Articles

Rotan Switch is an autobiographical photo book by Lisa McCord that documents life on her grandparents’ cotton farm in Rotan, Arkansas. Spanning 45 years from 1978 to 2021, it explores the rural South's socioeconomic and racial complexities through intimate images of five generations of a community. McCord, a white photographer and landowner's granddaughter, reflects on her own privilege and the intertwined histories of industry, agriculture, racism, and injustice in this unique place. The narrative unfolds like a family album or diary, inviting readers to engage deeply with its themes of connection, separation, and home. Read Article

“Rotan Switch” by Lisa McCord is a deeply personal photographic memoir that explores her hometown in Arkansas over more than forty years. The book blends social, geographic, and autobiographical narratives, documenting the complexities of race, class, and community through intimate black-and-white images. Unlike typical photo books, it is meant to be read like literature, presenting a compelling story that captures the nuances of life in a rural Southern town. The book combines family photography with broader social commentary, enriched by multiple voices reflecting on the shared history and context. Read Article

Some Worlds Have Two Suns is a photographic series by Andrew McConnell capturing the interaction between the Russian Soyuz spacecraft missions from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and the local communities. The images depict the arrival and departure of astronauts and cosmonauts alongside the everyday lives of villagers in remote grasslands, especially the people of Kenjebai-Samai. While initially focusing on space travelers, McConnell became interested in the local community’s unique relationship and indifference to the space events. The project reveals a landscape of isolated nomadic descendants living on the edge of new frontiers. Read Article

Irish photographer Andrew McConnell documents the unique intersection of space exploration and rural life in Kazakhstan's Ulytau Region. His work captures the arrivals and departures of Russian Soyuz spacecraft alongside the everyday lives of local villagers who live on the vast Kazakh Steppe. Despite the dramatic presence of space travel, the locals remain largely indifferent, creating a surreal coexistence between human ambition and routine existence. McConnell's images reveal both the harsh environment of the steppe and the symbolic relationship between astronauts and the community. Read Article

Paul McCartney’s book "1964: Eyes of the Storm" is a detailed exploration of the Beatles' pivotal year during their rise to international fame. Featuring nearly a thousand photographs taken by McCartney and others from late 1963 to early 1964, the collection highlights their tours from Liverpool to the United States, including their iconic Ed Sullivan Show performance. The book includes insightful commentary from McCartney on photography and personal memories, alongside a contextual essay by Jill Lepore that situates their fame within cultural history. This photobook offers a candid insider’s view of the Beatles’ journey through Beatlemania, capturing both intimate and historic moments. Read Article

Paul McCartney’s new book, "1964: Eyes of the Storm," showcases his personal photography capturing The Beatles during their explosive rise to fame from late 1963 through early 1964. The book features 275 largely unseen photos taken with McCartney’s 35mm camera across cities including Liverpool, London, Paris, New York, Washington, D.C., and Miami. Along with intimate images, McCartney provides reflections on the period he calls the "Eyes of the Storm," offering fans a unique insider’s perspective on Beatlemania. The book also includes an essay by historian Jill Lepore and is available in hardcover and Kindle editions. Read Article

Paul McCartney has announced a new photography book titled '1964: Eyes Of The Storm,' featuring 275 previously unseen photos taken by McCartney himself during the height of Beatlemania. The images capture the Beatles' rise to global fame in late 1963 and early 1964, including portraits of John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. The photographs were taken across six cities: Liverpool, London, Paris, New York, Washington, D.C., and Miami. The book also includes essays by notable historians and curators and is set for release on June 13 through Penguin. Read Article

The exhibition "Eyes of the Storm" at London's National Portrait Gallery showcases Paul McCartney's photographs taken between December 1963 and February 1964, a transformative period when The Beatles rose from local fame to global stardom. Featuring 250 backstage and off-duty images, the collection captures moments from their UK tour, performances in Paris's Olympia music hall, and their breakthrough in the US with appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show. McCartney's candid shots offer an intimate glimpse into the early days of Beatlemania and the cultural shift they inspired. Read Article

Andrea Modica is recognized as a prominent photographer of her generation, known for her long-term projects that often span many years and deeply explore personal and cultural themes. Her recent exhibition "Extended Moments" and the book "As We Wait," edited by Larry Fink, highlight her continued dedication to black-and-white large-format photography and platinum printing. Modica discusses the emotional and intuitive process behind her work, the role of trauma in concluding projects, and the significance of working with traditional photographic methods. She also reflects on her artistic connection to Italy and how it influences her creative expression. Read Article

This special interview features American photographer Larry Fink discussing Lisette Model, a significant influence on his photographic style. In 1958, Fink took private courses with Model, which sparked a deep friendship and profoundly shaped his approach to photography. Model encouraged her students to photograph subjects they were genuinely drawn to, emphasizing the importance of capturing images with emotional intensity. Fink’s work reflects this philosophy through his empathetic and sensitive portrayal of his subjects, making viewers feel intimately connected to the scenes. The interview is part of an online program by CAMERA, coinciding with exhibitions on Lisette Model and Horst P. Horst. Read Article

Lisette Model, born in Vienna, initially pursued a career in music studying under Arnold Schönberg before shifting to photography in 1933. After moving to Paris and apprenticing with Florence Henri, she immigrated to New York City in 1938. Her photography, characterized by candid depictions of everyday people, was featured in prominent magazines like Harper's Bazaar. Model was an influential figure in street photography during the 1940s and taught notable students, including Diane Arbus. Her work has been exhibited worldwide and played a key role in defining American documentary photography. Read Article

This article is a reflective portrait of Lisette Model, a renowned photographer and teacher, written by R. H. Cravens in Spring 1982. It explores Model’s private life, her artistic philosophy, and her unique approach to photography, emphasizing her precision with light and her candid, unvarnished human subjects. The piece describes her guarded yet warm personality, her vibrant New York home, and her profound connection to France and music. It also discusses the challenges of capturing the essence of a photographer through writing, highlighting Model's preference for privacy and the metaphysical complexity of portraying an artist of light through words. Read Article