Meet The Street Photographer Who Broke All Rules.
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- čas přidán 4. 06. 2024
- Ruth Orkin left her house in LA bounded for NYC. The year was 1939. A photography journey that in a way made her break with the rules and expectations of her time.
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Video Breakdown
00:00 Intro.
01:12 Rules Are Meant To Be Broken.
05:02 Filmora Segment.
06:08 Blurry Lines.
09:35 A Frame Within a Frame.
11:06 Ruth Orkin After 1939.
12:15 Curious Note & Outro.
Home Movie Footage from:
• 16mm Home movie from 1948
More on Ruth Orkin
www.orkinphoto.com
www.henricartierbresson.org/e...
Meet The Street Photographer Who Broke All Rules.
By Tatiana Hopper
January 2024
Copyright disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research.
Under this guidance, I’ve created content which is guided towards the education, celebration and promotion of said photographs and photographers who have contributed immensely to the art of photography.
An effort is made by the presenter, verbally and through the usage of links (in the video’s description) to encourage the audience to explore the work presented beyond the video and engage with said content through books, articles and relevant links to each photographer’s own social media.u a in - Krátké a kreslené filmy
The story of Ruth Orkin is a fascinating one, do you know of anything similar or a curious story that I could feature here on the channel? Also you can find more about Orkin's work here: www.orkinphoto.com
Thank you all so much for watching and the support the channel!
Have you heard of Miroslav Tichý and the story behind his home made cameras so he could keep working after his paintings and his tools were destroyed by his government? I don't remember his full story nor do I know all of his work but he popped into my mind when thinking of a "curious stories" regarding a photographer.
@@imaginairydotcom yes I have I think I mentioned his story on a members video very briefly but I haven’t actually made a full video about his story.. good idea!
Maybe look into Jakob Holdts book "American pictures" from 1978?
The only difference between an amateur and a professional is that a professional figures out a way to get paid for what they do. The trick is to keep an amateur mindset if one is a professional and refuse to accept limitations when experimenting.
Excellent take Dan!
I always get asked whether I’m a professional when I’m shooting street photography, as if that’s a prerequisite for being any good?
I reply, that I’m better than a professional, because I don’t have any boundaries or limitations imposed on my art form!
It's sad to think that many enthusiastic photographers turn pro only to become disillusioned when their dream job turns into nothing more than doing whatever is necessary to pay the bills.
@caw25sha That's truth right there. I agree.
How true that is. When amateur photographers become 'professional', they lose or forget the wonder of creating a photographic image.
it saddens that even today the importance place on "professional" status in order for ones art to be viewed as "good" or "valid"photography. Especially when experimenting with vision, techniques is some of the important keys to new art, which are often drop by the wayside by the "professional". I felt she was ahead of her time and deserves more credit
I have a similar perspective I think she was very talented in her own right, cheers for watching!
I love her story. She was an adventurer at a young age. Not afraid to take risks and lived her dream. Kudos to her. And we are fortunate to see her work, and thank you for your wonderful presentation! ✌️🌹
💯 thank you so much for watching and commenting Joe!
Thank you again for sharing one of the most educational photography channels on youtube!
Another photographer I never heard of. Thanks for sharing her story Tatiana!
Thank you Victor! Glad you enjoyed it!
she was a beautiful soul with a heart of gold! what a pioneer!!!! i wish i could have met her!
Same ! She sure had many stories to tell!
Your channel is a jewel!
Thank you!
Long live the brave amateur! Thanks for introducing Ruth Orkin (to me at least), very informative video as always.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it and I'm with you long live the brave amateur spirit!
Hello Tatiana!!
OH wow...another fascinating presentation!!! Thank you!!
I hope this new year is finding you and yours well.
What types of images are you shooting so far ? I"m trying to dedicate myself to all things panoramic in aspect ratio....it's giving me a new way to look at the world.
With that, I'm trying to decide if I want to slant all my color stuff to the orange/teal type paradigm that cinema has these days or not...still deciding on that.
I'd been shooting so much B&W over past couple years...I'm playing with color again, HOWEVER, after Mardi Gras is over (I live in New Orleans)...I think I"m gonna make myself do only pano in B&W for awhile.
I find it fun to give myself restrictions on how I shoot...and that often dictates my compositions I find to work with at the time.
Well, enough rambling, Have a GREAT day and a Happy Mardi Gras season!!
CC
Thanks for sharing this. I ordered the book ❤
Oh cool! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it! Thanks for watching
Thanks for your video about Ruth Orkin, a new name to me. There are some slippery lines between pro and amateur, between following and breaking the rules, and between art and commerce. Such distinctions could complicate the task of presenting an even-handed review of the work of a serious but relatively unknown practitioner in a mere 15 minutes. You make that work, again and again. Plus, for me, a bonus. As a seven-year-old kid in the '50s, the family watched a movie on TV about a little kid who ran away from home and sought refuge in New York's Coney Island. Over decades and decades, scenes from the one viewing would come to mind. Maybe 20 years ago, when Google became Google, and when my mind once again stumbled across this old memory, I began the search, with not much frame of reference and only the broadest search terms. It did not take long. "The Little Fugitive," mentioned toward the end of your piece, is on CZcams. czcams.com/video/ikbkSvWcdTQ/video.htmlsi=c7nmT-KtdkmsmZzU
As an amateur I have an audience of 1 I have to please, me. So I can do whatever I want as a photographer, experiment as I want, break the as many rules as I want. The problem with many commercial genres is there conventions and customer expectations that must be met to be commercially successful. Even in the art market, you have to somehow please the buying public to spend money on your photos, and in the art market tastes are fickle.
An excellent mini documentary about one of my favorite photographers. It was Ruth Orkin's photographs and short film 'Little Fugitive' that renewed my interest in photography. Her 'A Photo Journal (A Studio book)' was one of my favorite photo books. I hope to find a near mint copy for my photo book collection. Keep up the great video work.
Amazing thanks for your comment and mentioning that book I need to see if I can find a copy of that book too :) thanks for watching!
Thank you Tatiana, loved the video about Ruth and her captivating work, her adventurous lifestyle was most interesting to me and am looking forward to researching her some more.
Yes there’s links in the description if you’re curious Rich, I’m sure a few books too! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!
Another good one, Thank you Tatiana.
Thank you!
I saw her exhibit at the Foundation Henri Cartier-Bresson in Paris last November. Worth going to see.
Absolutely as I said in the video I also went it was great!
Excellent analysis. Your productions continue to improve. Thank you!
Thank you Jose!
Tatiana ; thank you for making video's that do not focus on yourself , as some photo bloggers do. By making this video about a place a person their " eyes " and seeing , not focusing upon yourself , we your viewers and fellow photographers are able to focus outside of ourselves too and see. I loved the video as it was my Uncle and Mothers time. Thanks ; C.
When the FBI started persecuting Sid Grossman and then other members of the Photo League, she joined as a protest, in 1949. There she met her husband, Morris Engel, and attended lectures and discussions. She had already studied photojournalism briefly at the LA City College in 1940 (the year after her “bicycle” ride). A lot of the Photo League were Jewish, like Ruth herself. In 1947 she was in Israel reporting on the arrival of refugees from Europe. In 1951 she went to Israel with the Israeli Philharmonic. She lived for several months on a kibbutz. Before she shipped for her return she had proposed the story of a young girl travelling Europe on her own. She spent 5 months travelling in Europe. Of course, to photograph such a story she needed a collaborator and was lucky to have befriended Jinx Allen (Ninalee Craig). After her return to NY she had two acclaimed films with her husband.
Excellent video! Thanks!
Wonderful story ! Thank you for introducing me such a great woman.
Than you for watching!
Recently, there was a very good exhibition of her photos in Budapest at Mai Manó Ház (House of Hungarian Photographers). I really liked her photos, even though I had never heard of her before. Even some of the cameras she used were on display.
I forgot about that photograph, her most famous one, but know that I think back on it, I think it is one of the photos that inspired me to want to take pictures.
Thank you for sharing the story of this remarkable photographer! She was truly pioneering for her time and within society. I find it fascinating to ponder the fact that her pictures were initially considered 'amatorial.' It makes me wonder, were all the 'big photographers of old times' amateurs in their early productions? As you rightly pointed out, experimentation is an integral part of the growth process and rule-changing in art.
The realization that she, being a woman, had less authority compared to male photographers is something I can't ignore. It brings to mind other women like Margaret Bourke-White, who worked for Life. Before gaining recognition, she too was a portrait photographer with a small studio. It seems the words of Virginia Woolf remain relevant: 'For Most of History, Anonymous Was A Woman'
Fortunately, Ruth eventually received the recognition she deserved. However, it makes me contemplate how many talented female photographers may have been lost to history due to the constraints of the old times. This sentiment extends beyond photography and can be easily applied to painters, musicians, and more.
I apologise for the passionate rant, but this is a topic I genuinely care about and I appreciate the depth of the discussion you share in the video.
How very interesting. I’d never heard of her before. What a fascinating life she must have lived. I don’t think her photos are that different from some of the more famous male photographers of the time. Good for her for pushing the boundaries. Shame she’s not had more recognition. Thanks for bringing her to life.
She was ahead of her time I believe, pushing the boundaries.
Another great video from you Tatiana, thank you. Just one observation I have made over several years is how many great photographers use their left eye to the viewfinder. I may be mistaken but I, like many of us, use my right eye over the viewfinder. 🙏🏻
Have you done Christer Strömholm yet. Fascinating story and some amazing images.
Nice video. I have been aware of Ruth and her work for a long time, but somehow never knew about her beginnings at the bike trip at 17, which make for a compelling story. [Kudos, also on the elegance of your captions. As a graphic designer, I truly appreciate your approach here.❤]
The 17 years old part is fascinating! At 17 my mother wouldn’t let me get past the end of my block, let alone across the country!
Thank you so much!
Her photos are beautiful!
Indeed!
Suggestion for video: Shirley Clarke, photographer and filmmaker, short films Bridges Go-round, Skyscaper, in 50s and features Portrait of Jason, Connection in 60's, worked and helped Cassavetes, Mekas and underground film people. I wouldn't be surprised if she had a link to Orkin and Morris Engel.
Another suggestion: Maya Deren experimental 40s Meshes in the Afternoon.
Will look it up thanks so much for the suggestions!
Thank you for introducing me to a photographer that I wasn't familiar with.
A lovely lecture: I am going to find a copy of this book.This reminds me of my daughter.
Thank you for watching!
Great video Tatiana 👍
Thank you so much!
Thanks again for covering less well-known, but significant artists in a thoughtful manner. BtW, Ansel Adams considered himself to be an "amateur," as he made the images he wanted, as opposed to trying to deliver a product to a client (which is all that "professional" means--it has nothing to do with how good the images are).
Minor point, but oops...The caption at 9:18 might be better as "Times Square with Statue of Liberty replica, NYC, 1945."
Thanks Tatiana. Ruth Orkin was a wonderful photographer and I love her work. I'd also recommend the comprehensive book Ruth Orkin - A Photo Spirit which was released in 2021 to mark 100 years since her birth. Her daughter Mary Engel wrote the Forward to the book and, as I understand it, she also oversees her mother's archive.
That’s right Tim I also read that Mary Engel oversees the archive and I think she’s doing a great job the website is very consistent and there’s great information about Ruth in it, thanks for watching!
In my old job there was a big frame with a big black and white photo that I thought was from Robert Frank and guess what? It was 'American Girl in Italy' by Ruth Orkin... The comparison was well justified! Thanks for making me discover a great photographer. PS : I wish I could grab that frame now 😂
Interesting piece, T. I enjoyed the work she created on her trip.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Cycling and photography … a great combination! My Fuji X100V with a PS Bagworks rider strap accompanies me when I ride my carbon endurance road bicycle. A great variety of scenery covering 100+ km’s sometimes but at a pace that lets me enjoy the landscape and capture some nice, mostly B&W photos. Ta very much for this interesting video. 📷🚴♂️☕️🙂 PS: I had a bicycle crash last year and broke two bones in my left hand but incredibly the Fuji survived … that’s one tough little camera!
Good video! Never heard of her but I think she was a great artist even if amateur in her initial pursuit. She's still more bold and I'd say just as talented with some of her compositions and ideas as many other photographers of a similar stylistic caliber.
A very knowledgeable and informed discussion. Thank you.
Thank you Zoltan!
Thank you for your content !
Thank you for watching!
I love her earlier work.. very raw and creative.. as she developed her photos seemed to lose the creative power.. but great video.. can you do something on Tidh Murtha..
Okay I liked this video particularly that you broke down what makes her story interesting… her age, gender etc which I think it’s important to highlight. I’ll be on the lookout for that book… thanks to you I’ve spent a small fortune on photobooks already 🫠
Yeah I felt that was important! Ahahha please don’t go broke jk well I’m glad you’re adding to your collection :)
I saw a gallery about her photographic life in Italy, very interesting
Thank you.
Thanks for another great video!
Glad you enjoyed it! 🙏🏻
"Bike Trip USA, 1939" will be released in the US on 7 May, 2024, and can be pre-ordered through Amazon.
Amazing!
Interesting: A few months back while browsing a 2nd hand store, I saw a framed print of the streetcorner scene (about 11:44 in the youtube) and found it amusing so I snagged a pic on my phone.
Now it shows up in this video... now I know the story behind it. Thanks.
Thanks for watching!
I was happy to hear you say that you are not focused on the sex of the photographer. A good image is a good image regardless of whatever label one could ascribe to a photographer; male, female, amateur, professional etc.
her story would be a good story today. It is a remarkable story for 1939!
Great work! Thanks 🙏
Absolutely like I said I did it before for titling purposes only (say videos related to a research etc), however, I think to me its important to judge an image for what it is rather to judge who took it. That's at least how I see it, I respect that some people might see it differently but talent should not have to fulfil a ratio. Talent is talent.
That was great! Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it Larry!
In the arts world, there are no rules to break. There's only the rules that you think exist and hold you back.
Interesting. Have you covered Lee Miller? I can't see her in your videos. She was worthy of a video. Nice job.
Yes two years ago I think but her estate didn’t like it and asked CZcams to have it removed… I said nothing wrong at all just simply talked about her career very briefly.
Very interesting & enjoyable video.
Thanks for watching!
I'm a street photographer. All the people I photograph candidly are amateurs. I enjoyed this video greatly.
Thank you Thomas!
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She has totally reincarnated and is one of those really successful travel vloggers who travel only first class.
I'm afraid I fell into the trap of thinking An American Girl in Italy was, more or less, all she did (a photographic one-hit-wonder as it were). More than glad to be disabused of that notion. Great video, as usual.
Fair enough! To be honest if it wasn’t for the members video and exhibition I knew nothing because that’s where I first encountered her and American girl in Italy. Thank you for watching!
Great, your channel is irreplaceable!
Thank you brother! Cheers! 🙏🏻🙏🏻
👍❤️👍
🙏🏻
An intriguing glimpse at what Vivian Maier could have been if she'd pushed herself a bit harder.
Hmm I see your point I think with her there were other things at play I read recently that she suffered with her mental health, I also think she never really aspired to be a professional photographer from what I could get, but I might be wrong!
@@TatianaHopper I recently read Vivian Maier Developed by Anne Marks which is an incredibly detailed and well researched biography. It dispels the myth that Vivian Maier never made any attempt at becoming a professional photographer. She was involved in the New York photographic community in the late 40s/early 50s and considered setting up a postcard business.
Why it didn't come about isn't clear but it may just be she didn't have much business acumen or didn't believe there was a market for the type of photography she was interested in. She did have issues later in life, being a compulsive hoarder of newspapers for example.
Anyway, it's an excellent book and expands a lot on the very simplistic popular view of Maier.
@@caw25sha oh that’s actually a great recommendation I appreciate your comment I might read it and thanks for dispelling the myth. I knew she had tried to had professional prints done of her work earlier in France but I didn’t know she aspired to be a professional photographer at some point. Still we can’t really know for sure about her not trying hard. Thanks for sharing the info and for watching the vid!
@@TatianaHopper, before tackling Maier be sure to read up on the several biographical treatments; they offer very different perspectives.
@@LloydSpencer Will do!
The only rule in photography is the rule of thirds which should be broken at every opportunity
i wish i was your friend Tatiana
I broke all my cameras:3
😱
Love your videos, I really enjoy them...I get your point, but come on, you must realize that Newton was not struck on the head by an apple and he was not underneath this tree.
Interesting video, but can you please credit the musicians/band? (Or, did I miss it?)
Well-t-do parents and Jewish connections always help greatly in art/photography.
What does it mean: Amateur? Does it mean: Has not sold any picture? Or does it mean: Makes only average photos? Some of these photos are really good and that is all that matters. Never hear of people who just use prefabricated experessions!
First!
🙌
Who cares if you reference to her as a woman? Common sense is dead in this world.
You missed the point.