From Clicking to Creating-Edward S. Curtis
From Clicking to Creating-Edward S. Curtis
This week is a bit different. The Dogwood 52 prompt is Flattery-Imitate a favorite photographer and their style. I had to really think about this one. Ansel Adams came to mind, Trey Ratcliff too. But in the end I decided to go with Edward S. Curtis. I have always loved his images of Native Americans, and their life. Then a couple years ago I found a book, Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher. This really tells the story of his passion for what he did, and his drive to preserve what he could see was a disappearing way of life. It was an amazing 30 year journey with numerous hardships, but what he accomplished is a phenomenal body of work. The link to that book, and a few others are below.
He wanted to document, and tell the stories of the Native Americans before they completely disappeared, and I feel the same way about the wild horses. I want to tell the stories, and capture the beauty of these icons of the west, before they are gone.
He not only took portraits of individuals, but he also took views of sweeping landscapes with his subject in them.
To think of everything we wouldn’t have, if he hadn’t been so focused on his Native Americans of North America project. It is truly a remarkable story, and the original books that were created are now worth millions. Sadly, he didn’t see any profit from his photos while he was alive. This article on Wikipedia is good, and all the photos can be seen on the library of congress website.
The 2 Lil Owls this week is, Looking Up. I took this shot of a mountain bluebird the other day along the river. He was busy getting bugs, and taking them back to the nest.
Do you have a favorite photographer, old or new?
Those bug in the mouth photos are just great! Really nice photos of the Indians. We don’t really have a favorite photographer.
Hello, your photos are all beautiful. I love the landscape, the horse and rider and the bluebird is gorgeous. I have research Edward S Curtis. Enjoy your day and week ahead!
I love how you meld photos and history and story together Mary to create a thoughtful tapestry of the beauty and contradictions of life.
WOW! I love the photo of the bluebird – he’s gorgeous! And I always love your photos of the wild horses. I don’t have a favorite photographer, but Edward Curtis’ photos are awesome.
You and my niece are my favorite photographers.