The Genius Of Photography – Part 3

The Genius Of Photography – Part 3

What is described as one of the most familiar concepts in photography?

The Decisive moment Henri Cartier Bresson, photographed in 1933, showed a man jumping a puddle, with his reflection. It was taken at a time of European society leaping into the unknown with the advent of World War 2.  For a photographer, it is being in the right place at the right time. Capturing the fraction of a second at the right time. Being able to see the possibilities of what is going to happen.

Should you trust a photograph?

No. It is a moment that is captured not the full story. Manipulation can take place and with some setting up it can appear completely different from the truth.

What was revolutionary about the Leica in 1925?

The Leica was compact, quiet, instant and with the latest lens technology.it enabled the photographer to watch the world while taking the image as the view window is on the left. It was portable and flexible to use as it did not require the use of a tripod.

What did George Bernard Shaw say about all the paintings of Christ?

He believed that taking photographs is like capturing reality. He said” I would exchange all the paintings of Christ for one snapshot”

Why were Tony Vaccaros’ negatives destroyed by the army censors?

Tony Vaccaro was a soldier and photographer for the army. Vaccaros’ images contained scenes of dead GI’s. They were the decisive moment but not acceptable in their time. Vaccaro developed his images on the battlefield. He thought about photography not about survival. Unfortunately, the film was destroyed by the army censors.

Who was Henryk Ross and what was his job?

He was a Polish Jew  and  a photographer, who spent time in the Jewish Ghetto, Lodz. He was risked everything to document the Nazi war crimes along side his job employed by the department of statistics. He was a proper gander photographer. He produced ID cards and worked in a graphic department that promoted goods made in the ghetto. He kept a record of what life was like in the Ghetto.

Which show was a “Sticking Plaster for the wounds of war”’ how many people saw it and what cliché did it end on?

“Family of Man” held in New York in1955. It was an exhibition of a public statement on behalf of humanity. With over 500 images, representing 68 countries, from 273 photographers, both professional and amateur. It netted 9 million viewings by 1964. It offered a selection of photographs of human life. Eugene Smith’s photograph of his own children walking in his garden out into the light was a cliché about them beginning their sentimental journey through life was the final photograph that closed the exhibition. The exhibition toured the world and was photography’s biggest moment.

Why did Joel Meyerowitz photograph Ground zero in colour?

He photographed Ground Zero in colour as to photograph in black and white would be to keep it as a tragedy. He spent around 8 months taking his images.