Why Josef Koudelka is a Great Photographer

I deem JOSEF KOUDELKA as one of the greatest photographers of all time. Why? Let me share.

1. Tenacity

First of all, his tenacity. His personal interest in achieving his personal maximum. Constantly pushing his artistic vision in photography further.

Josef Koudelka – FRANCE. Hauts-de-Seine. Parc de Sceaux. 1987. Exiles.

Desire to change. Changing from 24mm (Gypsies), to 35mm and 50mm (Exiles), and now to shooting panoramic photos (Chaos).

Josef Koudelka. Chaos. FRANCE. Region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais. City of Calais. The new harbour. Dyke. 1989.

2. Abstract artist

Koudelka as an abstract photography artist. Effortless beauty with out of focus photos. Simple and elegant shapes and forms. Extreme simplicity.

3. Longevity

Koudelka traveling and shooting his entire life. Living with extreme frugality, in order for maximal personal freedom. Never doing smithing he didn’t want to do. He is 80+, still traveling and shooting!

4. Humanity and landscape

Koudelka mastering photographing humans, then moving onto landscape and urban landscape photography.

5. Never stop

Koudelka — a titan in the photo world. A human and artist I deeply admire, and hope to emulate.

ERIC