I understand that images that pose questions are often times more favorable than those which provide all the answers. But I think this series crosses the line, and as a result… I have not learned anything new nor am I left feeling very interested in Mickey or Don as human beings. Which I think does them a great disservice.

That’s why I like the comments….when there is a dialog…;-)
Yes, #13 tells me about the photographer. Perhaps the cropping, framing…it says “this is me” sort of thing. He is doing his own thing. I mean Meet Frandsen comes out…not Meet Frandsen doing Anders Petersen.

Thanks for the reply! I’m hearing you for sure.
And certainly agree about the Magnum crew. I peruse the blog there often with these questions swirling in my brain.
The latest theory I am hanging on …if you want to hear, going to tell anyway :)) is like #13 for example.
In mulling over what makes me respond most is the feeling not even just an intimacy but almost like you are the subject for a split second. Transported into that person’s shoes and an important connection is felt, maybe even important enough that would overcome bad lighting or composition if you felt that.
a thought for the day, try not to think that much when I’m out doing it :)

Best, M

The sequence has changed since this was posted…it flows different now.
It still feels like a Petersen “inspired” essay to me.
I see a glimmer of authorship in #13 #15 #17
#18 can be a Gilden if you were to tell me it was and I would have believed you. See what I mean?
I like the feeling this essay captures. What I don’t like is how it achieved it….by mimicking a masters style.

You ask

“I wonder if anyone can make any innovations in vision.”

Well look at the Magnum roster! they all have their own vision!
If it can be done with music it can sure be done with photography.
Not easy…but like you say “Can’t hurt to keep trying though…”

Although I’d agree with the empty and lost feeling, there is something magnetic about many ..can’t put my finger on it exactly. Maybe with other work that is similar viewer feels separate still (even if close to the lens) but with this work there seems to be a personal closeness, a strong bond there.
I’d be interested to know how much time was spend with the subjects. It seems like a lot, but I could be wrong.
8, 13,14,15,25 are my tops

@Carlo I wouldn’t picked that up right away but def see the similarity.
Frankly, I wonder if anyone can make any innovations in vision. As they say …it’s all been done. Something truly new seems near impossible and otherwise it’s adding nuance, refining the themes. Can’t hurt to keep trying though….
xo

This is yet one more classic example of the gritty, grainy, contrasty black and white, direct flash, depressing trashy side of life school of photography. It’s a reasonably well done example as far as that goes. However, I can’t see that it adds anything new to my understanding of the human condition, or the genre.

Surely there are fresh themes out there to be explored.

Me too!

They both look like they were made using a camera of some sort.
They are both in Black and White.
They both feature ‘people’ as well as ‘things’.
…the similarities go on and on…its uncanny.

ahhhh, Vegas, the Road to Nowhere…