Why Photography & Truth Matter

What is documentary photography, really? In a world of "alternative facts" and "post-truth" everything, the term "post-documentary" feels a bit like a warning siren. In this episode, I’m going back to basics. I found this incredible 1970s Time-Life book in a library that acts as a mini-history lesson on how this genre actually started. From the "Crusaders with Cameras" like Jacob Riis and Lewis Hine, who literally used their negatives as evidence to change child labor laws, to the inspiring (and ultimately tragic) story of the New York Photo League. We’re looking at how these pioneers filled the frame with life, even when that life was messy, chaotic, or politically "subversive." If you’ve ever felt like you wanted to do some good with your camera, or if you’ve been told you "don't have the right" to tell a story, this one is for you. NOTE: This is an older video I had copyright issues with, I've edited bits out and re-uploaded given talking about the Photo-League in my last video. Hopefully this will give some context to future videos. Let’s look at the path they walked before us and see if humanity has really changed that much in 100 years. Chapters & Timestamps: 0:00 - The "Post-Documentary" anxiety 1:10 - Finding a mini-history lesson (The Time-Life Book) 2:10 - What counts as a "Documentary" photograph? 4:35 - Defining the intent: Communicating importance 6:13 - Crusaders with Cameras: Jacob Riis & Lewis Hine 7:50 - Photography as evidence and social reform 12:20 - The "Messenger" problem: The ethics of telling stories 14:38 - The Rise and Fall of The Photo League 17:31 - McCarthyism and the end of an era 19:15 - Filling the frame: The work of Sid Grossman 20:30 - Inspired by the Masters (Cartier-Bresson, Strand, & more) 25:00 - Russia through the lens of the Cold War 27:05 - Final thoughts: Can we start a new Photo League? 28:20 - Coming up next: Diane Arbus SUBSCRIBE! https://www.youtube.com/user/edthomps.... BUY PHOTO BOOKS & ZINES.... https://edwardthompson.co.uk/Book-Sales INSTAGRAM   / mredthompson   If you found that helpful please consider becoming a CHANNEL MEMBER for exclusive videos and access, it's only £2.99 and well, its the cats pyjamas!    / @picturesonmymind   TUTORIALS I do regular 1-2-1 tutorials with photographers from all over the world helping them with their photography projects, from the West Coast of America to Japan! If you like my analysis and 'can do attitude' then feel free to book me for a tutorial. From only £50 https://edwardthompson.co.uk/teaching I'M WRITING ON SUBSTACK. IT'S FREE https://substack.com/@synchromancy/notes