Timeless photography lessons from Robert Frank
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 7. 07. 2024
- Welcome to another video and today we're taking lessons from "The Americans" by Robert Frank and have a look at how important his photography and this photobook were in the context of the 1950s.
Thank you so much for watching & supporting the channel!
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Links to my work
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Books Mentioned
The Americans l blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
Other Americas l amzn.to/3O71IfG
More on Robert Frank
www.britannica.com/biography/...
www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/r...
www.lensculture.com/articles/...
Footage
WWII
âą Red Army WW2 Footage HD
1950s America
âą 1950âs American Family...
American South
âą Experiencing Racism in...
Las Vegas
âą Las Vegas 1968 ~ Sight...
Music
Release Me by Junior Kimbrough
Covered by Big Wilson & Matt Lindsay
2021
âą Release Me - Jr. Kimbr...
Video Breakdown
00:00 - Intro
03:58 - Sucking a sad poem right out of America
07:41 - A note on Robert Frank's style
10:44 - Lesson one - composition has no rules
12:45 - Lesson two - there's photos everywhere
13: 20 - Lesson three - Don't be afraid to edit your photos
14: 03 - Book Recommendation
14:55 - Conclusions
Copyright disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for âfair useâ purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research.
Under this guidance, Iâve 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 videoâs 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 photographerâs own social media.
Therefore, I believe the inclusion of said images, footage and other sources can overall add depth and appreciation for the subject of the video whilst also enriching the visuals and dynamics of the it. All within what is within the fair use scope and CZcamsâs policies.
âAs an artist today I somehow feel that you have to be enraged. I mean, besides the intuition I had and how the country affected me, I also didnât want to produce what everybody else was producing.â
Robert Frank - Kråtké a kreslené filmy
Beyond your always insightful narrative, the art direction of your presentation is impressive. Typography, sound, pacing. Your productions stand out.
I have owned a copy of "The Americans" for more years than I care to count (40+) and thank you for this presentation of Robert Frank's work. Despite my work being primarily large format and quite different than Frank's work, seeing his photographs are like going to a well, filled with creativity and vision. Thank you for your observation about his compositional ideas at about 11 minutes. The internet is filled with advice about composition approaching it from a rules perspective rather than a dynamic understanding of the scene. Edward Weston was always good at describing this - "the print, is but a duplication of all that I saw and felt through my camera.â.
One of my favorite. I did a video myself about Robert Frank and the way he approached the book and photography in general amazed me. I think there is always something more to learn from these photographers.
I highly recommend âDriveâ by Andrew Bush. He rigged a camera to his passenger-side window on his car and would photograph ordinary people driving in their cars. One of my favorite books. I would also love to see you review âAlone Streetâ from Gregory Crewdson.
Just checked it out, such a cool and unique perspective!
Hey Alejandro! Than you so much for your recommendations I just looked up both books and they look really good and definitely very interested ideas / content to bring to the channel :)
As I currently donât have much time shooting, I just do it on the way to work and back to home đ
Thank you for this!
I love that!
Robert Frank has said on numerous occasions that the blurry photo's were mostly due technical limitations of film and lenses in their time, and never was a purely artistic choice; I know because he told me personally in 2009.
I would like to recommend a book by one of my favourite photographers: Lee Miller. In this case her book, "Grim Glory", taken when she was working for Vogue Britain during WWII. She was a maverick and an outstanding example of the New Woman of the early part of the 20th Century. Stunningly beautiful, hugely intelligent, talented and determined not to be held back by the constraints of the dominant misogyny of the time that counted her good looks against her. At the same time she was a wounded soul, and constantly fighting her own demons - made worse by her experiences as an outstanding combat photographer and documenter of the death camps. Her transformation from model to photographer, to war correspondent and finally cordon bleu chef showed her restless soul, supported by a strong drive and talent.
I loved this period of photography. The framing of a narrative where our eyes could roam over an image. The camera as extension of the eye that consumed a moment as it consumed the photographer and as the photographer was energised by the newness of what they were encountering, the framing on film created a distillation of the encounter. When I view these images the narrative is all in my head, based on my life experiences and use of the medium and itâs trappings. The 35mm camera was cool because, it could go anywhere and be in the moment without necessarily changing that moment, by requiring anything to be arranged to accommodate it. I get that sensation of a human eye and body moving through a space and the framing puts me there and little cues of juxtaposition, perspective, tone and contrast, motion blur, depth of focus etc, give me an experience of seeing like Frank. The images are a catalyst for contemplation of time and place. Great book. You also like another favourite of mine Salgado. He is the photographic equivalent to magical realist writing. His work is tirelessly intriguing in its ability to stop time and draw me out of the present. Spectacular!
Did you ever have a wonderful day in a museum with a wonderful docent?
That's what a video by Hopper is like for me!
aww thank you ahah that's one of the best compliments I've ever gotten on the channel, appreciate it :)
Loved this one so much, my friend. I've watched it twice. In the time that I have been homeless I've been welcomed into homes that all share one specific thing; This book has been on all their bookshelves. And has been inspiring for me to find my way with a special project. And now this. Thank you!
Hey lovely John! I've been wondering how you've been, thank you so much for watching and showing so much support to the channel, so glad those homes have one of these in their bookshelves shows how important and how many people this book has touched and retained its value! Appreciate you and hope you're well đ€
I love the work of Robert Frank. Not just âThe Americansâ but also âPeruâ. I hope to get more of his work. Highly recommended!
The Americans - one of my absolutely favourite photobooks. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Robert Frank and his great work. Very interesting!!
Hey, I really appreciate you for making this. its the photo history I've been wanting. Please keep making these !
Brandon Thibodeaux, "In That Land of Perfect Day." Passion, commitment, honesty, integrity, empathy ---- all traits necessary for great photos. These photos will stick with you.
Excellent!
Thanks for taking the time to inspire us, this is beautiful :)
So great to wactch again, yes Robert Frank its incredible, i show a few days ago, a documentary about hes latest photography work, wher he draw, paint, film in 8mm and 16mm...super fresh, just an humble recomendation.
thanks for create and share this videos, are also super fresh format.
Yet again an inspiring dive into great books and the story and impact of its creators. Thank you for investigating and illustrating it in your distintive way I really became fond of over the last two years.
Andre really appreciate your kind words and thank you so much for watching and supporting the channel, it really means a lot! Wishing you all the best âš
Finally! The word âdisruptiveâ used in a correct context and with a high degree of correct-ness. Thank you. And even more so, thank you for introducing us to the book of this visionary photography. The only depressing idea is how to reach this manâs level!
Thank you so much for this video. Robert Frank is a major inspiration for me. The magic of The Americans is a deeply personal experience. I love it so much, I gave a copy to a very dear friend. Thoroughly recommended!
I visited a photography museum the other day, mostly about the history of photography and the technical aspect of it all, and they happened to have the very leica he did the americans with
I love what you do T. Hopper. This stuff is important.
Thanks for being among the top 2022 photo analysis contributors.
Your videos are well done, informative, to the point and just the right length to hold one's attention...great job!
Thank you so much David!
Tatiana, another great video, these are always getting better. Based on this video I purchased Frank's Americans and it was really enjoyable. Thanks for the great content!
I've just discovered your CZcams Channel Tatiana..It is simply awesome! Great work! Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and thoughts by making great movies!
I love all of your videos, but this is probably my most favorite because of the subject photographer and the three lessons provided. Thank you!
Thank you so much that means a lot and I appreciate your very kind words and perspective, thank you for watching and supporting the channel! đ€
Many thank for this. Some great insights and advice. Really appreciate your work.
Thank you Rolf!
I love his work.. along with Saul Lieter
Incredible video!
I really like The Americans, I bought it after I went to and exhibition about it.
As a Brazilian, I'm always happy to see SebastiĂŁo Salgado being recommended hahahaha
Thank you so much Breno! And glad you enjoyed both the video and the book recommendation always showing my love for SebastiĂŁo Salgado's work, its truly amazing and genuine! đ
@@TatianaHopper Do you like Walter Firmo's photos too?
Remarkable work. A refreshing and new point of view from this photogrpher. Thank you!!!!
Thanks for this thoughtful video!
Really Really Really loved this!!! You are truly a great talent!! Iâm looking forward to this series, but then again I look forward to all your videos!!!! Thanks!!!!
Terry you're a star, your comments are always so lovely! Really appreciate it and thank you for watching and always showing your support đ€
Fantastic as always!
I would pitch Fred Herzogâs âModern Colorâ book suggestion here. I always think of Frank and Herzog together, terribly, because they passed on the same day. But they also both showed me the new ways people were seeing the developing world in a time before mine. Beyond his compositions in the photos, the organization of the book is so well thought out that images on adjacent pages often echo or complete each other playfully. Would love to hear your take on it.
Thank you Paul!
I like your work! Thanks for this addition!
Thank you Patrick!
Iâd love to see one on âCape Lightâ by Joel Meyerowitz! Easily my favorite book and taught me so much about color.
Excellent video with timeless lessons. So well written and put together too, thank you :)
Thanks for posting.
Well done Tatiana! Folks still donât want to see the differences between the socioeconomic layers in society, i.e., the unrelenting gap between rich and poor. To me personally itâs incredibly intriguing to photograph this dichotomy. People mostly wanna see pretty faces, especially on places like IG for example but if you open the most meaningful photo books with even the slightest measure of historical value and contribution you wonât see âpretty facesâ. You will see life, reality, people underway of living their life for better or for worse, in the moment, which Frank was great at capturing.
Love the music you choose for your videos. This one reminded me of Blind Lemon Jefferson and Howlin' Wolf.
Do you know the name of the song ?
I just recently came across the photography of chilean photographer Sergio Larrain (1931-2012) and his book ValparaĂso. Fascinating work and his photography has a very unique and original character. Highly recommend it.
Really good analysis about his work, thanks!
Hi Tatiana, can I recommend two books? I guess I can, so, first one that blew my mind, "Telex Iran" by Gilles Peress, it changed the way photojournalist can cover a "big news", he couldn't get into the American Embassy, and he kept walking around and trying to find a way to communicate with the agency, by telex, and I'll say no more or I will spoil it, very very hard to find this book, and when you find it, the prices are very high, shame, because I think every photographer should have access to this book, the second is "Rich and Poor" from Jim Goldberg, both books combine text with images and I love it, it brings another layer, I just love the way they 'talk to each other" text and images, voila! Thanks for your dedication and all the work you put into making this videos, keep them coming!
hi, I suggested the same, Telex Iran, and I saw your post after, so +1 for mr Peress and very hard to find book indeed..
So well done I , we give thanks. All the best and best to all.
Great video and an amazing production. Loved it T. Thanks for sharing.
Encore une vidéo que j'ai beaucoup appréciée (little french touch). Perfect duration, perfect density, perfect analysis. If I have to recommend a book, it would be one of a french photographer , Jean Christophe BECHET, untitled "INFLUENCE" which is about the influence of a lot of photographers'work on his own sensibility. Grab a glass of Bordeaux or Bourgogne and enjoy it...
I gad that I found Your channel. I do love listen You talking about my love subject Photography! Thank you for your work
I would love to see a video about Salgadoâs âWorkingâ.
Loved it. Ambiguous images offer a more emotional look over reality - I will try to remember this line. And of course, there are photos everywhere, but we usually miss something that is right in front of us. One of my favorite images of Robert Frank is a Spanish couple dancing which I believe was on the cover of one of Mark Knopfler's albums. Thank you so much. In the future, I would love to see a video on Gordon Parks.
I second the Gordon Parks recommendation!
Freeman Patterson's book. The Art of Seeing, is an excellent book.
What a fantastic video, Ms Hopper! Very inspiring - I shall modestly go forth and snap away, with these examples and lessons in my mind! (Although even in a lifetime I couldn't hope to produce a collection like The Americans.)
Thank you so much. Loved your recommendation turns out âother americasâ was the first Salgado book I bought. Great to look at the two books side by side. Frank and Salgado are interesting comparisons
Very happy to find your channel.
Thank you for this great video
Thank you, really amazing.
Two books come to mind: Modern Color from Fred Herzog and Subway from Bruce Davidson. Very different from each other, but imo âmust havesâ. By the way, again a great video Tatiana. Each one of your videos goes straight into my favourites folder.
Well done Tatiana, I enjoy this series.
Thank you so much Rich! Glad you enjoy it :)
Fascinating! Iâve been trying to get a copy of this book, so was really glad to hear and see your analysis of Frankâs technique and vision. (Love the bluse you started and ended with, too).
Thank you so much Scott glad you enjoyed the video and go get yourself a copy of this book, its really amazing, great depth in these photographs đ did you mean blues or blouse? :)
@@TatianaHopper Sorry! Blues, of course. I type faster than my brain works sometimes.
Found the channel a couple of days ago and was a bit disappointed you didn't make more of these videos. They are well made and interesting.
More on the pipeline :) I definitely try to bring different videos every week / two weeks :)
Outstanding video!
Another wonderful video! Important for me personally was Larry Sultan's book, "Pictures from Home".
I really enjoyed your commentary on Frank's work and book. His POV rings home as my parents immigrated to the US after WWII from Holland and Italy and I grew up with my parents talking about the same disparities and issues you say Frank grappled with and so poignantly photographed. I ONLY photograph nature and rarely photograph infrastructure or humans. In a strange sort of way, because of my parents views on the US (and Frank's), I rejected mainstream American society, moved to Alaska at 23 and am fully immersed with nature. But not human nature as it is oh so flawed.
Just found your channel absolutely amazing!
Another interesting and stimulating session. I always come away from your videos with something new.
Thank you so much for watching John, so glad you always leave with something new or different thoughts on your mind, glad the videos are helpful :)
thanks a lot for your sharing.
In many ways Matt Blackâs âAmerican geographyâ is in many ways a dichotomy to The Americansâ Frank was an outsider looking in and capturing moments as he passes through the country⊠Matt Black is a native of the central Californian valley and knows his subject from the inside, and spends time researching and returning to locations time and time againâŠ
I remember being given âThe Americansâ whilst studying photography way back in the 1980âs. One of my lecturers, Tom Wood held weekly lectures contemporary documentary photographers⊠The lecture about Robert Frank went almost two hours over time and had a very real effect on me and everyone elseâŠ. It is still my favourite photography book, although âAmerican geographyâ is possibly going to take its place over timeâŠ
Superb video! That book is a great inspiration!
Thank you so much!
thank you. I enjoyed this very much.
Superb, as always. Great insights. Thank you.
Thank you so much! đ
Thank you for an excellent presentation, as a former photojournalist Robert Frank was a model for the work I persued.
Thank you so much Artemis!
Brilliantly presented - to get to the essence of Robert Frank in 15 minutes is quite something. Also thanks for the reference to Alexey Brodovitch - I did not know about him. Many thanks
Thank you so much Malcom and honestly I didn't know much about Alexey myself but as I dived deep and realised the influence he had I knew I had to mention him! Appreciate the support and all the best to you!
Fantastic video thank you. Mr Franks book is on my must buy list.
Thank you so much Terry and that book Iâm sure will be a perfect addition to your bookshelves :)
Hi Tatiana , great video series. My recommendation would be End of the Line by John Free ,it's full of great work with a wonderful back story.
I recommend, The Non Conformists', by Martin Parr. He is a British photographer who chronicles domestic cultural tourism with a bold aesthetic. It cuts through the ordering of class, and class structure in modern and contemporary post modern Britain. The book illustrates some of his earlier, more thoughtful and humanistic storytelling and editing techniques. In the end he leans towards ill defined cultural margins. Presenting them and reordering them at random. By moving out of the suburbs and towns to fringe or rural areas of countryside life and living. Where individuals present themselves according to their own set of beliefs. All be it shifting away slightly from the status quo. To a marginalised vantage point.
I met Frank once on a train in Zurich/Switzerland.
Olga Karlovac Escape is one of the book I would recommend for You to watch!
Very interesting video as always đ will check out your photos. Cheers âïž
Your intro is so wonderful. It's everything I plan to create on my own channel
Lovely and inspirational video. Good job!
Thank you so much Henry, appreciate the kind words đ
Great!! All best!
Jane Bown. Brilliant British photographer: one camera (Olympus), one setting (1/60, 2.8), one specific b/w film.
Start with A LIFETIME OF LOOKING or FACES.
Hi Tatiana. First of all, Congrats for your great job. Love to see "Last Resort" by Martin Parr. For me is his best book and I love color, beach and work from a place close to me. Thanks in advance
Bravo!!!! My recommendation is a photo book that changed my life......" Mirrors, Messages, and Manifestations" by Minor White.......it is quite a different approach than Frank's......but is quietly just as powerful.
I'd like to hear your thoughts on "What Can We Believe Where? Photographs of the American West" by Robert Adams. It was the second book I bought, The Americans being the first and I've found it just as influential.
Don McCullin's "Retrospective" was the catalyst in my life, in becoming a photographer...
Another home run video! Your editing skills get better and better. Well done! I have studied Frank's book since the early 70s. I have a copy on my night table that I rotate with Bresson's Decisive Moment. There is another artist that actually goes deeper than Frank. The book is "Europea" by Joakim Kocjancic. His images are even more transcendent while being even less technical. I would love to see a video from you on Kochjancic. BTW....IF I could only take one book to a desert island for the rest of my life, it would be Salgado's "Genesis"; an unequalled master work! Keep up the GREAT work. Thank you thank you thank you!
Hey Regan thank you so much for your lovely words! I really appreciate it and glad you enjoyed the video and the editing, always trying to learn more and invest on that level! And thank you for mentioning "Europea" I've looked it up and super up my alley definitely grabbing the one and about "Genesis" yes oh my gosh I've seen some images when I worked on the video about Salgado and it was truly a masterpiece, definitely grabbing it too oh boy my wallet is not going to like this ahah
wonderful channel. Great work. Would love to see you take a look at Keith Carters, From Uncertain To Blue. He pointed his camera at tiny towns in the state of Texas that all have interesting names IE... Uncertain, Texas, and Blue, Texas
in your reference to Salgado; at the California Science Center the North American, premiere of the critically acclaimed exhibition AmazĂŽnia, featuring more than 200 photographs by world-renowned Brazilian photojournalist SebastiĂŁo Salgado, including portraits of the Amazonâs indigenous peoples and large-scale rich landscapes.
LOVE THIS VIDEO REVIEW. IT'S IN MY CART FOR PURCHASE!!đ„
Great, thanks
Many thanks for this series. To offer some suggested books: Trent Parke "Minutes to Midnight", Walker Evans "Polaroids" or Susan Meiselas "Carnival Strippers"
An excellent insight into one of the lesser known US photographers. Thank you.
Thank you so much and that's actually very true I feel that he is still left in obscurity!
Great job đđ»
My suggestion is Darcy Padillaâs book Family....unreal documentary photography â€ïž
Great. I am looking forward to watching your next video
Thanks for your opinion on this controversial book! We are after all alone yet we are all in the company of others, like the poem by John Donne No Man is an Island. That's why this book took so much to sink in. Even today, it's like reading Pedro Paramo by Juan Rulfo. Each time is different. Yet, it is a book about the promise of discover, not unlike The Odyssey!
Fantastic video and delve into Franks classic book. Iâd be interested to see your take on Stephen Shoreâs American Surfaces. đ
Thank you so much Phil, really appreciate it and glad you enjoyed seeing all these classic images, and wow great book thank you for reminding me of it đ
Brilliant thanks
Excellent insight. Make videos of such great photo artists who are currently working.
The blouse is very pretty on you. Love all your channel content. Very inspirational and education as well.
Thank you so much! đ
This is awesome.
Harry Gruyaert is a very different kind of photographer. Enjoying your exposés.
Thank you Mene!