Some of the most powerful photographs are the ones that tell an entire story in a single frame. These are the photographs that make me stop and think, that have made an indelible impression in my mind. I can’t imagine a day when I see one of the photographs below and don’t stop to appreciate them.
On the other hand, not all photographs need to be stories of their own—some are made to play an important part in a greater whole. Some of my favorite photographic works unfold over the course of dozens of images. Robert Adams is one of those photographers whose stories develop slowly, and get deeper with repeated viewing.
Perfect Times, Perfect Places is a good example of a book that doesn’t wow you with single images (not that there aren’t plenty of standouts), but rather blinds you with simplicity and subtlety. This book has hooked me, and I can view it again and again without ever getting tired of it.
As the focus of my own work evolves over time, certain stories emerge, but I guess I never thought about crafting the story as a conscious part of what I was doing. Now that I’m more aware of the importance that story plays, especially in a series as opposed to in single images, I wonder how I will use that in my own photography.
Related: A review of The New West, a new edition of Robert Adams’ 1974 book, at 5B4.
That Sternfeld image has long been one of my favorites, for just the reasons you mentioned. There is really so much of a story happening in one frame, it’s really hard to imagine it’s not staged! The one from Winogrand is new to me, thanks for that…
Hey Jason,
I got bad news for you, guy. I just learned that that Sternfeld photo, while not exactly staged, is not co-incidence, either. Apparently they planned the fire as a training exercise. Not that it takes any shine off the image for me—I think it stands up as piece of art regardless of the circumstances under which it was produced—but it does remove just a little bit of the wonder in my eyes.
more people of color need to be highlighted in photography…reply back at rioflavor@yahoo.com