The Grand Style in Photography

One of the greatest epics in photography history: Pittsburgh by W. Eugene Smith, and one of the few masters of photography who has attained the “grand style”(Nietzsche) in photographic art.

Pittsburgh

The greatest photo project I’ve seen in photography is PITTSBURGH by W. Eugene Smith. Why? The epic and grand scope — documenting industry, humanity, cities, architecture, race, humanity, with elegant and beautiful compositions.

Other works by W. Eugene Smith

Other themes and topics by Smith:

  1. War
  2. Death and disease
  3. Scientific experimentation and advancement
  4. Uprisings and protest
  5. Animal testing
  6. Poverty
  7. The joy of childhood

The reason why I feel W. Eugene Smith has reached the grand style in photography:

Although he documented much pain, suffering, and tragedy, he still saw hope, joy, and beauty in the world (optimism). He saw this hope in children— the future of humanity.

How to attain the grand style

Something I’m trying to figure out, but my thoughts are:

  1. Document all of humanity
  2. Diverse fields of documentation
  3. Elegant compositions— note the multi layered and multi directional photos of Smith, and his use of multiple subjects.
  4. Be insanely obsessive about your photography and how you create art. The goal is to create great art that will outlast you.

Never stop striving!

ERIC