handpicked some of the most strongest pictures of this century from the grand masters. To add more on this, if you would like any great picture to be analyzed please add it in the message section to see it featured in Part 4.

From the editors point of view, it feels great to speak about the aesthetic and appealing factors in these iconic photographs. Please check our previous posts here:

Boy Mid Flight by Steve McCurry

Often speaking about the decisive moment, how frequently do we encounter a shot like this. Steve McCurry has arguably showed India most beautifully than any other photographer. In this particular picture, the narrow lane in Rajasthan adds a commanding impression for which Steve had to wait to get the right subject at the right time. Patience did pay off, the boy in mid air. The Hand-prints on the wall, mustard yellow and blue walls with a unique composition adds more drama and aesthetic appeal to the picture. At the beginning this picture shows some kind of hindrance, as if the kid jumps through all of it for the space provided is minimum. But it actually doubles the joy it could provide for the art of photography. A Brilliant composition with the right subject in a right place at the right moment.

Xhosa Youth by James Nachtwey

Often known for his War Photographs, James Nachtwey here shows us his brilliance yet again in a wonderful portrait of two youth of Xhosa. The theme seems to be amazing and the photographers vision is very much broad for his choice of composition. Perfectly poised and placed subjects spread across the frame adds beauty to the picture. If you could get the fact about visual balance in shapes and forms, it becomes very easy to appreciate the resting hand on the frame right. Again the clouds on the contrary gets the picture to rest with subtle blue sky making it a winner. Looking at the subjects here, they seem to be nude and covered with their traditional mud which adds some kind of mystery to the photograph.

Kumbh Mela, Allahabad by Raghu Rai

Believe me shooting a portrait in a crowd is one of the haunting task for any street photographer. And to get an eye contact, either you must be talented or gifted favoring luck in your way. Here renowned master photographer Raghu Rai plays a gentle task in shooting this portrait in one of the densest places in the world, Kumbhmela. The Vibrant Yellow shades all over with a touch of red here and there plus a brilliant face to make you hooked to the eyes makes it a brilliant capture. The Composition is simply astounding with the wood clearly marking a rule of third. The place seem to be silent yet the subject seem to be totally detached from the scene happening around. Brilliance every where inside the frame.

Border Crossing by Alex Webb

Crossing a countries border, I am not particularly sure about the nature of these men crossing, it could either be a sad ending or a happy beginning. Looking at this picture with a perfect sunset, fading light and the actions they perceive while checking for arms, it translates a fantastic feel for me. It almost feels tragic but at the same time the eyes of the second character seems arrested somewhere distant virtually meaning more tales to be said and more life to be lived. Aesthetically this is one of the prime pictures of Alex Webb, the yellow flowers and the chopper in the distant transfers us to a wonderful land far far away but the actions happening in the middle conveys a definite story bringing us back to reality. Brilliance over all and one of my favorite pictures from the Master.

Orphan chimpanzees by Steve Bloom

Steve Bloom, known for his grand book “Spirit of the Wild” shows us a wonderful capture of these chimpanzees. Serious photography lovers will never find humor in this picture, believe me there is so much of strong emotion in this picture. Gloomy mood overall. The strong eye contact with the older chimp with other creatures around it adds perfect balance to the composition as well as adds more sharpness to the picture. The poses of them, red eyes and the screen right’s angular look adds more brilliance here. Background looks clean green complimenting the red eyes of these amazing creatures.

Photo By Ernst Haas

Ernst Haas arguably one of the early masters in color photography. In this picture Ernst has captured the essence of the street, a vendor his vehicle, a perfect sunset with some amazing colors and of-course brilliant shadows. So much of elements yet one could never get tired of this picture. The signboards and shadows, the shapes of wheels adds a grand drama to an already existing lovely scene.

Photo by William Albert Allard

Emotions all over the frame. The direction of vision is very much parallel to the horses and the kid. The Nostrils of horses with the eyes of kid adds a wonderful symmetry to the existing scene with a horizontal plane dividing them through the bars. Simple picture but yet full of geometries and emotions.

A boy plays in the Riviere of Galets by Bruno Barbey

When we speak about showing the unseen, this picture from Bruno Barbey is one heck of an example. Excellent contrast here, for a boy cycling inside water. It almost becomes impossible for us to forget this picture for the surprise it has produced. Aesthetically, the geometry of wheels goes majestic to the shape of the boy and the vehicle. An excellent as well as a strange scene which is very lively and unforgettable.

Triplet Policemen, New Jersey by Michael S. Yamashita

Looks like Visual Effects? But no, this picture shows a rare encounter with Triplet Policemen of New Jersey. Michael has captured them brilliantly showing their workspace, placed inside a cop van. The Light seem to be brilliant for the highlights on three of them, with the poses actually complimenting each other. Again aesthetically, the lights on the van blue and red brings more vibrancy and liveliness to the picture. A Different Portrait from Michael.

Rosa, Last of the Yaghan Indians by Sam Abell

To finish with, a stunning portrait work from Sam Abell. The Light, Composition, Character, Moment everything seem to align well with the word Brilliance. The Color of Light and the clothing bring a sudden gloominess into the frame. The Smoke fuming on the frame adds a wonderful mystery to the scene portraying the mood of the character much better. The woman’s gaze outside the window with the hand posture is a wonderful touch to the existing masterpiece.

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Photography Books From The Masters – Part 4

Admin — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:15:59 +0000

It is always grand to hear it from the Masters of Photography. The Forms of photography drifting between art and various cultures doesn’t need any introduction. One need to feel the pictures in book (printed media), rather than starring it on our computer screens, the amount of emotions and truth these books and pictures convey are sensational.

Please check our previous list of books here:

Saul Leiter

Saul Leiter has only in recent years received his due as one of the great pioneers of color photography. This can perhaps be attributed to the fact that Leiter saw himself for a long time mainly as a painter. This book, published to mark the first major retrospective of Leiter’s work anywhere in the world, features for the first time, in addition to his early black and white and color images, his fashion photography, the overpainted nudes, as well as his paintings and sketchbooks.

Here Far Away

This retrospective covers more than forty years of work and unfolds in almost as many countries. Pentti Sammallahti is a wanderer who makes subtle observations of the people and animals he encounters. He records the ordinary and in that ordinariness finds the “wondrous” and “beautiful.”

Collected Works

These images and words are a gathering of individuals, events, places, conflicts and dilemmas that confronted me asI shifted from course to course in pursuit of survival. Some star-coloured, others, painted with rage, fall like rain in my memory. They all simmer down to what I remember, forgot, and what at last I know.” Gordon Parks This five-volume collection surveys five decades of Gordon Parks’ photography.

Alex Webb: Istanbul

In Istanbul: City of a Hundred Names, Magnum photographer Alex Webb displays his particular ability to distill gesture, color and contrasting cultural tensions into a single, beguiling frame.

Steve McCurry: The Unguarded Moment

The title of this book is a phrase that Steve McCurry uses a lot when talking about his work – he is always trying to capture those ‘unguarded moments’ when people are at their most unselfconscious and natural. McCurry takes photographs all over the world, for National Geographic magazine and his own projects, so this book includes the places, colours and forms of Yemen, Mali, Niger, Chad, India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma), France and the former Yugoslavia, among others.

River of Colour the India of Raghubir Singh

Raghubir Singh was one of the finest documentary photographers. He was born in Rajasthan, India, and for thirty years made countless personal journeys across the vast subcontinent. He travelled along the Ganges, toured the ghats and alleys of Benares and explored the cosmopolitan cities of Calcutta and Mumbai.

The Last Resort

A new edition of a modern classic of photography. Martin Parr is Europe’s premier contemporary photographer, and The Last Resort is the book that is considered to have launched his career. Taken at the height of the Thatcher years, it depicts the “great British seaside” in all its garish glory.

Black in America

Eli Reed has been documenting the black experience in America from the first time he began taking pictures. Now a member of Magnum, the prestigious photojournalist’s cooperative, he is known for his unflinching coverage of events both large and small. Here we see tender moments between parents and children contrasted with the Los Angeles riots.

Susan Meiselas: Nicaragua

Originally published in 1981, Susan Meiselas’ Nicaragua is a modern classic–a seminal contribution to the literature of concerned photojournalism. John Berger praised the work for its ability to, “take us right inside a revolutionary moment.

El Salvador (DoubleTake Book)

A deeply compelling look at a tumultuous country, Larry Towell’s photographs are at once powerful and compassionate, revealing a country of violence, heartbreak, strength, and dignity.

Herbert List: The Monograph

Herbert List, who died in 1975, was one of the most influential photographers of the twentieth century. Early in his career he photographed primarily in Italy and Greece, attracted like many previous travelers to the countries’ beauty. List came of age in Germany during the development of the “new objectivity”; his photographs, surreal in aesthetic, in certain ways parallel de Chirico’s paintings.

Werner Bischof Pictures

Werner Bischof Pictures offers an overview of the work of one of the twentieth century’s strongest photographers. Bischof (1916-1954), whose oeuvre took shape quickly over the very brief span of his adult life, is known as a master of black-and-white.

W. Eugene Smith

The American photojournalist W. Eugene Smith revolutionized the photo-essay form with the works he published in Life magazine between 1948 and 1956. This monograph reproduces images from six classic sequences of this era.

Rene Burri Photographs

The book begins with an introduction that describes the history, politics and artistic influences that have coloured Burri’s work. Each of the 22 chapters that follow it is accompanied by a brief essay that gives an overview of the images in that particular section, the time period and political climate. Each page is also accompanied by extended captions explaining the images.

Chim: Children of War

This retrospective monograph gathers hundreds of rolls of film Chim shot shortly after World War II for UNICEF. One of Chim’s best-known projects, this series was printed by Life in 1948 and by UNICEF is 1949. However, myriad images were left unpublished, hidden from the public audience.

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Henri Cartier-Bresson – Inspiration from Masters of Photography

Admin — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:09:52 +0000

Its hard not to think about Henri Cartier-Bresson when it comes to street photography and photojournalism. He was a french photographer who is strongly believed to be the father of modern photojournalism and life reportage styles. An Early adopter of the 35mm format, Henri introduced the vision for candid photography in streets and showed way for numerous photographers to follow this style. The term Decisive moment coined by him is one of the key aspects in his photography, where he strongly believes there is nothing in this world without a decisive moment.

It is a renowned fact that Henri, having inspired from Martin Munkacsi’s works changed his interest from painting into becoming a full time photographer. He often called his Leica Camera as an extension to his eye. It was during this time there was a wonderful relationship between three photographers Henri, Robert Capa and David Seymour who helped to culture the raw art of photography in those days.

“Be a photojournalist. If not you will fall into mannerism. Keep surrealism in your little heart, my dear. Don’t fidget. Get moving” was the motto for them as they believed.

This early friendship helped these amazing photographers to start the great Magnum foundation along with William Vandivert and George Rodger. Magnum was a cooperative picture agency owned by its members. The team split photo assignments among the members. This foundation is still considered to be the most prestigious one in terms of photojournalism.

After the world war II, Henri did travel to lot of countries through his photography. He became the first Western photographer to photograph “freely” in the post-war Soviet Union. He died in 2004, aged 95. It is Phenomenal how his view and grand vision on photography has taught early lessons and also the eyes for photography to generations to follow.

You can find more info about Henri Cartier-Bresson

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Analyzing the Iconic Pictures – Part 2

Admin — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:10:35 +0000

To form a series and on seeing your good support on our previous post we bring you this yet another post on analyzing the great pictures from our masters of photography. Analyzing some iconic photographs would be one of interesting aspects of photography, for it provides an in-depth analysis and idea to all the aspirants in this field. It helps us to know what made this particular picture a sensation besides it is a great opportunity for all amateurs to learn from a picture which has already a winning one.

Here in this part 2 of this chapter, I have handpicked some of the most strongest pictures of this century from the grand masters. To add more on this, if you would like any great picture to be analyzed please add it in the message section to see it featured in Part 3.

From the editors point of view, it feels great to speak about the aesthetic and appealing factors in these iconic photographs. Please check the Part 1 Here.

Vietnam – The Battle for Saigon by Philip Jones Griffiths

A very strong scene of sorrow scene from the vietnam war. The Battle of Saigon has seen a far too many casualities and this picture clearly shows us the state of being. A young woman is seen lying on a strecher while a vietnam soldier is seen guarding her or looking for more help around. The strength in his eyes, a look of vengeance and aggression clearly depicts the situation. His stature and his weapon on the other arm makes us want to know more of the story. The flames in the background and the commuters around, their streched legs adds a great amount of drama to this scenario.

Wake of Juan Carra Trujillo by W. Eugene Smith

The Dark Reality of the living conditions in Deleitosa. This was during 1950, when Eugine Smith went on to report the agricultural state of affairs in Spain. This image shows the stark lives of these people against the political dictatorship of general Franciso Frano. An elderly man’s corpse is surrounded by a group of women who are believed to be his family members. The dependance of women in context to the aged man, the role he must have played in supporting this family all becomes very much clear here. The Man is the nucleus in this picture, overall this picture shows a very different culture their lifestyle and how death to the dear ones affects a family. The light on the mans face and some ambiance inside the room provides a much gloomy environment adding to the sorrow.

Conversation by Josef Koudelka

A very intact picture of a man and his horse. Indeed a Master and his horse, the posture of loyalty and the patterns of black/white on its saddle creates a wonderful balance to our vision. The drama is very much intact, making the conversation between these two much louder. The Hat, his hand gesture and a rough wall at the back provides a fantastic feel to this beautiful picture.

Fontenelle family by Gordon Parks

Questions of survival written in every single character in this picture. The mother in the middle shows how much of a bearer she has been to this family, subtle and sorrowful emotions from the kids and the officer with spectacles rubs more sadness into the picture. Were they answered, did they find a solution to their ailing problems. The faces read a rather sinful sad story.

Winston Churchill – Portrait by Yousuf Karsh

This is a well known fact about the portraits of Yousuf Karsh. Much liveliness, true character and the factors of dominance. Here in this picture Winston Churchill is seen at his admiring best, the toughness in his character, the posture with his hand on hip and the other resting creates a great balance within the picture. A sharp and warm eye contact creates a definite stir within anyone. Back-light adds more atmosphere and increases the patronage on the subject itself.

Photo by Pedro Luis Raota

Scintillating stuff from Pedro Luis Raoto, arguably one of his strongest portraits. Although this is highly debatable that most of his street photographs are staged and performed, it is impossible for one to not admire and appreciate the vision behind his pictures. In this picture, everything seems to reveal itself before us, how heartbreaking must it be to a kid who has had her puppy go apart in front of her, the emotions of the girl, the black umbrella, the wetness on the road. Overall a brilliant melancholy, sadness and one of the picture which can actually bring tears to any human.

Gouyave Bar by Alex Webb

One of the greatest photographer in color, Alex webb doesn’t need much of an introduction when it comes to colors and street mood. His Pictures usually depict a brilliant balance between light and shadow. In this picture too, there is this Alex stamp all over the frame, brilliant mood between three characters, the ambiance of the bar, the lights and darkness. And then the strong eye contact with smoke flowing away from him evokes a brilliant mood to the picture. When noticed, the fist position of the man pressing hard on the table adds a tremendous weight-age to the screen left, it acts as if he is pushing the frame itself. Overall a grand picture depicting the lives of people there inside Gouyave Bar.

Taxi, 1957 by Saul Leiter

Saul Leiter known for his master craft color photographs. He is one of early color photographers who will remain an inspiration for generations to follow. Saul always known for his delicate artistic touch of warmer shades in his picture proves yet again his brilliance here. This Picture is warm and shows a subtle shadow play on a man’s hand inside the car. The shades of red and yellow dominates the picture. This is a mere indication of how brilliantly Saul has played with colors inside a frame. The balance he maintains is phenomenal and the pitch within red is grand in every aspect.

Pavement mirror shop by Raghubir Singh

Raghubir Singh is the frontrunner and pioneer in regards to color photography in India. His street photographs are built with ultimate layers of lives and character interconnecting to each other. In this picture he has captured the true essence of a market scene, lives reflecting on the mirrors and the tinge of red on the surface gives a beautiful feel to this picture. Numerous object cluttered and the faces of people shows the diversity india has to offer.

Divided Soul by David Alan Harvey

To finish with a masterpiece from David Alan Harvey. Brilliantly lit subject is seen sitting against the wall where the photographer has visualized it from an altitude makes all the difference. There may not be any drama or a factor of interest if shot this from an eye-level, it shows the vision of the photographer. A Brilliant minimal composition surrounded by utter darkness. Adding to that his choice of composition to have it on the screen left creates more interestingness to the picture.

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Saul Leiter – Inspiration from Masters of Photography

Admin — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:19:07 +0000

Born in pittsburgh in 1923, our master photographer Saul Leiter started getting into art in his late teens. Initially he pursued to do some painting, later his new friendship with fellow master photographer W.Eugene Smith and Richard Pousette-Dart pulled him into the art of photography.

Colors at their finest best, warm and cold tones creating a wonderful sense of comfort for our visual organs seems to be a easy doing for Saul. He is known to have appeared in numerous solo and group exhibitions around the globe. Speaking about his pictures, its brilliant to choose colors as your subject in any kind of photography, in a way challenging too. Saul continues to laud with his vision for warm colors and peculiar street captures. Essence of art and minimalism in every vertical frame of his photographs shows us his vision. He tends not be in any hurry for he has published just a single book on his color pictures. Jane Livingston wrote, “The very fact that color becomes the subject of the photographs places Leiter’s work in another realm-a realm that is unabashedly artistic.” Mr. Leiter has said about his own photography: “I don’t believe that black and white is sacred or that color is profane. In my own work they have both been equally important.”

His Famous Quotes for you,

“I must admit that I am not a member of the ugly school. I have a great regard for certain notions of beauty even though to some it is an old fashioned idea. Some photographers think that by taking pictures of human misery, they are addressing a serious problem. I do not think that misery is more profound than happiness.”

“In order to build a career and to be successful, one has to be determined. One has to be ambitious. I much prefer to drink coffee, listen to music and to paint when I feel like it.”

You can find more info about Saul Leiter

Publications

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