Jacob Holdt is a rather curious asterisk in the history of photography, even within the realm of what has come to be known as "concerned photographers." He came to photography with neither a trained eye, nor a clear purpose of intent. It merely became a way to document a rather extraordinary life, not in a selfie look at me style, but in a... I can't believe this world exists and I am actively interacting with it. And interact with it he did- Holdt was anything but the objective journalist. He purposely thrust himself into a foreign land within lifestyles that could be said were foreign to most of its own natives! And it was not a lifestyle without considerable danger(s) to navigate and endure.
Somewhere along the line, he decided to start photographing his experiences, as well as those around him, as best he could; and to do just that, he began selling his plasma to help buy film for his point and shoot camera. Now, that's a certain level of... commitment! The resulting American Pictures will not fare well in the hallowed halls of art gallery walls, but they do serve as potent documentation of those places, people and lives that many of that era had already long dismissed as either no longer relevant, or not even in existence.
And that after all is photography's number one raison d'etre.
If you haven't seen Paulie B's videos on You Tube, you really should take a gander. And this is from someone who long ago gave up on viewing just about anything bearing what in my mind has become that near kiss of death terminology... "street photography." Countless videos from everyone and their mama telling you and yours about: the right camera, the right lens, the right presets and why you need to do it this way, that way, their way... occasionally accompanied with their own 'original' photos buttressing their sage and proven advice. Like, share and subscribe.
Paulie B. is refreshingly free of that, someone with a genuine love and respect for the medium that wants to share that enthusiasm with anyone who wants to share the ride. And he does that not by pontificating but by asking, interviewing and seeking whatever bits of wisdom and knowledge he can from the street photographers he accompanies and videos as they do their thing live, traversing various NYC neighborhoods. The photographers are a diverse bunch, of all different skill levels, from novices to recognized image makers. Most of them are young, just starting to figure things out and every bit as enthusiastic as he, and it's interesting to see how they contrast and complement their more seasoned counterparts. For those interested in practicing and learning more about the craft, these videos are head and shoulders above someone lecturing on their computer. Shop talk is discussed, but the focus is on the philosophy, attitude and inspiration that gets one walking the street, camera in hand and taking successful images. Life may have other plans for some of these photographers, others may just become future image masters of their realm.
You'll no doubt like the work and style of some photographers more than others, enjoy some of the topics, approaches and discussions over others. Point is, he brings his infectious enthusiasm and youthful curiosity to all his working, on site interviews; the love of craft, the sincerity in learning, the respect to all involved is real and palpable...
