[Leica] Re: Perhaps HCB isn't as outstanding a portraitist as he was a "street photographer - and other heretical thoughts

[Jim Brick <jimbrick@photoaccess.com>]

It has always been my contention that these "great" old photographers were
great, not because of their work, but because they were first.

Jim


At 05:02 PM 9/29/99 +0000, B. D. Colen wrote:
>
>WOW! I certainly don't disagree, and while we're baring our souls...I'd like
>to suggest that Eisenstadt was and is greatly overrated. Yes, some of his
>images are iconic. But that doesn't mean they are automatically great
>photographs. Even he has acknowledged that the Times Square kiss is not a
>particularly remarkable photo. Most of his photos appear to be the result of
>his having gained access to the rich and famous, which is a credit to the
>power of Life, and also to what is pretty universally described as his own
>wonderful personality. But those photos of the rich and famous live on, I
>would contend, because of who they are of, not because, with some
>exceptions, they are in and of themselves great photographs. I know, I know,
>the photo of Goebels is truly remarkable. But that doesn't make Eisie a
>"great."
>
>But, hey, everybody who is vaguely interest in photography knows who he
>is..so...
>