John Szarkowski and George Tice in Focus Magazine

[tim atherton]

There are two good articles in the latest Focus Magazine - and even though you can read the pdf, I might actually go out an buy a copy for once...

I like the things John has to say about "equivalents", how easy photography is (or not) and big prints (not necessarily bad - but to be good they need to be good...)

I'll probably blog about it later, as I always enjoy hearing what Szarkowski has to say

And Tice's work is always worth viewing (even if I find his world just a little too depressing - even for my ocasionally melancholic outlook!)

http://www.focusmag.info/focusmay2007.pdf

[paulr]

That's a great Szarkowski interview. He's saying some things he's said before, but the length of the interview gives him some much needed room to flesh things out.

What a character.

I like his thoughts on gigantic prints. And on the Walker Evans book continuing to improve.

[Brian Ellis]

I agree, the Szarkowski interview was excellent. His statement there about how easy and difficult photography is reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from ""Looking at Photographs" - "The simplicity of photography lies in the fact that it is very easy to make a picture. The staggering complexity of it lies in the fact that a thousand other pictures of the same subject would have been equally easy."

In fact I was very impressed with the quality of the entire issue.

[David Spivak-Focus Magazine]

I agree, the Szarkowski interview was excellent. His statement there about how easy and difficult photography is reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from ""Looking at Photographs" - "The simplicity of photography lies in the fact that it is very easy to make a picture. The staggering complexity of it lies in the fact that a thousand other pictures of the same subject would have been equally easy."

In fact I was very impressed with the quality of the entire issue.

Thank you for the kind words. Unfortunately, John may not have the opportunity to read this interview. I initially received word late yesterday from Tim that Szarkowski was ill, but I had to verify it. Unfortunately, Tim was right. According to Peter Fetterman, from the Peter Fetterman Gallery, Szarkowski "Had a double stroke. Last I heard he was still in hospital and making some progress."

http://www.iphotocentral.com/news/article_view.php/129/120/689

Thank you Tim for the information. John is in all of our thoughts and prayers.

[Bill_1856]

I don't remember seeing this magazine on the rack at our local Barnes & Noble. Did enjoy the web version, although I hate pdf format.

[David Spivak-Focus Magazine]

I don't remember seeing this magazine on the rack at our local Barnes & Noble. Did enjoy the web version, although I hate pdf format.

Where are you located, what city/state?

[Bill_1856]

Where are you located, what city/state?

Sarasota, Florida

[David Spivak-Focus Magazine]

Sarasota, Florida

Every single B&N and Borders I called in Tampa, St. Pete and Sarasota were all sold out of the magazine. In about two weeks from now, try the Borders bookstore at 3800 S. Tamiami Trail for the May '07 issue. We have 100% coverage at Borders, while we have about 75% at B&N.

[Bill_1856]

In about two weeks from now, try the Borders bookstore at 3800 S. Tamiami Trail for the May '07 issue.

Thanks, will do.
(Our local B&N is a large, well stocked facility, while the Borders always seems like they're about ready to put the sign in the window and close the doors, so I never patronise them.)

[amilne]

Forgive me, but why on earth would a magazine, or I suppose I can say why would you (since a representative seems to be participating in the conversation), allow a full, free PDF version of the magazine to be downloaded online? That's quite generous, but how do you stay in buisiness?

-Alex

[David Spivak-Focus Magazine]

Forgive me, but why on earth would a magazine, or I suppose I can say why would you (since a representative seems to be participating in the conversation), allow a full, free PDF version of the magazine to be downloaded online? That's quite generous, but how do you stay in buisiness?

-Alex

We're only as good as our product is. We don't have a wimpy magazine, we use the best paper quality for the inside of the magazine, a beautiful cover stock and a special ordered black ink for amazing reproductions. The magazine itself weighs over a pound and a half and every issue is a collector's item. You cannot see any of this or feel any of this on a computer monitor.

[David Spivak-Focus Magazine]

We're only as good as our product is. We don't have a wimpy magazine, we use the best paper quality for the inside of the magazine, a beautiful cover stock and a special ordered black ink for amazing reproductions. The magazine itself weighs over a pound and a half and every issue is a collector's item. You cannot see any of this or feel any of this on a computer monitor.

Speaking of which, I just got the book today...this is absolutely the best magazine we've ever done by a mile. I hope those of you who have a chance to pick a copy up at your local bookstore or online enjoy it as much as I do.

[Tim Hyde]

I have been out of the country and am unclear: is this issue out yet or not? I can't find it in DC--at least not at my normal stops.

[David Spivak-Focus Magazine]

I have been out of the country and am unclear: is this issue out yet or not? I can't find it in DC--at least not at my normal stops.

Not yet, we had a problem with the cover and needed to reprint it. It will bind tomorrow and then ship on Friday. Some newsstands might have it next Friday if not the weekend after, but it will make its debut at the AIPAD Photography Show next week.

[David Spivak-Focus Magazine]

Update: After speaking with Peter Fetterman recently, he told me that John Szarkowski has left the hospital and is now receiving intensive rehabilitation therapy. There are some hopes and signs of a full recovery.

[Duane Polcou]

As a native New Jersian, I have always admired George Tice's work. And I should say that I admire his ability to make a career out of portraying his native environs (although he has published books of other locales as well - a monograph on England being a favorite). His images may be considered "depressing" I suppose. Paterson NJ can be a depressing place in an urban/industrial sort of way . But therein lies the appeal. I have photographed Asbury Park NJ (4x5 BW) on and off for about 20 years. Back when it looked deserted and filled with ghostly character. Now that it is in full throttle urban re-develoment mode, with pricey condominiums and (no sexism intended) hip gay bars, in part destroying that visually forlorn feel, I am so glad I have those negs. Could make a cool book.