Great Photo Books – The Americans by Robert Frank
Today’s post is about one of my absolute favorite books of Photography: Robert Frank’s, The Americans.
A few years ago I was taking a Figurative Photography course at the AGO?and in this course the instructor spent a fair amount of time projecting slides of photos for us to discuss. ?In one particular class I found the images particularly fascinating, and could not take my eyes off of them. ?In closing the slide show the instructor would finish up by telling us what books the pictures had come from, and in this case the book turned out to be, “The Americans” by Robert Frank.
Shortly thereafter I came across a copy on the shelf of Pages Books & Magazines on Queen West, and immediatly snapped it up. ?I rushed home that evening full of anticipation for the wonders that would be contained within, after many enjoyable hours over the years I have never been dissapointed with this purchase.
The Americans by Robert Frank - Book Cover
Now how does this all fit into my SoFoBoMo attempt? ?Well part of what I love about this book is the layout. ?Simple white pages. ?A single photo and a page number on every second page. ?The captions are at the end of the book after the pictures. ?And the introduction at the beginning of the book by Jack Kerouac doesn’t try to “explain” the photos, but optionally sets up a headspace from which you can see the pictures in a certain light.
I think there is a good chance I will follow Robert’s example in working on my book layout.
