Paul Strand exhibition at V & A

While on a a visit to London last week, I popped in to the Victoria and Albert museum to see an exhibition by the photographer Paul Strand.  It was good to review his collection and see some of the original cameras that he had used over the years.  My own photography work has been heavily influenced by his approach to subject matter.  Unlike most photographers, though, he is a master of all types of genres i.e. Landscape, Portrait, Still life, Architecture.  I think his portrait of the french mechanic is probably one of the most powerful portraits ever taken.  I suppose its the mixture of lighting, expression, texture and timing that makes it a classic.  The exhibition was disappointing that this image and many others were from 1965 print editions, which seemed to be unusually printed quite dark.  I had previously seen an original contact which had better tonal quality.  If you are not familiar with the work of Paul Strand you should watch the documentary 'Under a dark Cloth' on You-Tube.  My photograph of the Paul Strand poster was taken during a visit to Houston Texas many moons ago!

 This is a lovely shot of bicycles left in the woods by workers

 One of the best group portrait shoots ever made of an Italian family.  The relaxed poses,  the framing, and timing captures the essence of the power of photography.  A subtle but profound sense of beauty.

My Homage to Paul Strand and Walker Evans 1991

Suffolk/Norfolk country

Few examples from my visit to Norwich and surrounding countryside