Anthropomorphisize

This is the second post I have that includes photographer Nick Brandt but his photos blow my mind every time I see them. In an interview with Lens Work magazine he talks about how he feels that there is very little respect for animals in photography. His photos have been criticized for being too anthropomorphic, but Brandt describes his work as true to the character of the animals he photographs. Animals are typically photographed in action in a pure documentary style, but there is little exploration into their actual souls.
Agreed.
It amazes me at how narrow minded some photographers are about various fields of photography, rejecting Brandt's work and calling it too fine art. what? His photos have some the most honest animal expressions I have ever seen. It also reminds me a little of Jill Greenberg's monkey portraits. These are shot in studio, and reveal a different element of animals. She uses Hollywood trained animals, but in a way there is a sort of satirical look in their eyes. Different from Brandt, but lovely all the same.

Lesson: keep an open mind to the borders between "fine art" and "photojournalism". better yet, don't label just look...
And a photo of my cute puppy.



photos © Nick Brandt



photos © Jill Greenberg


photo © Heather C