Author: PARKS, GORDON
Title: Camera Portraits. The Techniques and Principles of Documentary Portraits
Description: New York: Franklin Watss, 1948. First Edition. Original Cloth. With frontispiece & plates after Roger Parks. Slight browning to endpapers. Slight wear to spine, covers & corners. A few small spots of staining or soiling to front and back cover. Dustjacket in plastic protective cover. Dustjacket somewhat worn with slight loss to bottom right hand corner front cover and top spine. Some chipping to top edge dustjacket. ; "Camera Portraits: The Techniques and Principles of Documentary Portraits" by Gordon Parks is a seminal work that dives into the art and craft of documentary portrait photography. Parks, an iconic figure in American photography, uses this book to share his insights and methodologies for capturing compelling human stories through the lens. He discusses technical aspects such as lighting, composition, and camera settings, while emphasizing the importance of empathy, rapport, and the ethical responsibilities of portraying subjects with dignity and depth. The book is filled with Parks' own photographs, each serving as a case study in storytelling, providing readers with practical examples of how to apply these techniques in various settings. This guide not only offers technical advice but also inspires photographers to use their cameras as tools for social change, reflecting Parks' lifelong commitment to advocacy through art. Gordon Parks was a pioneering American photographer, filmmaker, musician, and writer, renowned for his multi-faceted contributions to the arts and civil rights activism. Born in 1912, Parks grew up in Fort Scott, Kansas, and overcame racial barriers to become the first African American staff photographer at Life magazine. His extensive body of work documented many aspects of American culture, particularly the lives of African Americans and social justice issues, from the civil rights movement to urban poverty. Parks' unique style blended artistic and journalistic techniques, making his work both aesthetically powerful and deeply humanistic. His legacy includes directing films, most notably "Shaft," and authoring several books, leaving an indelible mark on both the arts and the fight for civil rights. "Camera Portraits: The Techniques and Principles of Documentary Portraits" by Gordon Parks was once a valued piece in Chris Steele-Perkins’ extensive photography book collection. As a member of Magnum Photos, Steele-Perkins had a profound respect for Parks' work, which aligns with Magnum's ethos of combining artistic excellence with a humanistic approach to storytelling. Steele-Perkins’ own photographic endeavors, which often explore social issues and the complexities of cultural identity, mirror the intent and spirit of Parks’ portraits. Owning this book reflected Steele-Perkins' admiration for Parks as a pivotal figure in documentary photography and his influence on Steele-Perkins' efforts to document and make sense of the world through his lens, perpetuating Magnum’s commitment to impactful, compassionate photography. ; 28.5 x 22.5 x 1 cms; 95 pages. Very Good in Good+ dust jacket .

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