Category: Photographers

My journey with photography began around the turn of the millennium. Almost immediately after picking up a camera I discovered the work of twentieth century Mexican photographers. They opened my eyes to the possibilities of making images that are both excellent and full of personal expression.

For some reason I did not feel the same connection with most North American and European photographers that I have with the Mexican masters. Regardless anyone can appreciate great work.

I will mention two individuals for now. There are many to investigate but this is a good place to start. Have a look at the work of Manuel Alvarez Bravo and his student Graciela Iturbide.

Louis Draper

Photographs displayed on The Louis Draper Project website show glimpses of a community not long past but unknown to many of us. Mr. Draper covered a range of subjects from fashionable women to the third world. His work includes many excellent portraits and street photography of the community in which he lived.

Sometime in 2014 I signed up for The Louis Draper Project email distributions. I’m certainly glad I did. Mr. Draper was a photographer of great skill and cultural sensitivity who is not well known outside his community. Now the Louis Draper Project is making his photography available to a mass audience. Well done to all concerned.

Photographers such as Louis Draper possess freedom of expression and level of craft we can all appreciate. Their work moves far beyond the preoccupation with rules and technique that dominates most online photography discussions. Looking at work by masters photographers is an excellent way to develop creative eyes.