When we gaze upon an iconic (or even just a really good) photograph, it’s difficult to think about the work or the passion behind it – we are seeing a documented scene or a crafted image and–unless you are a photographer–most people don’t wonder about the individual who was behind the camera. Sure, the majority of the populace will automatically recognize the photo of the Afghan Girl that was on the cover of National Geographic, but if you said the name “Steve McCurry” would the everyday person have any idea who you were talking about?
Photographer Tim Mantoani is setting out to change this with an ambitious project: He is photographing well known photographers with their most iconic, famous, or favorite photographs. He has collected 150 of these riveting portraits in a recent book – Behind Photographs: Archiving Photographic Legends.
Not only is he contacting and documenting these famous photographers, but he is also challenging his own photographical prowess by shooting on the legendary 20×24 Polaroid camera. These cameras are practically extinct (2 in existence), and the film goes for about $200 dollars a pop – per FRAME.
Click through the gallery tabs above to see a selection of this work.
I like yours photos and vedios
Hello I simply love your current lovely website many thanks and please adhere to it
I have this book, it’s incredible. Everyone should have it just for the quality of the book itself.
I ordered a copy a few days ago. http://www.mantoani.com – he has a few different options for purchasing there.
The book is wonderful. Every photographer should have it as their daily inspiration! As you flip the pages your eyes grow wider as you realize that Tim came up with a great idea and had the savvy to produce it. The book also speaks to the production and tenacity of realizing an idea. Nice job Tim!