Monday, March 4, 2013

Robert Frank

Robert Frank published a book called The Americans, which changed basically changed people's views on this nation. His work wasn't new or innovative, but it changed the way people looked at photography, and even our country. Frank was a commercial photographer to make a living, but decided to get his noncommercial work started by traveling across America. Because Frank had his camera with him pretty much everywhere he went, police officers suspected he was a spy. This was true in a way, as much of his work exposed the real ways of America. Frank shot 767 rolls of film making about 27,000 photos. He eventually edited it down to 83 and put them in The Americans. Frank said that he doesn't like to go back and analyze his photos, perhaps because he's done it so many times.


Frank spoke about an experience of photographing a couple and being caught by the man. "Those are the difficult moments every photographer has to get over and get away with it and not be discouraged," he says. "Because if one is sensitive, it has an effect on you. So maybe it's better not to be sensitive as a photographer and just go on. Many photographers today have that but I never had that. I think it's nice to be sensitive as a photographer and maybe it's harder." Those are some wise words, and some to always keep in mind when capturing moments. 

Frank never spoke about his subjects even when most of the country raved about The Americans. Everyone saw pictures in that book as relevant to their lives. Although this was the common view, Frank already moved on from his photography and made his first film. 


Cole, Tom. "'Americans': The Book That Changed Photography." NPR. N.p., 13 Feb. 2009. Web. 4 Mar. 2013


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