My favourite photograph

Post by **Alex_W** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 3:59 pm

Just wanted to share this photograph, made by Lee Miller during the second world war. It shows a murdered prison guard from Dachau. I think this photo is fascinating on so many levels. The composition is very simple, the subject is at the same time repulsive and beautiful, there's a very strong feeling of the chaos outside of the frame, yet this handsome man is lying there so serene, as if he's sleeping. The association with the souls floating through the Styx river is evident. His hair is still neatly combed, you can imagine him standing in front of the mirror shaving, not knowing what would happen to him that day. Ofcourse he is a nazi prison guard, he's the bad guy, but i can't help feeling sorry.
Look this photo up in a book or at an exhibition, because a lot of detail is lost in the one below.

show me your favourite photograph

Post by **Superbus_** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 9:33 pm

Just a few days ago I have seen WWII photos from her. She was a great photographer and a proud, fearless person - being a woman and making risky war photos...

Post by **npcoombs** » Mon Nov 21, 2005 10:58 pm

When people as what is the best/favorite photograph there is always the question of whether is the subject of the photograph or photograph as object which should be judged.

Personally, I find great subjects compelling but I also enjoy shots composed and carried off my masterful technical virtuosity, intellect, aesthetic judgment and cunning. Whereas the former is fantastic and thought provoking documentary, the latter is great art. Only very rarely do the two come together.

Post by **Alex_W** » Tue Nov 22, 2005 11:04 am

show me a good combination npcoombs. I don't think i agree with your distinction between subject of photograph and photograph as object, because i think the two inevitably inform eachother. Compelling subjects are probably always formally compelling as well. But let's not got theoretical for a change. Check this one out:

Tony Blair made it with his mobile phone. It's 'wrong' on both formal and subject levels (some kids aren't even looking at the camera).

One photographer who comes to my mind immediately as one accepted by the art world and the newspapers/journalism world alike, is the Russian Oleg Klimov who made these. There are ofcourse countless better examples.

Post by **Superbus_** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 8:00 pm

npcoombs wrote:When people as what is the best/favorite photograph there is always the question of whether is the subject of the photograph or photograph as object which should be judged.

I disagree with you. To find an object is the main important part of photography so I can not divide into two parts (the photograph as an object and the subject of the photograph). I always can say: good or not, like it or not it is more simple for me. The most ridiculous thing when you know something (a film, a picture, painting etc.) is not valuable as a cultural object but you like it eg.: a kitsch... ((Of course kitsch could be also valuable for modern art))

Post by **tlatosmd** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 8:05 pm

To get this clear, we're talking about the documented scene vs. the (geometrical, etc.) look of the photograph, right?

Post by **steve hyde** » Wed Nov 23, 2005 9:23 pm

This photograph was taken in the 1930s after a Hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico left many residents homeless. These people are waiting in line for food in front of a propaganda billboard.