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W. Eugene Smith and the Photographic Essay
This is the first in-depth study of one of the most important photojournalists of the postwar period in America. Examining the antecedents for the photo-essay, a genre that Smith perfected, Glenn Willumson closely analyses the four works that he produced for Life magazine, and for which he is best known: 'Country Doctor', 'Spanish Village', 'Nurse-Midwife', and 'Man of Mercy'. In his study of these works, now acknowledged to set the standard by which the photo-essay is judged, Willumson also argues that Smith's essays are significant cultural documents. An engaging account of Smith's career, W. Eugene Smith and the Photographic Essay reproduces his work as it originally appeared in Life, making it accessible to a new generation.
Hardcover
First published May 29, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 13, 2016
Amazing! Absolutely amazing. In W. EUGENE SMITH AND THE PHOTOGRAPHIC ESSAY, author Glenn G. Willumson published not only a very well researched critique of Smith’s foundational essays, but also a critical examination of photojournalism itself. Tellingly, the very first subheading in Chapter 1 is “The Art Form,” and he proceeds to demonstrate the extent to which all aspects of the photographic essay involve creative processes beginning with the initial research, the assignment of a photographer, the socio-economic-political-ethnic background of the photographer (editors & writers), the shooting, the printing, the editing, caption-writing, page layout, and timing of release which at least in the case of LIFE magazine in the 1950s were all careful considerations and calculated decisions.
Willumson presents a nuanced portrait of Smith, creator & rebel; and he places Smith’s work practices within the context of Smith’s contemporaries; but the questions and issues that Willumson examines are absolutely applicable to 21st century digital journalism, perhaps even more so.
This is a must-read for all photojournalists. I can assure that it will lead to valuable soul-searching and reflection. Here’s one quotation from Smith: “I no longer take pictures for the pure joy of taking them, but like many of the old masters of the paints, I want them to be symbolic of something.” (p. 25) It is valuable for photojournalists to realize that their photographs will be symbolic of something regardless of whether they intended that or not. The timeless question with which Smith wrestled and with which we must all wrestle is how much intent should we put into our messages?
Willumson presents a nuanced portrait of Smith, creator & rebel; and he places Smith’s work practices within the context of Smith’s contemporaries; but the questions and issues that Willumson examines are absolutely applicable to 21st century digital journalism, perhaps even more so.
This is a must-read for all photojournalists. I can assure that it will lead to valuable soul-searching and reflection. Here’s one quotation from Smith: “I no longer take pictures for the pure joy of taking them, but like many of the old masters of the paints, I want them to be symbolic of something.” (p. 25) It is valuable for photojournalists to realize that their photographs will be symbolic of something regardless of whether they intended that or not. The timeless question with which Smith wrestled and with which we must all wrestle is how much intent should we put into our messages?
October 31, 2016
If you want to understand the photo essay and how things worked for Smith especially at LIFE Magazine this is a unique and great book.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews