I went to school at Dutchess Community College in upstate NY and Eugene Smith's family donated some of his photos to the college( because if his first wife's connection with the college) for permanent exhibit. One day I was just walking out of one of the administrative offices and noticed the photos on the walls of the hallway. For a few minutes I forgot where I was and was transfixed by those stunning, epic and mind piercing images....I will never forget that...

Been waiting for this one, Ted. And you did not disappoint. Just brilliant. One detail to add: Smith was physically assaulted and severely injured by hooligans hired by Chisso while in Minamata. Some accounts suggest that he never really recovered from this, and that it was a major factor in the overall decline of his health subsequently. Anyway, looking forward to the next video!

@bimurtyaganguli6442

5 ай бұрын

And that's why I beleive it was the last photo essay by Smith. The assault left his brain permanently damaged which slowly killed him. I can't possible stomach the whole thing.

I have been an avid photographer for five years now, devouring everything on technique and editing but never bothering to study the masters of the art. I realize it is time to change that. Your Artist Series has opened up my mind entirely in the last few days. Thank you very much for your insight. I am grateful.

Photo history video. Miss these kinds of videos! It's been a while. Thanks Ted.

Thanks, Ted -- I've arrived late to this video, six years after your posting. However, W. Eugene Smith had been one of my earliest and strongest inspirations, dating to when I was a high school photographer in the 1970s. Because I came to know his work at such a young age, he provided almost a disservice to my (now) nearly five decades as a photographer and student of photography. As a teenager, I hadn't realized what a high standard he'd set, until I found it nearly impossible to find others who exceeded, or even matched, his visual and emotional qualities in the art. I think of him as an Ansel Adams, but of images captured on the fly, and of the human condition, not landscapes (that, as Adams did, one could revisit over and over to find the best season, the best time of day, the best weather in which to capture the image). You've done a great job in presenting the most important photographer in my life, and I really appreciate it. I came to your video after a discussion with my wife and friends, in which Smith came up (regarding a movie about his loft that a friend recommended), and I realized, to my amazement, that my wife (of 37 years) was only vaguely familiar with Smith, knowing only that I was a fan, but not of HOW IMPORTANT Smith was to my whole way of looking through a viewfinder at prospective images. This video can now serve as a stand-in for my own (less skillful) explanation. Thank you!

This i exactly why I believe you have the best photography channel. The range you cover is fantastic; technicals, the odd gear bits, book reviews and these wonderful "photolits"... wonderful stuff Ted, keep up the great work. Been really enjoying the vids alot this year.

Can't help thinking of Caravaggio when I look at Smith's photographs and their magical way of showing us how "light "can unveil the essence a the story. Smith, a "modern " Caravaggio:)

@lauraeiriarte

4 жыл бұрын

indeed !

@suzannabienkowski2033

4 жыл бұрын

Beautifully and correctly put.

W. Eugene Smith is one of my 10 favorite's photographers of all time. I admire how you managed to put so much of his life's story in that short video. I like your portrayal of him when you talk about the "Mozart's Effect". He was definitely productive and all of his work is great. I understand why he had such a hard time trying to select images from his own projects. He couldn't curate his own work because they were such much photographs to choose from and all of them were winners. He was quite a stubborn man and uncompromising. He may be as close as a writer who writes with his own blood. He gave it all (and lost a lot in return). A real passionate. This is one video that I will certainly view again (many times).

@theartofphotography

8 жыл бұрын

+Rejean Nantel thanks Rejean

this was one of the best videos I've watched on this website in a very long time. His photojournalistic work is some of the most beautiful I've ever seen and you've only shown a handful. I have to say thank you for showing me this work.

Definitely the best photography channel on youtube. Keep up the great work, this was truly wonderful!

These artist bios are absolutely brilliant. I can't get enough.

Thanks Ted, this is the sort of shows that made me subscribe to you in the first place. Recently there haven't been many: your other stuff is still interesting, but this is what makes your channel unique and extremely valuable.

@PaC1116

6 жыл бұрын

Thorough and clear explanation of Eugene's life and work! Thank you once again Ted!

I first watched most of your photographer biography videos when you first put them out. Years later going back through them all and they are all still so great. Thank you for all that you have done to share their work and tell their stories! Great videos!

I missed these "classic" Art of Photography episodes! I wasn't familiar with Eugene Smith, thank you so much for the presentation!! Very inspiring indeed

This is so amazing, and fascinating. I love your videos about a photographer's history. Thank you so much, for taking the time to teach us. Keep up the amazing work!

I love Gene Smith's work. Thanks for covering him, Ted. Looking forward to your upcoming videos on him!

Thank you so much for this beautiful tribute. Love your insights and perspective. Well done. So glad I found your channel. A great resource when I need inspiration.

Fantastic video. When I see a lot of his work, I can't help but to break down and cry. One of the most powerful photographers of the 20th century.

Yes, this is exactly why I follow you ;)

@user-hq6te8kv1f

3 жыл бұрын

OM

@user-hq6te8kv1f

3 жыл бұрын

@Anders Kye Ll1

Thank you! Thank you! I bought the Jazz Loft DVD after viewing your presentation. W. Eugene Smith is now one of my heroes.

thank you for a wonderfully interesting episode!

That is what you are best at and why I started love your channel. Brilliantly told.

You have got a fantastic series here! One eye-opener after another! Many thanks.

This video is such a gem. I'm a self taught photographer and am still discovering the masters of the art. I randomly clicked on this video and it was such a treat. Thank you!

Thank you Ted; this was a moving presentation for me. I often open a window window on another monitor and look at the photos of your lecture subject. The combination was an awesome experience. I am looking forward to your next post. Great as always.

So great seeing your incredibly inspiring photolit again!

amazing and inspiring video...thank you so much Ted. EXCELLENT!!!!

Great episode! Whenever I'm in a rut your shows give me the jolt I need. Thanks for being here.

This is great!! Thanks for introducing us to this amazing photographer. Looking forward to the deep dive of his work.

Thanks for the introduction to W. Eugene Smith. Nice job. It is appreciated.

Thank you for the introduction to Mr. Smith. Fascinating subject and I looking forward to learning more.

Incredible video, Ted! I first got into your channel back in 2016 when I came across your video on William Eggleston. Six years later I still find myself coming back to these artist series videos and getting a fire lit in me to explore the work of some of the masters of photography. Thank you for making these!

Just discovered this channel and all I can say is amazing! Thank you!

Definitely one of your best ones, Ted, thanks.

Well said, and a very good overview of this brilliant man's work.

absolutely love your channel ! what an inspiration for any photographer. Great perspective.

Ted, it is an amazing and impressive presentation and shows how thoroughly you know the subject before recording it. Thank you.

What a phenomenal presentation covering the life of this most iconic photographer/photojournalist! I do not think anyone else could have done a better job of discussing the overall life and impact of Eugene Smith on the photographic arts. This was truly a monumental undertaking, and you presented it exquisitely! I cannot wait to tune in for your next presentation :)

Wonderful episode on W.Eugene Smith looking forward to further episodes on this intriguing photographer,you do these videos so well Ted ,both informative and inspiring.

Thanks so much to cover Eugene Smith in this way

Amazing episode! Amazing photos but I'm especially reeling about the jazz loft recordings! I've never heard of this till now! Being a musician/recording engineer and jazz lover, what I'd have given to be there at that time! What a gold mine! thanks for this and all your work!

Ted Thanks again . He is one of my favourite Photographer . Your video was a great add to get to know about him . Thanks a lot for your teaching.

Thank you for what you do. It is greatly appreciated.

Excellent episode Ted and I look forward to your next installment on Eugene Smith. BTW.....thanks for doing this show, its one of the few programs I look forward to. ~ Dave

Such a good job. And, you kept it under 20 minutes. Amazing. Thank you.

A brilliant presentation of a brilliant life. Thank you!

Another excellent video! Thanks for all the work you put into these videos and thanks for all the inspiration Mr. Forbes!

Yea! Back to photolit. I appreciate the treatment of the complexity of trying to represent his work. I think that now in the days of digital, this question of curation is going to be something that becomes increasingly important to all of us. Right now I think that the art world and the media that we employ no longer really have an a way to handle the vast volumes that we create as photographers. The limiting factor is no longer the ability produce, but rather the finite attention span of our audience.

the photos "walk into paradise garden" as I was told in photography school in the 70s, was the first photo that W.E shot when he had recovered from his war injury which almost took his sight. His work is amazing and still sends chills down my neck. Its a shame that young photographers don't study these giants of photography. Im so glad I found your site.

thanks for shining a light on this! I will now have to explore this body of work. cheers.

Excellent, thank you for this introduction. Your videos are unique. Very thought provoking and informative. Little works of art on their own.

Fantastic introduction, thank you taking the time to make this.

thank you so much for making these videos ted.

Sometimes I come back to these older videos to relax, learn and gather some faith in humanity.

Ted, thank you. your knowledge on not only the technical, but also the historic side of photography is extensive and brilliant

Great segment, Mr. Forbes! Thank you.

Thank you for that History lesson on Photography. I never knew of this gifted photographer. Thanks for the back story and the wealth of information that you shared.

Great overview! Job well done! Eugene Smith was one of a kind! He one of my favorite photographers! Thank you!

Great video of one of my top 5 photographers. Ahead of his time, yes. A genius, yes. A proper photojournalist, yes. Was one of the biggest inspirations for my dad as a photojournalist. Thank you.

You're a breath of fresh air Ted. Excellent video!

love the mix of bio and images. i’m reading Wide Lens now and your video is a really nice partner for that book. what a talent Smith was. I’m definitely hooked.

Amazing work! Looking forward to more on Eugene Smith!!

Excellent, I have been missing your photo lit episodes

I can not wait for episode two!!!!

Really great video! Video was a must watch for my Art of history class to complete a discussion assignment. 👍

I just found your channel, and im enjoying it a lot. Thanks for making these videos :)

Great video as usual. Thank you Ted.

I've been searching my memory for Gene Smith ever since I decided to get back into photography. Even back in the day, he was underappreciated . . . but oh my lord I knew he was great! The trick of using a cheap table-top tripod to brace his Leica against his chest is genius! Minimata -- the photo of the mother bathing her daughter was the only clue I could come up with, and by itself would never have led me to the name I needed. Thank you so much for this episode!

this was awesome! found out about a great photographer in an always interesting way, can't wait for the next videos Ted

Wonderful, Ted, simply wonderful. Thank you.

Great video, as always! W. Eugene Smith...what a master.

Binging on your bios. Thanks for putting them together. Fan Ho is my favorite so far.

Quite a presentation about such a photographer. The amount of information you covered amazes me. I enjoyed your efforts on this one. Looking forward to more episodes on this one.

this was really great. I want to add that Smith's lighting genius - was both in the camera - but more so in the printing...... it wasn't just dodge and burn....but he knew how to use certain chemicals (some very dangerous) to pull out the light in a otherwise dark photo

Thanks for providing a thoughtful, in-depth and impactful overview of W Eugene Smith. You are an important player in the history of modern photography Ted. Your ability to educate and inspire participants in the artform of photography is ensuring we carry the best of the past while defining a pathway forward into the future of the photographic image. Thank you ✌️

Brilliant photography, thanks for the video on E. Smith.

I agree with all your choices of great photographers. Thank you for you videos.

Thank you sooo much. Im now searching for this jazz loft project and associated media as a first anniversary present for the wife.

excellent documentary. thanks!

SO GREAT, Ted. Thank you!

Outstanding! As with the Salgado video, very informative. Thanks!

I love you man! This is such a brilliant channel!!

Very Interesting, I'm looking forward to learning more about Mr.Smith. As always great work!

Absolutely is an inspiration to me and my work. I love W Eugene Smith.

Incredible story telling. Enjoyed every moment of this well spoken and intelligent portrait of this brilliant and multifaceted photographer and human being. Well done - Thanks.

Very informative video. Thank you Ted! I can´t imagine the work you have done before making this..

Thank you so much for this!

A terrific introduction to W.E.S! .... your commitment and passion for his work is inspirational. Thank you!

This is an amazing talk. My father bought me a book of Smith's work and I must have looked at it 1000 times when in high school. He is the best photographer, imho. You have earned a subscriber!

Wow! Great video essay and presentation. Looking forward to seeing more about his work.

My favorite of the old time photo jourmalists. Thanks for the vid.

Excellent video. Thanks a lot Ted!

Love his work and yours. Thanks

Great work , started following recently but exploring your playlist daily is my favourite tasks now. Keep posting stuff like this.😀

This is powerful stuff Ted. I'm inspired to see what books by Eugene Smith the have at the Phillips Collection in DC.

Very, very nice. Thanks a lot for this video!

wonderful work ! thank you !

Very well-balanced 18 minutes documentary. Thanks a lot.

Outstanding as always, thank you Ted

Beautiful hommage to Smith, thank you Ted!