Paul Strand was historical savant in the world of
photography. Throughout his life and it his works it was evident that he stood
alone in his search for the unique and different. This mindset led him to
change the way photographers capture moments today. After analyzing his life
and personality one could see the correlation in the way he approached life and
photography empirically with deliberate intent. This deliberate notion is
inevitably one of Strand’s leading successes and strengths.
Strand possessed many talents and gifts, although he was a
very subdued and conservative person, he embraced life with a philosophical
view, which led to his travels all over the world. Some might say that his
longevity was his best asset, in my research I clearly see that his ability to
observe every miniscule detail when searching for a perfect shot. Mr. Strand’s
observation skills set him apart from other photographers, some dared not to
even attempt some the photos that Strand shot (they were shot regularly by
him). An example of this took place by a shore in 1928. Strand truly put his
observatory skills to the test when he waited for a breeze to soften; when it
did he recognized that the twigs and shoots would return to the still position.
To capture this moment he knew that if he opened his shutter during short time
spans when the wind would die down, that his negatives would look like there
was no effect from the winds. * This was a brilliant tactic and it
showed Strand’s magnificent mind.
* Travis, David. “Paul Strand’s ‘Fall in
Movement’.” Art Institute of Chicago
Museum Studies, Vol. 19, Issue 2 (January 1, 1993): 187-207.
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| Photo Credit: http://www.luminous-lint.com/app/slideshow/_photographer_paul_strand_platinum_prints_01/F/D/ |
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