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Mark White's avatar

When I first began to dive into Lange's work, two things stuck out. That as much as I admire her, I do think she is not fully truthful in saying she never "stole" a picture. I mean, with her large tripod and camera, it was hard to shoot candidly, but I think Migrant Woman and others were not the collaborations she made them out to be. But that is understandable, IMO. Being a lone woman in the field, I have so much respect for what she accomplished alone in that historical context.

The second thing was the hands, and precisely the images you chose. I find them more powerful than Migrant Woman and more truthful, if i am allowed to say that. Great choices to convey the power of Lange's work!

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Pierre François D.'s avatar

I don’t know whether she ever stole a picture. I can see that there was an asymmetry between Lange and the FSA photographers (who had a job, means, and were the ones doing the documenting of the economic crisis), and the photographed people (who suffered from the economic crisis, had no job and/or little money, and were the object of the interest). From what i’ve read, there were conversations and a genuine interest, on Lange’s part, to understand. She carefully kept notes of what people told her — and reading quotes from these people alongside the photographs (in American Exodus, the book Lange published with her husband Taylor), it did feel to me like the voice from these persons themselves sharing facts about their harsh lives. Of course, there’s also the distance of time: we’re looking back nearly a century. I’m thinking it might be interesting to compare Matt Black’s American Geography with the FSA work?

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Mark White's avatar

Looking at Black. I've ordered his book. I vaguely recall seeing it when it came out. I appreciate the reference to it. Seems like a direct wpa descendant, more so than a descendant of Frank, which the reviews all mention. Thanks again.

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Mark White's avatar

I will look at Matt Black. Not familiar but I will be and get back to you(?). Thx.

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Xavi Buendia's avatar

What an excellent view on Lange's work. Those last two photos with the hands, as you say express a lot more than we see on a first view.

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Pierre François D.'s avatar

Thank you, Xavi. And thank you for restacking it.

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Neil Scott's avatar

Fascinating, thank you. This post makes me want to buy an easel, go to the library for Lange, and buy Collaborations.

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Pierre François D.'s avatar

Thank you, Neil.

i was visiting a church recently and i thought: what i need is a proper lectern... (even one with a golden eagle). But yeah, for now, easels do the job :-)

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Neil Scott's avatar

Likewise! Lecterns are surprisingly expensive though. A golden eagle one would be amazing.

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Susanne Helmert's avatar

I love to learn these tidbits about Lange. Very interesting. Thank you for sharing!

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Pierre François D.'s avatar

Thank you Susanne. Happy you’ve liked this one.

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Joshua Kent Bookman's avatar

Beautiful light, and analysis.

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Pierre François D.'s avatar

Thank you for the restack, Joshua.

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Shital Morjaria (she/her)'s avatar

You are right about the hands in the last two frames Pierre. Interesting post.

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Pierre François D.'s avatar

Thank you, Shital. Glad you liked it.

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