Stanley speaks:
Written by David WhiteInteresting interview with good old Stanley Greene, from the wonderful New York Times Lens blog:
Q (Michael Kamber): I have been hearing this from a lot of older photographers: that the young photographers today are technically amazing, they have learned what an amazing photograph looks like, but they sometimes lack a variety of influences or a certain humanity.
A (Mr. Stanley Greene, for it is he): They don’t have humanity. They are definitely much better technically. They know that backwards and forwards. And they should. It’s their generation. But at the same time, because of all that technology, they are losing the humanity.
When we get to the point where we start digging up graves to make photographs, I think we are in trouble.”
I think we can all agree on that last point. Well, nearly all of us. I can think of one muppet who would disagree. Not so sure I agree with blaming it all on digi cameras though…
A refreshingly honest and open interview.
Discussion (2 Comments)
Stanley is a true original. I don’t agree with everything he says all the time but that just makes me respect him that much more. Certainly not afraid to voice his opinion. And a top notch photographer to boot. Good stuff.
While others complain about the lack of quality critical writing on photography and the arts (and I aint disagreeing), I think Stanley’s argument goes to the heart of the matter by addressing the problem at its fundamental core, rather than its aftermath.