The first modern photograph? Alfred Stieglitz, The Steerage

[@MIROIRGOOX]

I learn something new every time I watch. Thank you for all the interesting videos.

[@aleksijaivovic3256]

We can’t talk about O’Keefe’s depression without mentioning her relationship with photographer Alfred Stieglitz. When his daughter Kitty was born in the late nineteenth century, he had a goal to document her entire life in photos. His then-wife Emmy thought he was ruining their daughter’s life by following her around with a camera. (As a side note, what would Emmy think today if she saw how fully documented children’s lives are via social media?) In any case, Stieglitz resurrected a version of that early fantasy project when he met O’Keeffe. He documented every part of her changing body over the course of about two decades. Eventually, he left Emmy and moved in with O’Keeffe, at which time his daughter cut off all contact with him. She herself went into depression and was institutionalized. Her doctors suggested that perhaps if Stieglitz and O’Keeffe married, then Kitty would be able to process this relationship and move on. O’Keeffe grudgingly agreed to the marriage. Of course, it didn’t help Kitty. She was eventually re-diagnosed with dementia praecox (an outdated diagnosis most closely matching modern-day schizophrenia) and spent the rest of her life institutionalized. Stieglitz himself seems to be no stranger to depression. A study of the 800+-page collection of his letters with O’Keeffe (called “My Far Away One”) reveals many indications of his own battles with the condition. Depression often manifests with physical ailments and Stieglitz complained regularly of a variety of aches and pains, an itchy scalp, and a persistent cough. During a particularly rough two-year period, O’Keeffe escaped his depression by moving to the Southwest, during which time her letters gain lightness and joy while his complain of hopelessness and a lack of energy. He also had insomnia, a classic symptom of depression, and he helped treat it by taking long, hot baths each night, which is a classic self-help treatment that bloggers today continue to recommend as an insomnia aid.

[@mattprout8872]

Excellent as always! More photography please

[@Photobuffeddy1314]

amazing photographer

[@edwardzetick3388]

Thank you; very interesting.

[@Sasha0927]

I love Satieglitz's quote about this: how he'd be satisfied if this were his only preserved work. It's nice when people have that sense of confidence, pride, and satisfaction with what they've produced. "You press the button, we do the rest." 😂 I kinda like that tagline, but then I thought of how skilled photographers might find it belittling - definitely meant for an amateur like me. Vik Muniz's version is very interesting. Who doesn't love chocolate? 😏

[@alfredoechevarrieta7512]

Muchas gracias Smarthistory.

[@aleksijaivovic3256]

Any tips for learning Spanish ?