On Box of Broadcasts this week I decided to watch The Genius of Photography “Paper Movies” episode. The episode revolved around photographic books that capture the essence of America. Robert Frank an American photographer, decided to take a road trip across the states and went through 700 rolls of film. Frank believed taking photographs helps one zone in and notice the world more. His work consisted of repeated motifs such as the American flag and cigars, they were transgressive and showed that by 1958 optimism was almost extinct in America.
Another photographer that uses “Paper Movies” to convey his view of America is William Klein. Klein’s received his first camera at 18 while playing a game of cards. This created a more casual approach to photography, he noted that it is the “accidents” in photography that make it interesting. For example one of his photos of a girl and boy is slightly distorted. The girl looks like she has a Dali style claw and the boy a beard at 7. A simple street shot can be transformed into a freak show in a matter of seconds.
