Nadav Kander - mixing beauty with unease

THIS VIDEO: It’s difficult to give a one-liner about what type of photographer Nadav Kander is, but there is a lot to be learnt from his approach to the medium. He’s probably best known for his portraiture of famous people and his essay on the Yangstze river in China. But he isn’t strictly a portraiture photographer or documentary landscape photographer - his photographs are still and heavy - that’s his word. Looking at his work you become aware of the person behind the camera - He’s drilling down deep into himself and his subjects to discover a way of mirroring the emotions that he experiences while in their presence. I think that the most valuable lesson that one can learn from him and his work is that, as a photographer, its up to you how far you want to go to interrogate you subjects
1-on-1 MENTORING: graemewilliams.co.za/mentor-p...
ABOUT ME: The conversations focus on topics related to different aspects of photography including: art, documentary and photojournalism. The discussions explore the personal experiences of photographers and artists and how their work reflects both their internal and external landscape. During the past 30 years I have photographed in over 50 countries for magazines including National Geographic, Time, New York Times and Newsweek. I have held solo exhibitions in New York, London and Paris and my work is showcased in private and institutional art collections around the world.
COPYRIGHT: The copyright for all images belongs to the photographer/s being discussed.
WEBSITE: www.graemewilliams.co.za
FACEBOOK: / graemewilliamsphotogra...
INSTAGRAM: williamsgraeme
MUSIC: KZbin audio - Soothsayer by John Patitucci,
VIDEO CLIPS: Beauty mixed with an unease, Nadav Kander 'Making pictures in exploring life', Nadav Kander Interview 2016.

[@johnhigginson5079]

I met Nadav Kander once, I'd just won an AOP award and after the event he kindly congratulated me on my work, said it was really lovely. Nice bloke, talented artist.

[@yeohi]

Congratulations on your award. I would not have known about you otherwise. I'll check out your work.

[@johnhigginson5079]

@@yeohi Thank you, in truth not much to check out, the award, a Gold Award for a Portfolio was given to me for a series on the American Cowboy, printed them in Platinum, they went on to be exhibited at Hamiltons in London, but it was a long time ago now ; )

[@PhotoConversations]

Nice one! he comes across as a genuine person.

[@richardrizzo_photography]

Great video Graeme, Kander's images both landscapes and portraits are not only stunning but inspiring as well.

[@PhotoConversations]

I agree Richard

[@RostykMakushak]

Dear Graeme, THANKS SO MUCH for this wonderful video on Kander. I consider him a modern day genius photographer. I believe someone said it about him - Nadav Kander is a brilliant photographic artist in both genres - "new topographics" type landscape and portraiture. His landscape compositions are impeccable and his portraits are incredible. I can't figure out which side of his talent I love better... Both I guess :)

[@PhotoConversations]

Glad that you are also a fan of his work.

[@tadwolujewicz3923]

Kander is an exceptional visual artist. No surprise that he has been influenced by the work of Francis Bacon. As a photographer of people myself, I admire Kander’s ability to illicit the consent of the sitter and depict the character is a way which many would find unflattering. I have to assume that those agreeing to be photographed by him, know beforehand what they are going to get. Getting the gig to photograph the famous is an achievement in itself, but to then get away with the unexpected and unique, in a Karsh-like way, is the mark of a great creative talent.

[@PhotoConversations]

I'm sure that the celebs like an opportunity to step out of their normal pose.

[@LloydSpencer]

Wow! Graeme, outstanding treatment of such an interesting photographer. Beautiful, thought-provoking video.

[@PhotoConversations]

Much appreciated Lloyd

[@uniktbrukernavn]

4:22 This is absolutely stunning in its dystopian beautiful eeriness. Just look at the perspective making it look like those high-rise buildings are so close that the windows bump into each other when opened. The Chinese sunlight that never really manages to penetrate the smog. The building on the right looks brand new but it also looks crooked. Some of the windows are open but it looks unoccupied. The image looks like a computer rendering and the architecture looks like 3d assets that you can buy on an online market place. And in the middle there seems to be a misplaced school girl talking on her phone.

[@PhotoConversations]

He's used the soft light so well - some of the scenes look like they come out of Blade Runner.

[@robgoodwin6750]

It's amazing how much I learned about one of my favorite photographers in 13 minutes and 51 seconds. You've done a masterful, scholarly and entertaining job of presenting and explaining Kander's work, philosophy and technique. This is my first visit, and I wish I had discovered you a long time ago. I've looked through your collection of videos, and I can't wait to spend more time here; you're in a different universe from most of what I see posted on KZbin. Thank you for broadening my photographic horizons and brightening my day.

[@PhotoConversations]

Hi Rob That is most kind. Thanks and welcome to the channel.

[@matthewiles4789]

Thanks for introducing this photographer. Truly outstanding body of work. Love it!

[@PhotoConversations]

Yes, me too.

[@edward9840]

Quite a change from the subject of last week's video! I need to learn more about this artist's work and process, and this video was very helpful. Interesting and enjoyable. Thank you, Graeme.

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks Edward

[@DREES56_TRR-qw2vr]

I find your insightful descriptions of the work by the photographic artists you select really interesting Graeme, and your measured tone while you talk invites us to listen and be a part of the "discussion". Thank you and keep producing these great videos.

[@PhotoConversations]

Much appreciated

[@israelantunez7612]

Pure love for tography on this channel.

[@sonofoneintheuniverse]

Your channel is wonderful - content is eveything!

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks SNFITU

[@jvermillion1052]

Delightful.

[@nnelgsiggah]

A favorite…thanks Graeme!

[@hoagyguitarmichael]

Love this one. Have seen his work in passing in the NYT Magazine but never knew his name. Just as you showed one of the triptych portraits, I thought, "This guy is influenced by Francis Bacon," and-voila! I try to take pictures that make me feel something, and in so doing might make someone else feel something. He nails it every time. Thanks.

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks HGM

[@johnpeterson7264]

Wonderful discussion !

[@hartgetzen7867]

Excellent video. Well done!

[@robertbrooks5888]

Great video Graeme!!

[@channamasala]

Excellent

[@loretagema9085]

So well presented. Thank you!

[@almostgreen9498]

You put these together with so much care and skill. I am transported every time.

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks AG

[@runcmd1419]

One of the things that I like about his working method for portraits is that he talks to his subjects as little as possible before shooting and has said he would not like to photograph people he knows personally.

[@runcmd1419]

@-ca-- kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIGXpaqEbJZrbcksi=76XdGoc30qhrZo8l

[@runcmd1419]

Look up his interview for the national portrait gallery to see him talk about it, I can’t link it.

[@PhotoConversations]

Yes that is different to how most portrait photographers work.

[@loupetho]

Another wonderful presentation, thank you.

[@robertpearson]

Very nice.

[@bowenisland100]

Loved both the work and your presentation. Simultaneosly calm and provocative.

[@PhotoConversations]

Thats a nice combo, thanks

[@paddlr5000]

To me, his work becomes more meaningful over time, the mark of a great artist.

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

Many photo narratives of photographers out here- yours rise amongst the best; consider me subbed.

[@PhotoConversations]

Welcome Ken

[@margietalk]

a piece of art about art. gorgeous presentation of his brilliance. ty!

[@juliagreen5278]

Brilliant!

[@johnkelly-pd3vq]

Loved this review, listening to him has a calming effect, beautiful work👏👏

[@PhotoConversations]

Yes, he does have a soothing voice.

[@johnwheaton4636]

Subscribed

[@brauliomorrison]

A+

[@christiannialki7605]

Great. Thanks.

[@dirkpehrke9909]

Another great video. And my favourite painter, Francis Bacon, is in it.❤

[@rexgigout1472]

Well-done! Thanks!

[@R_E_T_I_E_F]

Thank you for this!

[@paullesliehutson5818]

Absolutely brilliant and inspiring resumé of Kander’s work. Another excellent video. Thank You Graeme.

[@vladepast4936]

extremely talented man...

[@bobpullein9964]

Really enjoyed this exploration and introduction to a wonderful artist/photographer, thank you so much.

[@roygumpel8415]

excellent presentation. I have felt a sort of kinship with Kander for a few years. Similar vision i'd say.

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks Roy

[@michaelvr8973]

To me this work is ""radioactive", I want to stay away of it, far away. Good photographer though. What he shows is frightening, for sure. This uneasyness he is aiming at works very well, indeed. I Never heard of Nadav Kander before. His work raises questions about mankind, about our relationship to nature. This world is insane, no wonder aliens are among us ! Thanks for the presentation, I have discovered something new and will keep my eyes opens.

[@PhotoConversations]

That greeny, blue colour is a bit radioactive.

[@michaelvr8973]

@@PhotoConversationsAbsolutely !

[@iainmc9859]

I think his portraits are interesting but I can't say they're to my taste. I sort of get the feeling he's trying too hard. However, I appreciate his landscapes even though they all seem to be coming from the same sense of alienation from the environment. Is there such a thing as an 'Ozymandias Complex' ?

[@PhotoConversations]

Hi Iain There is now! I think we all probably suffer from it.