Musical Accompaniment: I Turn My Camera On by Spoon

 

Paul Strand had a unique ability to catch a moment and give you some insight into his subjects. It’s better to show than tell, so let’s begin with a photo of Strand himself that was taken by his friend and mentor Alfred Stieglitz. (How does Stieglitz creep into nearly every post I make?)

For personal purposes, Paul Strand would be my nightmare photographer. His portraits are intriguing but they aren’t flattering.

But as the realist, “straight photography” pioneer that he was, Strand is wonderful. In keeping with his unvarnished style, he resisted giving his portraits elaborate names.

This is Blind from 1916.

This is Man in a Derby in 1916.

The last picture is Untitled. Is she yawning? Shouting?

If you missed the intro to Paul Strand’s photography, click here to check it out!