Wednesday 23rd August
In my research of the last few days, I’ve come across several incredibly powerful photos which I would love to share with you. Unfortunately, whenever I’ve found an image online it’s had nowhere near the impact of the printed version. I had never realised the difference would be so great.
One photo which I seem to have missed for a good 26 years is Hands by Michael Wells. (The Photo Book)
Another, showing the incredible power of nature and man’s struggle to keep on top, is Steve McCurry’s Monsoon (20th Century Photography)
Finally for now, an image which is closer to home, but still sad in a way. The family in this image from Martin Parr’s series GB. From A to B. Tales of Modern Motoring seem more interested in their ice-creams than each other - a theme taken to extremes in his series Bored Couples.
But getting back to the point… computer screens are rubbish for viewing photos - which is a shame.
in the ice creams picture the photographer has lit the shot (not very well? what do i know?) and arranged the subjects. i should imagine that they are also obeying his exhortation NOT TO LOOK AT THE CAMERA.
henry
23 Aug 06 at 10:29 pm
What happened to the Tuesday challenge (I know I’m a few days late asking this, but I have my excuses and I’m sticking to them)?
I like the ice cream shot - not because it’s real life, but because it reflects what family holidays are often like. Getting away to be together… and then wanting to be anywhere but together.
Kouros
24 Aug 06 at 7:07 am
Wow…..that bored couple series is so saddening and depressing. Who would want to be caught like that?
I love the World Press Photo though! I know it’s kind of saddening too, but it’s so beautifully done! I remember seeing the real photo (I go to the World Press Photo exhibit every year) and it brought a tear to my eye.
Dakota
24 Aug 06 at 7:13 am
Whoa, what amazing photos that make you think and put a bit of perspective on things - espececially when compared to the GB images!
If they were seen on a big, well lit print, they would have much more impact yes!
DoGGa
24 Aug 06 at 8:29 am
The “hands” shot is shocking, even on screen
Lordhutton
24 Aug 06 at 8:40 am
You can see why the Michael Wells photo won an award. It says more than any number of words could do.
Aoj
24 Aug 06 at 8:44 am
Kouros: The tuesday challenges are temporarily suspended due to low participation numbers - and because I’m rather busy at the moment.
Dakota: I’m not sure if the bored couples are candid or staged. They look rather too well set up to be candid - but either way, we’ve all seen couples like this. Maybe I should try to get to the press photo exhibit one year…
stu
24 Aug 06 at 8:45 am