Harry Gruyaert

[bmattock]

bmattock: What are some of your favorite photos by famous photographers? Can I see some?

I knew someone would ask that eventually. Let me say this - I have eclectic tastes, but my tastes are also evolving and changing, now more than ever. For the moment, there are not many 'famous' photographers whose work I truly appreciate, let alone like.

However, there are plenty of photographers whose work I enjoy - famous or not.

Ralph Eugene Meatyard:

http://images.google.com/images?svnum=10&hl=en&lr=&safe=off&q=ralph+eugene+meatyard&btnG=Search

Jaromir Funke:

http://images.google.com/images?svn...snum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=Jaromir+Funke&spell=1

Jindrich Styrsky:

http://images.google.com/images?svnum=10&hl=en&lr=&safe=off&q=Jindrich+Styrsky&btnG=Search

Frantisek Drtikol:

http://images.google.com/images?svnum=10&hl=en&lr=&safe=off&q=Frantisek+Drtikol&btnG=Search

Jaroslav Rössler:

http://images.google.com/images?svn...m=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=Jaroslav+Rossler&spell=1

Man Ray:

http://images.google.com/images?svnum=10&hl=en&lr=&safe=off&q=man+ray&btnG=Search

And whatever I find in the pages of Juxtapoz magazine and Shots:
http://www.juxtapoz.com/mambo/
http://www.shotsmag.com/

These are just some of the photographers whose work I admire, and more in one vein than another. I also find William Christenberry intriguing, as well as William Mortensen.

Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[ywenz]

seems like your taste is more on the abstract side.

My favorite type of photography is the photo journalisim style - making something out of ordinary scenes.

 

[bmattock]

seems like your taste is more on the abstract side.

My favorite type of photography is the photo journalisim style - making something out of ordinary scenes.

I prefer to shoot 'street photography' style, but strive to see the absurd, dark, or ironic. Call it 'street abstract'.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Thank you Bill. Yes, I like seeing those in your face street photos too, but I don't think I could do them myself.

 

[rvaubel]

At least now I know you you get peeved at endless discussions of what color wriststrap would go best with a Leica IIIf.

Rex

 

[nomade]

bmattock, ihaven't browzed all his photos, and the one u've linked is ugly...I agree.

Edit: but not all, the 1st 10 images i liked, what i liked was certain elements within the composition and the neatness of the colors...

you feel that soemhow this photograph is telling you a story...Not beautifull literally

 

[agf]

Does Gruyeart use a RF camera? His photographs appear to be very tightly composed and look like they were made with a normal or slightly wide lens. What kinds of film does he favor? John Henry

As far as I know, Harry uses SLRs: in an interview I read a couple of years ago on french magazine Réponses Photo he declared he works with Canon EOS3 cameras with zooms but always carries a Leica M as it has the best possible viewfinder for 35 and 50mm lenses. He works in Kodachrome (25/200).
From what I gather from the Magnum web site, I have the feeling he switched to digital in his last pictures from China.
Cheers,
Federico Agostini

 

[Bertram2]

Actually it is his understanding and handlig of light, and how he makes it beeing a central part of the concept, which is additionally supported by a well thought colour concept.
No 2, 11 , 21, and 41 demonstrate that perfectly. Without the light there would not have been a picture at these places.

A lesson for all those who are ( like me) too much fixated on items, figures , shapes and patterns and forget that with light one can create a new world, or better, make the second reality of a place visible , if there is any.
Ugly ? No, tho Belgium isn't Disneyland of course.

Bertram

 

[Ste_S]

Resurrected as Gruyaert is probably one of my favourite photographers.
Anyone seen the film ? Doesn't look as though it's available to legitimately stream/download, just available for dvd sales on the website ?

http://www.harrygruyaert-film.com/

 

[Steve M.]

It looks like you can watch it for free here if you sign up

http://big201.com/movie/554229/harry_gruyaert._photographer

I probably shouldn't mention this because it's sort of under the radar, but I've had excellent luck googling "watch (name of film here) online free", and if that doesn't work, add "putlocker" to the end of that. Just finished watching Ken Russel's film The Devils, Bowie's-The Man Who Fell To Earth, Wise Blood, A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, and on and on, all for free.

I highly recommend The Hunger, which may be the best modern vampire film ever made. Sensual, unique, and Bowie steals the show, which is pretty difficult considering that he co stars with Catherine Deneuve and Susan Sarandon. Fassbinder's World On a Wire and Dustin Hoffman in Straight Time were outstanding films.