Life
Robert Frank was born in Switzerland in 1924 and developed an early passion for photography. At the age of 18, he began working as an apprentice for a well-known photographer in Switzerland, and later traveled to France to study with photographers there.
After emigrating to the United States in 1947, Frank worked as a fashion photographer for several years before turning his focus to his own artistic pursuits. His early photography work in the US was heavily influenced by the street photography movement, which was gaining popularity at the time.
Frank’s time in the US had a significant impact on his development as a photographer. He was deeply affected by the stark contrasts he observed between American culture and the more traditional European cultures he was familiar with. This contrast would later become a central theme in his most famous work, “The Americans”.
“When people look at my pictures, I want them to feel the way they do when they want to read a line of a poem twice.”
Photographic Style and Techniques
Robert Frank’s early photographic work was largely characterized by his ability to capture raw emotion and humanity in his subjects. He was known for his unique perspective and his ability to capture the beauty in everyday moments. He is known for his raw and intimate style of photography, which captures the essence of his subjects in a deeply emotive way. What sets Frank’s work apart is his ability to convey the mood and atmosphere of a moment, rather than simply documenting it.
One of the most notable features of Frank’s photography is his use of the “snapshot” aesthetic. His images often appear spontaneous and unplanned, with a sense of movement and energy that makes them feel alive.
Frank’s use of symbolism and metaphor is another key aspect of his work. He often includes subtle details in his images that convey a deeper meaning or message, inviting the viewer to interpret the photograph on multiple levels.
In addition to his unique visual style, Frank is also known for his innovation in the darkroom. He often experimented with different printing techniques, such as bleaching and toning, to create a specific mood or effect in his images.
Overall, Robert Frank’s style and techniques are a testament to his mastery of the craft. His ability to capture the essence of a moment in a deeply emotive and introspective way has made him a true icon of photography.
The Americans
“The Americans” captures a raw, unvarnished perspective of the US. Instead of the upbeat, healthy image of America that is portrayed in films and periodicals, he gives an alternative version of the country that is bitter and damaged and was created by the industrial revolution and segregation. Instead of the staged and polished images that were popular at the time, his pictures were raw and unplanned. It is considered one of the most influential photography books of all time and it is one of the Masters of Photography team’s favourite photography books.
Check the book selection here.
