Gordon Parks
Gordon Parks (1912-2006) was a groundbreaking documentary photographer, filmmaker, and writer, best known for his powerful images documenting the lives of African Americans and the civil rights movement. His work transcended the boundaries of photography, addressing issues of race, poverty, and social justice, and has had a profound impact on the field of documentary photography.
Early Life and Career
Born in Fort Scott, Kansas, in 1912, Gordon Parks was the youngest of 15 children. After the death of his mother, Parks left home at the age of 15 to live on his own. He purchased his first camera in 1937 and began working as a freelance photographer, focusing on capturing the African American experience in America.
In 1942, Parks received a fellowship from the Julius Rosenwald Fund, which led to a position as a photographer for the Farm Security Administration (FSA). Here, he worked alongside other notable photographers like Dorothea Lange and documented the impact of the Great Depression on rural America.
Following his time at the FSA, Parks became the first African American photographer for LIFE magazine in 1948, a position he held for more than two decades. During this time, he produced some of his most iconic images, including "American Gothic," which depicted an African American cleaning woman standing in front of the American flag.
Photographic Style and Techniques
Gordon Parks' documentary photography style is characterized by its raw, intimate portrayal of his subjects, often revealing their dignity and resilience in the face of adversity. His images are deeply humanistic, capturing the everyday struggles and triumphs of the people he photographed.
Parks was known for his ability to establish a strong rapport with his subjects, often spending significant time with them to gain their trust and better understand their lives. This empathy and connection with his subjects allowed Parks to create powerful and compelling images that resonated with viewers.
Career Highlights
In 1948, Gordon Parks' groundbreaking photo essay on Harlem gang leader Red Jackson was published in LIFE magazine, which led to a long and successful career at the publication.
Parks documented the civil rights movement throughout the 1960s, capturing pivotal moments and figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and the March on Washington.
In addition to his work as a photographer, Parks was a successful filmmaker, author, and composer. In 1969, he became the first African American to direct a major Hollywood film, "The Learning Tree," which was based on his semi-autobiographical novel.
Parks received numerous awards and honors throughout his life, including the National Medal of Arts, which was awarded to him by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.
Photography Gear
Gordon Parks used a variety of photography gear throughout his career, including:
35mm cameras: Parks often used 35mm cameras, such as the Leica, for their compact size and versatility. These cameras were ideal for his documentary work, allowing him to move quickly and unobtrusively while capturing images.
Medium format cameras: For studio and portrait work, Parks sometimes used medium format cameras like the Rolleiflex or Hasselblad, which provided higher image quality and greater detail.
Various lenses: Parks used a range of lenses, including wide-angle, normal, and telephoto, depending on the needs of the shot and the story he was telling.
Natural light: Parks often preferred to work with available light, using it to create dramatic and intimate images. When necessary, he also used portable flash units for additional lighting.
Photography Books
"Gordon Parks: Segregation Story": This expanded edition offers an intimate look into the daily realities of African Americans living under Jim Crow laws in the rural South during the 1950s. Unearthed from the archives, the book includes previously unpublished photographs, enhanced reproductions, and new essays, providing valuable insights into Parks' work as a champion for social change.
"A Choice of Weapons": In this compelling autobiography, Parks recounts his journey from poverty and homelessness to becoming a groundbreaking photographer, writer, composer, activist, and filmmaker. The book emphasizes the importance of love, dignity, and hard work in overcoming adversity and achieving success.
"Gordon Parks: Stokely Carmichael and Black Power": This book delves into Parks' nuanced portrayal of the young, controversial civil rights leader Stokely Carmichael, capturing the essence of the Black Power movement and presenting a more complete picture of its leader, with reprints of important essays and photographs.
"Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America": This children's book tells the story of how Parks used his camera to take a stand against racism in America. Through lyrical verse and atmospheric art, readers learn about Parks' journey from poverty to becoming a self-taught photographer and an influential artist.
"Gordon Parks: The Atmosphere of Crime, 1957": Showcasing a selection of never-before-published photographs, this book captures Parks' groundbreaking photo-essay on crime in America. The images provide a vivid, cinematic portrayal of violence, police work, and incarceration, transcending stereotypes and offering a more nuanced view of the complex social and economic factors tied to criminal behavior.
"A Hungry Heart": In this memoir, Gordon Parks reflects on his life and the events that shaped him, from growing up poor on the Kansas prairie to becoming an influential figure in American culture. The book offers a fascinating look into Parks' journey as a celebrated photojournalist, filmmaker, and author, overcoming countless challenges to thrive in his career.
Quotes
"The camera is a remarkable instrument. Saturate yourself with your subject, and the camera will all but take you by the hand and point the way."*
"I saw that the camera could be a weapon against poverty, against racism, against all sorts of social wrongs. I knew at that point I had to have a camera."
"I picked up a camera because it was my choice of weapons against what I hated most about the universe: racism, intolerance, poverty."
"You don't have to teach people how to be human. You have to teach them how to stop being inhumane."
"The subject matter is so much more important than the photographer."
Legacy and Influence
Gordon Parks' groundbreaking work in documentary photography has left a lasting impact on the field, inspiring generations of photographers to use their cameras as tools for social change. His images continue to resonate with audiences today, serving as a reminder of the power of photography to inform, educate, and inspire.
Other photographers with similar styles or who have documented social issues include Diane Arbus, Mary Ellen Mark, James Nachtwey, and Bieke Depoorter.
The influence of Parks' work can be seen not only in the images of these photographers but also in the broader realm of documentary photography, as artists continue to address issues of social justice, race, and poverty in their work.
In conclusion, Gordon Parks' pioneering approach to documentary photography, his powerful images, and his commitment to addressing social issues have left an indelible mark on the world of photography. His work serves as a testament to the power of the camera as a tool for change and a means to reveal the human spirit in the face of adversity.