APA NY: The Poetic Photo Essay With Sam Abell

Sam Abell’s renowned career as a documentary photographer has been devoted to distilling the poetic image. In a fascinating frame-by-frame presentation, Abell deconstructs both his well-known and recent images-all with the idea of examining the idea that there is a clear ‘way’ of making finer photographs. In addition, he shows that when a small number of such images are gathered into concise essays, it creates a powerful and meaningful way to present one’s work in an age of image over-saturation.
In this illuminating one-hour presentation, Sam shows how both the poetic image and the deeply distilled essay result from high intent, clear vision, and refined editing-elements available to every aspiring photographer.
Bio: Sam Abell:
I learned photography from my father, a teacher, at our home in Sylvania, Ohio. After graduating from the University of Kentucky, I worked for National Geographic as a contract and staff photographer for thirty-three years. In 1990, my work was the subject of a one-person exhibition and monograph titled Stay This Moment at the International Center of Photography in New York City. Since then, I have published four additional collections of work: Seeing Gardens; Sam Abell: The Photographic Life; The Life of a Photograph and Sam Abell Library. In addition, I maintain a career as a writer, teacher, and lecturer on photography. *Headshot Tintype by Kari Wehrs.
ny.apanational.org
apanational.org
samabell.com

[@shawanalulu]

Such a brilliant and thought-provoking video with such a generous insight into the photography process. Love that it’s so much more than taking a shot; it’s about waiting for the right moment and really seeing how the micro elements of the composition work together so as to create or build your picture!

[@Pattybfeliz]

I have tried several times to get into a class by Sam Abell. I'm always too late. Thank you so much for the 'meat' in this video. I was enthralled for the entire time. I hope Sam doesn't retire before I can take one of his classes. Even though he and I are the same age, I didn't start photography until I was 67. I have so much to do and so little time.....but what a way to spend my retirement. Thanks, Sam.

[@kalistratov_photos]

It's been 34 minutes and it's already the best lecture on photography I have ever heard...

[@j.h.5718]

WOW! Thank you APA for putting this together for us and Thank YOU! Sam Abell for taking the time and preparation it takes to put together a lecture like this for us all. And many Thanks to your Papa for sparking the light in his son and being a great father and investing the time to his child! For him to share these pearls of wisdom you have shared with us, Thank you sir.

[@richdeering9580]

I have been photographing for 40+ years, and although I spend a lot of time on composition… but I’ve never spent 12 hours on nailing one image. Sam Abell has impressed me enormously… to invest that amount of time on a potential image demonstrates his artistic confidence, and self belief. I thoroughly enjoyed his lecture. Compose and wait has never occurred to me; well, maybe to a small degree. Thank you very much Sam, you are a good teacher. “A photograph is thought”… wow, you’re right. You have given me fresh insight. Excellent… I’ve subscribed. ❤

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

Wow !! How lucky we are to have this as a free resource, excellent thank you to APA and Sam.

[@mrkaddo]

Fantastic video. Thank you so much to Sam, APA and SVA for this thoughtful, insightful and educational resource.

[@xyphoto]

Amazing! Thanks for making this lecture available!

[@RichardSilvius]

This is AMAZING. (I'm only halfway through). Thanks Sam Abell and everyone involved!!

[@mspellyt1]

Amazingly good lecture! One of the best I’ve ever seen. Thanks APA and thank you Sam Abell.

[@CRJines]

Extremely informative! I'll have to watch it again. Micro comp is SO important, yet know one talks about it. Thanks for posting

[@DynastyUK]

Now this guy is a teacher! So many great photographers trying to teach on youtube, but failing. This guy was great. I can't say I agree with all his opinions and views on photography though. It's taken 3 days to finished this video because I've just been so inspired to get out and start shooting. That's rare that a video does that these days. Watching Sam describe his process and things he looks out for basically forced me to go out and just look at things differently.

[@olekallovvild7295]

❤

[@jasongold6751]

One of the best and longest videos ever! The 4 portrait cover, irritating. The young girl kept bouncing! I'd like to see Sam's face! A great photographer! When I was a pro, film was a big cost! I seldom could do a few images, of anything! TG for digital. Need to watch again, again! Bravo!

[@evertking1]

Damn this was very educational.

[@melchiordigiacomo4989]

tante auguri. Melchior