Saturday, 14 November 2009

Lessons in developing a photographer’s compassionate eye – No 1 Eugene Richards

Recently the global Campaign for Compassion launched it’s Charter.

From the early days of photography great photographers have been re-presenting our world with a compassionate eye.

EugeneRichards_Below_the_line1986

PHOTO: Eugene Richards

Fred—just returned from prison—cries as he greets former girlfriend Rose. Eugene Richards included this photo in his 1987 book, Below the Line: Living Poor in America, which is out of print.  (Source)

 

What a stunning photograph!

What is the punctum in this photograph?  Do we travel from the white of the woman’s eye to his tears, the set of his mouth.  His eyes that have seen so much and are looking into – what?

 

 

 

 

Eugene Richards discusses his approach to photography;

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Do (great) photographs make a difference?  Do they change things?  If so – how?

Are photographs just a great distraction?

In the UK a TV play so aroused concern that the major charity SHELTER was created?  Does photography work in a similar or different way?

Do they change us – for the better?

How might photographs play a part in a global appeal such as the Charter for Compassion?

The Campaign for Compassion and the photographer’s compassionate eye both center on the beating heart of being human in the world with others and recognizing our oneness.

Posted via web from sunwalking's posterous

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