I was beginning to wonder when you might introduce a "Black" photographer to your excellent series of introductions. And I'm doubly pleased you have chosen Gordon Parks as an examplar. He is undoubtedly a great photographer and we all have much to experience and learn from his unique veiw of the World. Might I suggest you consider Raghu Rai at some point down the road. Meanwhile, thank you very much and I look forward to you next offering. Daniel
My pleasure Daniel. Thanks for watching. I was thinking of doing someone closer to home (Alf Kumalo for example) but there was so so little information out there. Parks on the other hand has a rich body of work and interviews to draw from. I think Kumalo and other South African struggle photographers will be better served as a collective (Apparently most of Kumalo's negatives are currently gathering dust in a falling down museum as his family fight over his legacy)
@@ThePhotographicEye Hello Alex. An introduction to Alf Khumala's work would be fascinating. Thanks to you, I've just been researching some of his work. It takes me back to the time I first arrived in England (1967) following the Guardian's coverage of developments in South Africa. A very emotive time for me. Look forward to your next video, Alex. And thanks.
"Pictures that I'd wished that I'd never had to take." Therefore, pictures that I'd wished I'd never seen! Important work from Gordon Parks, how things have changed but remain the same for many. Thank you once again, Alex.
Mr. Parks’ commentary on the photos that he wished he hadn’t HAD to take made me choke up and brought a tear to my eyes. His subjects are so much like the people that I have known all my life. Thank you for bringing this great man’s works to a fresh set of eyes, and his ideals to new minds. Good show sir. Carry on, cheers.
"No gear, just ideas". When you think that most iconic photographs of the 20th century were shot with much less technology and optical capabilities than what it is available in any mid range android (let alone iphones)... This is one of the channels that I enjoy the most, currently.
One interesting point that he made was that he didn't like taking the picture, but he had to. I think anyone who has taken photographs like his in that kind of situation completely understands that.
Some of my earliest memories as a toddler are from "Life" magazine at home in the early '60's. I was mezmerized by the photography of some of the world's best PJ's, Gordon Parks was one of them, a pioneer, a great documentary photographer, a multi-talented creative giant.
Although I do need to learn about equipment, image editing software etc, I find that there are plenty of places for that. I think the premise of your youtube channel, here, is pure genius and intellectually pure as well. I am seeing photography in a whole different light (pardon the pun) since I started watching. You have really inspired me to think much more deeply about what the purpose of my photography should be and address the question, "what do I really want to say" in my indelible images.
Another excellent video. Very relevant to the recent events in Minneapolis. He was such a gifted photographer. His images draw the viewer in to ask what is happening and leave us thoughtful. Thank you.
I hope other photographers pass these videos on this channel along to other photographers…especially young photographers, as it offers narrative and context to their craft.
Many thanks for this excellent presentation. Gordon Parks one of the true legends of documentary photography. Your channel is awesome, a great and inspirational learning experience. Well done.
I"m going to be completely honest. When I saw this thumbnail, I thought "oh no, not another people (life?) photographer", however I am really glad I watched it. What you are teaching us is the art of critical thinking in relation to photography. A very helpful skill.
Thanks - i'm glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful. Having specialized in portraiture (and having started out wanting to be a photojournalist) my bias is towards 'people' centric photography. Of course there are far more disciplines than that in the medium - thanks for reminding me :D
@@ThePhotographicEye Yes I'd love to see more wildlife photographers get the credit they deserve but it's completely understandable to talk about the photography you know best. You are teaching us skills we can apply to our own photography no matter what the subject is & help us improve & I'm grateful for that.
I really enjoyed this. Thank you. I'd never come across him (except for Shaft) and loved this introduction to a man who didn't just tell a story, but used his craft to powerfully open up a world.
I knew Gordon Parks work, but I had never seen the Crime assignment. Thats some powerful work and one that coudnt be easy for him to do specially at the time period it was done. Great content! Thank you for this.
Some of Parks images really grab me, often those you describe as having that cinematic character (which is instantly arresting), but shorn of its history a lot of his imagery leaves me flat; probably the prevailing conditions for most photojournalists and documentary photographers. Of course, other people's mileage will certainly differ. Thanks
I just got to know about him for the first time,this morning,seeing how risky it must have been to get up close photos as good as these. Thank you for your analysis and expression ,I already subscribed,awesome content .well done
Excellent observations and commentary. You are really good at this. I always follow up with some research on the photographer that you present. Thank you.
Thank you for yet another insightful episode - My late father used to be a faithful Life Magazine subscriber and I distantly remember him telling me not to look too closely here (Parks' contribution you deal with here). I did though, under the covers.
Never had the pleasure of reading Life when I was younger - The only thing I was really exposed to were National Geographic's at school - but not quite the same thing.
@@ThePhotographicEye NatGeo was at school for us too. And ...I just remembered, my father also subscribed to beautiful English magazines, the jewel in the crown being Country Life with its spectacular properties for sale, and occasionally even a delightful "English Rose " making her photographic debut!💖
I'm shocked! After all, that advert for it is peak awesome. I mean, why bother showing the car, lets just stick the factory directors face in there instead. That'll draw the crowds!
I'm seriously wondering if the boy in the black suit at 2:48 grew up to be the trumpet player Irvin Mayfield at 1:02 That would be a cool turn of events if it were true.
I've always loved the work of Josef Sudek; could you do a podcast on this interesting photographer? Thanks! I've been a fan of your work pretty much from the get-go. Keep it up!
Thanks so much for the great work. I love the content that's beyond learning photography. Would be great if you could talk about Fred Herzog or Lewis Hine in one of the next episodes.
Hi Marli! Long time! I’m so pleased you found your way here and you like what I’m sharing The PTA days seem an age ago now, but also in a way, so very recent. How are things in Korea?
Thanks so much for this one. Gordon Parks is a top inspiration next to Walker Evans. Any chance we can get a Mark Steinmetz? Ges ny favorite modern photographer
@@ThePhotographicEye yeah, you can feel the empathy, how much it cost to him to take the picture, but that he thought that by taking it he could change the conditions that brought that picture to exist in the first place. Photojournalism is not for the faint of heart.
Us there a photographer who advanced the cause of our original constitution for example one who has pictures of communist vietnam residential areas or the communist horrors of soviet union or the murders if innocent mostly christians in the soviet union or communist china. I mean where is there photography that is a cause for the advancement of liberty and freedoms that showcases the horrors if lawlessness and anarchy. Because the public could use some education on that note.
An exceptional reinsonce man. Everything he touched he elevated. RIP my hero.
"needed someone to say something for them" ~ the essence of this essay.
Alex, thank you yet again.
🙏
I could listen, and look for hours. Such a beautiful way to learn about photography. Thank you so much for your great work.
Many thanks Heinz, glad you liked it.
"Clarity of message and empathy for whom he sought to champion"... Beautifully said, couldn't have described G. Parks's photography better
Glad you enjoyed it Adrian
Hadn’t heard of Gordon Parks before. Thanks for the education into an aspect of photography beyond learning how to expose a shot correctly.
My pleasure. It's such an overlooked way to help improve ones photography - looking at other photographers whom you've never heard of
I was beginning to wonder when you might introduce a "Black" photographer to your excellent series of introductions. And I'm doubly pleased you have chosen Gordon Parks as an examplar. He is undoubtedly a great photographer and we all have much to experience and learn from his unique veiw of the World. Might I suggest you consider Raghu Rai at some point down the road. Meanwhile, thank you very much and I look forward to you next offering. Daniel
My pleasure Daniel. Thanks for watching. I was thinking of doing someone closer to home (Alf Kumalo for example) but there was so so little information out there. Parks on the other hand has a rich body of work and interviews to draw from.
I think Kumalo and other South African struggle photographers will be better served as a collective (Apparently most of Kumalo's negatives are currently gathering dust in a falling down museum as his family fight over his legacy)
@@ThePhotographicEye Hello Alex. An introduction to Alf Khumala's work would be fascinating. Thanks to you, I've just been researching some of his work. It takes me back to the time I first arrived in England (1967) following the Guardian's coverage of developments in South Africa. A very emotive time for me. Look forward to your next video, Alex. And thanks.
The images where a real eyeopener from a photographer I had not known about, hope to get one one of his books in the future.
Happy to have introduced you to him David.
"Pictures that I'd wished that I'd never had to take." Therefore, pictures that I'd wished I'd never seen! Important work from Gordon Parks, how things have changed but remain the same for many. Thank you once again, Alex.
My pleasure Allan. Of course Parks is just one of many photographers who have been in that situation.
Mr. Parks’ commentary on the photos that he wished he hadn’t HAD to take made me choke up and brought a tear to my eyes. His subjects are so much like the people that I have known all my life. Thank you for bringing this great man’s works to a fresh set of eyes, and his ideals to new minds. Good show sir. Carry on, cheers.
It was my pleasure John. There was so much good content I discovered when researching, I feel there's another episode in the works.
"No gear, just ideas". When you think that most iconic photographs of the 20th century were shot with much less technology and optical capabilities than what it is available in any mid range android (let alone iphones)...
This is one of the channels that I enjoy the most, currently.
This video is filling in answers of why to photograph certain things and people. Empathy and respect, to give people a voice
This is the best analysis of Parks’ work that I have seen.
Thanks Angela - glad you liked it :D
One interesting point that he made was that he didn't like taking the picture, but he had to. I think anyone who has taken photographs like his in that kind of situation completely understands that.
That sentence has seemed to resonate a lot with people.
Some of my earliest memories as a toddler are from "Life" magazine at home in the early '60's. I was mezmerized by the photography of some of the world's best PJ's, Gordon Parks was one of them, a pioneer, a great documentary photographer, a multi-talented creative giant.
It's crazy just how multi talented he was!
Gordon Parks is my inspiration… The first MultipleMediaManager™ ✊🏿
Glad you enjoyed it.
Although I do need to learn about equipment, image editing software etc, I find that there are plenty of places for that. I think the premise of your youtube channel, here, is pure genius and intellectually pure as well. I am seeing photography in a whole different light (pardon the pun) since I started watching. You have really inspired me to think much more deeply about what the purpose of my photography should be and address the question, "what do I really want to say" in my indelible images.
Great photographer and clearly a very clever, talented man.
Very much so. I was extremely surprised just how multitalented he was.
Another excellent video. Very relevant to the recent events in Minneapolis. He was such a gifted photographer. His images draw the viewer in to ask what is happening and leave us thoughtful. Thank you.
Thanks David. I wasn't actually aware of that trial going on, tend not to watch much news these days (and also being in the UK)
Fascinating video of a life well lived, so inspirational; thank you. 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
This is a treat to listen how someone else interprets photographs, helps to see things in photos you missed.
Thank you Mikko -glad you enjoyed it
I hope other photographers pass these videos on this channel along to other photographers…especially young photographers, as it offers narrative and context to their craft.
Many thanks for this excellent presentation. Gordon Parks one of the true legends of documentary photography. Your channel is awesome, a great and inspirational learning experience. Well done.
I"m going to be completely honest. When I saw this thumbnail, I thought "oh no, not another people (life?) photographer", however I am really glad I watched it. What you are teaching us is the art of critical thinking in relation to photography. A very helpful skill.
Thanks - i'm glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful.
Having specialized in portraiture (and having started out wanting to be a photojournalist) my bias is towards 'people' centric photography. Of course there are far more disciplines than that in the medium - thanks for reminding me :D
@@ThePhotographicEye Yes I'd love to see more wildlife photographers get the credit they deserve but it's completely understandable to talk about the photography you know best. You are teaching us skills we can apply to our own photography no matter what the subject is & help us improve & I'm grateful for that.
Excellent presentation! If I ever become a good photographer, you and your channel will have a notable contribution! Thank You 🙏
That's great to hear! i'm so pleased it helped you out..
Amazing study on an amazing photographer. Thanks so much for the lesson
Fascinating - many thanks for this insightful video.
My pleasure - I'm glad you liked it
I’d love a video about Cristina García Rodero. Thanks for this channel!!!
🙏
I admire photographers who are capable of such work.
It's a rare talent isn't it
He started Essence magazine, which happened to be one of the first magazines I shot for New York City small world
Thank you !
brilliant presentation. Fine work by Gordon Parks.
Some really helpful ideas in this video - thank you.
My pleasure Tim. Hope you enjoyed it.
well said. thank you.
thanks for the penetrating analysis of the work and gifts of the master of photography:Gordon Parks
Thanks for watching, it's my pleasure!
Great analysis of a genius. Thanks 👍
My pleasure!
Really enjoyed that. Thank You
Glad you enjoyed it
Beautiful and powerful video... I too know of this Master and his work, but I've never seen these Life / Crime images. So touching. Excellent video!
Glad you liked it
I really enjoyed this. Thank you. I'd never come across him (except for Shaft) and loved this introduction to a man who didn't just tell a story, but used his craft to powerfully open up a world.
Awesome presentation!
Thank you kindly!
I knew Gordon Parks work, but I had never seen the Crime assignment. Thats some powerful work and one that coudnt be easy for him to do specially at the time period it was done. Great content! Thank you for this.
Hi João Cardoso! That's very kind of you
I have this book it is very candid and thought-provoking........well-reviewed,.................... young man I agree........THANKS
Glad you found it worthy. Thanks for watching
Thank you for bringing his photos to my attention, very interesting.
Great job.........thank you
Thanks for watching!
Some of Parks images really grab me, often those you describe as having that cinematic character (which is instantly arresting), but shorn of its history a lot of his imagery leaves me flat; probably the prevailing conditions for most photojournalists and documentary photographers. Of course, other people's mileage will certainly differ. Thanks
You have built a great channel Sir! Many thanks.
Thank you too!
Really, really good stuff. Thank you.
amazing! thank you!
Glad you like it!
Good one! Thank you for your great work. I nice to found a photography channel that talk about the power of the medium and not just about gear.
Awesome, thank you!
Fantastic social history captured with an empathetic eye...just wonderful time capsule of another world.
Thank you 🙏
Topical release timing. You employed step 3 but in the video? Nice.
Thanks for watching it.
Thank you
You're welcome
Thank you so much for this.
Great review & explanation why his work is still important today.
My pleasure, thanks for watching
I just got to know about him for the first time,this morning,seeing how risky it must have been to get up close photos as good as these. Thank you for your analysis and expression ,I already subscribed,awesome content .well done
Yet another amazing episode! Thank you!
Thanks ever so much
I always appreciated Gordon Parks work but your very in depth video of him only enhanced it, thank you.
You're very welcome, thanks for watching
Excellent observations and commentary. You are really good at this. I always follow up with some research on the photographer that you present. Thank you.
Thank you very much!
He was an amazing photographer and your talk did him credit, thanks Alex.
Glad you liked it Iain
Thank you for yet another insightful episode - My late father used to be a faithful Life Magazine subscriber and I distantly remember him telling me not to look too closely here (Parks' contribution you deal with here). I did though, under the covers.
Never had the pleasure of reading Life when I was younger - The only thing I was really exposed to were National Geographic's at school - but not quite the same thing.
@@ThePhotographicEye NatGeo was at school for us too. And ...I just remembered, my father also subscribed to beautiful English magazines, the jewel in the crown being Country Life with its spectacular properties for sale, and occasionally even a delightful "English Rose " making her photographic debut!💖
thanks
You're welcome!
What an eye! Stunning images.
Yes, they most certainly are
Thank you.
Wow!
Good video. The Ford Edsel was a disaster though. Few dreamed of buying it
I'm shocked! After all, that advert for it is peak awesome. I mean, why bother showing the car, lets just stick the factory directors face in there instead. That'll draw the crowds!
I'm seriously wondering if the boy in the black suit at 2:48 grew up to be the trumpet player Irvin Mayfield at 1:02
That would be a cool turn of events if it were true.
I wonder if anyone knows...
I've always loved the work of Josef Sudek; could you do a podcast on this interesting photographer? Thanks! I've been a fan of your work pretty much from the get-go. Keep it up!
Great suggestion!
Well done
My p;leasure
Great job
Thanks
Thanks so much for the great work. I love the content that's beyond learning photography. Would be great if you could talk about Fred Herzog or Lewis Hine in one of the next episodes.
legend
You're an excellent teacher, Alex! 😊
Hi Marli! Long time!
I’m so pleased you found your way here and you like what I’m sharing
The PTA days seem an age ago now, but also in a way, so very recent.
How are things in Korea?
Watched a cracking documentary called Seeing Light about Dorothy Bohm today, on Sky Arts.
Thanks for the suggestion - will see if I can find it.
Thanks so much for this one. Gordon Parks is a top inspiration next to Walker Evans. Any chance we can get a Mark Steinmetz? Ges ny favorite modern photographer
Finally
Getting there in the end.
I’ve seen a lot of park’s work but not that color spread on crime for Life.
Glad I could share it with you
Subbed! And following up Parks ASAP
"I hated taking it, but I had to do it"
It's very powerful isn't it.
@@ThePhotographicEye yeah, you can feel the empathy, how much it cost to him to take the picture, but that he thought that by taking it he could change the conditions that brought that picture to exist in the first place. Photojournalism is not for the faint of heart.
Striking imagery
Us there a photographer who advanced the cause of our original constitution for example one who has pictures of communist vietnam residential areas or the communist horrors of soviet union or the murders if innocent mostly christians in the soviet union or communist china. I mean where is there photography that is a cause for the advancement of liberty and freedoms that showcases the horrors if lawlessness and anarchy. Because the public could use some education on that note.
I think something is being lost in translation here - are you able to explain better?