Sally Mann
“Photographs open doors into the past, but they also allow a look into the future.”
Sally Mann is an American photographer renowned for her captivating and often controversial images that explore themes of family, childhood, and the passage of time. With a career spanning over four decades, Mann's work has earned her a place among the most influential fine art photographers of her generation.
Early Life and Career
Born in Lexington, Virginia, in 1951, Sally Mann discovered her passion for photography at a young age. She attended the Putney School in Vermont and later pursued a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in creative writing at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. During her time at Hollins, Mann studied photography and began to develop her unique style and approach to the medium.
Photographic Style and Techniques
Mann's photographic style is characterized by her ability to capture deeply intimate and emotional moments. Her black-and-white images often possess a haunting, ethereal quality, revealing the vulnerability and fragility of her subjects. Throughout her career, she has primarily used large-format cameras and alternative photographic processes, such as wet plate collodion, which lends her images a timeless, painterly appearance.
Career Highlights
Sally Mann gained widespread recognition in the early 1990s with her series "Immediate Family," which featured candid photographs of her three children. The series sparked controversy due to the nudity and provocative poses of her young subjects. Despite the controversy, "Immediate Family" solidified Mann's reputation as a fearless and thought-provoking artist.
Mann's later work has explored themes of mortality, memory, and the Southern landscape. Her series "Deep South" (1998) and "What Remains" (2003) examine the complex history of the American South and the cycle of life and death. In 2015, she released a memoir, "Hold Still: A Memoir with Photographs," which delves into her personal life and the stories behind her most iconic images.
Photography Gear
Sally Mann's equipment choices have played a significant role in shaping her photographic style. Over the years, she has used:
Large-format cameras, such as the 8x10 Deardorff view camera
Wet plate collodion process
Black-and-white film
Published Photo Books
"Hold Still: A Memoir with Photographs" In this deeply personal memoir, Sally Mann shares her life story, intertwining it with her photographic journey. "Hold Still" offers valuable insights into the creative process and the emotional connections that drive Mann's work, making it a must-read for photographers seeking to understand the power of personal storytelling in photography.
"Remembered Light: Cy Twombly in Lexington" This book is a testament to the friendship between Sally Mann and the artist Cy Twombly. "Remembered Light" features Mann's intimate photographs of Twombly's studio, offering a unique glimpse into the creative space of a renowned artist. This book emphasizes the importance of collaboration and mutual inspiration in artistic pursuits.
"Sally Mann: The Flesh and The Spirit" This collection showcases Mann's exploration of the human body and spirituality. "The Flesh and The Spirit" highlights her unique approach to capturing the essence of her subjects, providing valuable insights and inspiration for photographers interested in the interplay between physicality and the intangible aspects of life.
"Sally Mann: Immediate Family" In this iconic collection, Sally Mann captures intimate moments of her own family, creating powerful and often controversial images. "Immediate Family" challenges traditional notions of childhood and family, inspiring photographers to push boundaries and explore deeply personal themes in their work.
"From Darkroom To Daylight" In this book, Sally Mann is among several photographers interviewed about their experiences transitioning from film to digital photography. "From Darkroom To Daylight" offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that come with embracing new technologies, making it a useful resource for photographers navigating the ever-evolving world of photography.
Quotes
“Photographs open doors into the past, but they also allow a look into the future.”
“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.”
“Art is seldom the result of true genius; rather, it is the product of hard work and skills learned and tenaciously practiced by regular people.”
“I believe that the familiar is often taken for granted and that if it is removed from its usual context, it can become exotic.”
“What I really wanted was every kind of life, and the writer’s life seemed the most inclusive.”
Legacy and Influence
Sally Mann's intimate and thought-provoking photography has left a lasting impact on the world of fine art photography. Her willingness to explore complex and often controversial themes has inspired countless photographers to push the boundaries of their own work.
Other notable fine art photographers with a similar style are Diane Arbus, Francesca Woodman, and Nan Goldin. These artists, like Mann, have been known for their unflinching portrayal of intimate moments and their ability to capture the raw emotions and vulnerabilities of their subjects.
Throughout her career, Sally Mann has consistently challenged conventions and created deeply personal, evocative images that resonate with viewers. Her unique approach to fine art photography has earned her a place among the most influential photographers of her time and continues to inspire the next generation of artists.
