Here’s a documentary video about Paul Strand, one of the top photographers of the 20th century, and an early street photographer.
Paul Strand: Under the Dark Cloth, Part 1 of 6
Starting in 1906, Strand begins using soft focus to simulate paintings. Begins working under renowned documentary photographer Lewis Hine at age 16. Along with Alfred Stieglitz, Strand worked to help establish photography as an art form. Strand once crafted a false lens to capture candid street portraits.
Paul Strand: Under the Dark Cloth, Part 2 of 6
Paul Strand: Under the Dark Cloth, Part 3 of 6
Paul Strand: Under the Dark Cloth, Part 4 of 6
Paul Strand: Under the Dark Cloth, Part 5 of 6
Paul Strand: Under the Dark Cloth, Part 6 of 6
Paul Strand, Wall Street 1915
I’ve watched this doco a few times now and found Strand to be really inspirational. Some of his photos are so “monumental” is the word I feel like using LOL. completely dedicated too which I like a lot, passionate, and as you say helped with Stieglitz to get photography accepted as an art form. Actually now I think of it there’s a great doco about Steiglitz I’ve seen. Have to watch it again though..it was a long while ago!! thanks Chuck