THE WORLD OF W EUGENE SMITH

W Eugene Smith is probably one of the most brilliant photojournalists of the mid-20th century. He was a master of the photo essay as his contributions to LIFE magazine, Harpers Bazaar, and the New York Times touched a generation. He was one of the most prolific photographers ever leaving a legacy of hundreds of thousands of photos. This is the story of W Eugene Smith.
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Ted Forbes
The Art of Photography
3100 Main St #135
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My name is Ted Forbes and I make videos about photography. I’ve been making photographs most of my life and I have a tremendously deep passion for photography that I want to share with you on KZbin.
The Art of Photography is my channel and I produce photography videos to provide a 360 degree look into the world of making images. We all want to get better so lets do this together!
I make videos covering famous photographers, photography techniques, composition, the history of photography and much more.
I also have a strong community of photographers who watch the show and we frequently do social media challenges for photographers to submit their own work. I feature the best and most interesting on the show when we do these so come check it out and get involved!

[@user-cl5fn2zw5x]

I went to school at Dutchess Community College in upstate NY and Eugene Smith's family donated some of his photos to the college( because if his first wife's connection with the college) for permanent exhibit. One day I was just walking out of one of the administrative offices and noticed the photos on the walls of the hallway. For a few minutes I forgot where I was and was transfixed by those stunning, epic and mind piercing images....I will never forget that...

[@MiladJP]

Sometimes I come back to these older videos to relax, learn and gather some faith in humanity.

[@TysonVaughan]

Been waiting for this one, Ted. And you did not disappoint. Just brilliant. One detail to add: Smith was physically assaulted and severely injured by hooligans hired by Chisso while in Minamata. Some accounts suggest that he never really recovered from this, and that it was a major factor in the overall decline of his health subsequently. Anyway, looking forward to the next video!

[@bimurtyaganguli6442]

And that's why I beleive it was the last photo essay by Smith. The assault left his brain permanently damaged which slowly killed him. I can't possible stomach the whole thing.

[@rejeannantel1185]

W. Eugene Smith is one of my 10 favorite's photographers of all time. I admire how you managed to put so much of his life's story in that short video. I like your portrayal of him when you talk about the "Mozart's Effect". He was definitely productive and all of his work is great. I understand why he had such a hard time trying to select images from his own projects. He couldn't curate his own work because they were such much photographs to choose from and all of them were winners. He was quite a stubborn man and uncompromising. He may be as close as a writer who writes with his own blood. He gave it all (and lost a lot in return). A real passionate. This is one video that I will certainly view again (many times).

[@theartofphotography]

+Rejean Nantel thanks Rejean

[@mosheovadya]

I have been an avid photographer for five years now, devouring everything on technique and editing but never bothering to study the masters of the art. I realize it is time to change that. Your Artist Series has opened up my mind entirely in the last few days. Thank you very much for your insight. I am grateful.

[@BeingWolfy]

Photo history video. Miss these kinds of videos! It's been a while. Thanks Ted.

[@TerryMCarroll]

Thanks, Ted -- I've arrived late to this video, six years after your posting. However, W. Eugene Smith had been one of my earliest and strongest inspirations, dating to when I was a high school photographer in the 1970s. Because I came to know his work at such a young age, he provided almost a disservice to my (now) nearly five decades as a photographer and student of photography. As a teenager, I hadn't realized what a high standard he'd set, until I found it nearly impossible to find others who exceeded, or even matched, his visual and emotional qualities in the art. I think of him as an Ansel Adams, but of images captured on the fly, and of the human condition, not landscapes (that, as Adams did, one could revisit over and over to find the best season, the best time of day, the best weather in which to capture the image). You've done a great job in presenting the most important photographer in my life, and I really appreciate it. I came to your video after a discussion with my wife and friends, in which Smith came up (regarding a movie about his loft that a friend recommended), and I realized, to my amazement, that my wife (of 37 years) was only vaguely familiar with Smith, knowing only that I was a fan, but not of HOW IMPORTANT Smith was to my whole way of looking through a viewfinder at prospective images. This video can now serve as a stand-in for my own (less skillful) explanation. Thank you!

[@BrianAndersonPhotography]

Yes, this is exactly why I follow you ;)

[@user-hq6te8kv1f]

OM

[@user-hq6te8kv1f]

@Anders Kye Ll1

[@EmilMirzakhanian]

Can't help thinking of Caravaggio when I look at Smith's photographs and their magical way of showing us how "light "can unveil the essence a the story. Smith, a "modern " Caravaggio:)

[@lauraeiriarte]

indeed !

[@suzannabienkowski2033]

Beautifully and correctly put.

[@jnrmrtn]

These artist bios are absolutely brilliant. I can't get enough.

[@jamestarry4814]

This i exactly why I believe you have the best photography channel. The range you cover is fantastic; technicals, the odd gear bits, book reviews and these wonderful "photolits"... wonderful stuff Ted, keep up the great work. Been really enjoying the vids alot this year.

[@boatman222345]

W Eugene Smith was/is/will continue to be a massive talent and enormous influence on photojournalism!

[@stepitup5409]

the photos "walk into paradise garden" as I was told in photography school in the 70s, was the first photo that W.E shot when he had recovered from his war injury which almost took his sight. His work is amazing and still sends chills down my neck. Its a shame that young photographers don't study these giants of photography. Im so glad I found your site.

[@JamesVibe]

this was really great. I want to add that Smith's lighting genius - was both in the camera - but more so in the printing...... it wasn't just dodge and burn....but he knew how to use certain chemicals (some very dangerous) to pull out the light in a otherwise dark photo

[@powerlurker]

today i heard one movie about Eugene will be on 2021,based on his longterm project Minamata,and i came back rewatched it again thank u ted

[@mrfoxaaron]

Thanks for providing a thoughtful, in-depth and impactful overview of W Eugene Smith. You are an important player in the history of modern photography Ted. Your ability to educate and inspire participants in the artform of photography is ensuring we carry the best of the past while defining a pathway forward into the future of the photographic image. Thank you ✌️

[@primetrack]

Watched the movie on Eugene Smith and the first place I turned to learn more about him was your channel.

[@rebegre]

As a wedding and event photographer, I agree with you. He had a gift to know where to put the light to maximize the best opportunities as they would come. I strive for this but often feel I will be annoying people by putting a light up in specific places. So often times I don’t use one and I often regret it if I don’t.

[@morganmccartan6075]

Wow. As a parent of a profoundly disabled girl, the photo of the mother bathing her daughter stopped me in my tracks. Thank you for the video, I will definitely investigate W Eugene Smith further!

[@johnmahaffy]

I've been searching my memory for Gene Smith ever since I decided to get back into photography. Even back in the day, he was underappreciated . . . but oh my lord I knew he was great! The trick of using a cheap table-top tripod to brace his Leica against his chest is genius! Minimata -- the photo of the mother bathing her daughter was the only clue I could come up with, and by itself would never have led me to the name I needed. Thank you so much for this episode!

[@zioscozio]

Thanks Ted, this is the sort of shows that made me subscribe to you in the first place. Recently there haven't been many: your other stuff is still interesting, but this is what makes your channel unique and extremely valuable.

[@PaC1116]

Thorough and clear explanation of Eugene's life and work! Thank you once again Ted!

[@NadeeshaRathnayake]

This video is such a gem. I'm a self taught photographer and am still discovering the masters of the art. I randomly clicked on this video and it was such a treat. Thank you!

[@yonatansoler3289]

Definitely the best photography channel on youtube. Keep up the great work, this was truly wonderful!

[@rosavito1]

You have got a fantastic series here! One eye-opener after another! Many thanks.

[@trevorjacques_]

I first watched most of your photographer biography videos when you first put them out. Years later going back through them all and they are all still so great. Thank you for all that you have done to share their work and tell their stories! Great videos!

[@brunopcan]

I missed these "classic" Art of Photography episodes! I wasn't familiar with Eugene Smith, thank you so much for the presentation!! Very inspiring indeed

[@BenWoodardCoyote]

Yea! Back to photolit. I appreciate the treatment of the complexity of trying to represent his work. I think that now in the days of digital, this question of curation is going to be something that becomes increasingly important to all of us. Right now I think that the art world and the media that we employ no longer really have an a way to handle the vast volumes that we create as photographers. The limiting factor is no longer the ability produce, but rather the finite attention span of our audience.

[@MrDomq22]

this was one of the best videos I've watched on this website in a very long time. His photojournalistic work is some of the most beautiful I've ever seen and you've only shown a handful. I have to say thank you for showing me this work.

[@onalepard]

Capturing real moments in real time.....we need more of that in photography today in a world where everything is so heavily edited........

[@dottie3440]

WELL DONE!!! The photo "Walk Through Paradise Garden" was reported to be the 1st image that Eugene made after his recovery from his war wounds and Smith later was quoted as saying that image determined if he would every photograph again. Fortunately for all of us "old timer" photographers it was a big success! In your next video about Smith, a few examples of his lighting techniques would be inspirational as well as informative .....

[@nlanca1]

Eugene Smith truly deserves the 'genius' label. A brilliant episode Ted - many thanks.

[@nickhoffman2764]

I love Gene Smith's work. Thanks for covering him, Ted. Looking forward to your upcoming videos on him!

[@rbruce63]

I remember a friend of mine who met W. Eugene Smith saying to someone who asked what the W stood for and his answer was “wonderful”!

[@ifyourethere]

Fantastic video. When I see a lot of his work, I can't help but to break down and cry. One of the most powerful photographers of the 20th century.

[@mchelleann0036]

This is so amazing, and fascinating. I love your videos about a photographer's history. Thank you so much, for taking the time to teach us. Keep up the amazing work!

[@antant06]

Thank you sooo much. Im now searching for this jazz loft project and associated media as a first anniversary present for the wife.

[@adiboivisuals]

It is so nice that W Eugene Smith has a biopic starring Johnny Depp now. Very well deserved for the artist and it is something which I feel should be watched and appreciated by the photography community.

[@BassicBill]

Thank you! Thank you! I bought the Jazz Loft DVD after viewing your presentation. W. Eugene Smith is now one of my heroes.

[@stepitup5409]

The photograph of the mother bathing her child always reminds me of La Pieta. I literally got chills when it came up in your video just now.

[@abchappell01]

What a phenomenal presentation covering the life of this most iconic photographer/photojournalist! I do not think anyone else could have done a better job of discussing the overall life and impact of Eugene Smith on the photographic arts. This was truly a monumental undertaking, and you presented it exquisitely! I cannot wait to tune in for your next presentation :)

[@RezaMolavi]

Thank you Ted; this was a moving presentation for me. I often open a window window on another monitor and look at the photos of your lecture subject. The combination was an awesome experience. I am looking forward to your next post. Great as always.

[@lishmuh74]

Great episode! Whenever I'm in a rut your shows give me the jolt I need. Thanks for being here.

[@pete6604]

Incredible video, Ted! I first got into your channel back in 2016 when I came across your video on William Eggleston. Six years later I still find myself coming back to these artist series videos and getting a fire lit in me to explore the work of some of the masters of photography. Thank you for making these!

[@GeraldMoncrief]

I am not sure about everyone else but these are the type of videos I have missed. I am in agreement with Rejean, W Eugene Smith was high on my list of favorites. There is another video about him on youtube and it says tat he was never happy with his images always reworking them trying to make them even better which is why he didn't get his assignments in on time or would not be happy with the editors choices. Sometimes I wish I had that kind of drive but then I remember I would not want to go through the pain he must have been in.

[@davidquikpic6823]

Thank you so much for this beautiful tribute. Love your insights and perspective. Well done. So glad I found your channel. A great resource when I need inspiration.

[@jimanglin8213]

Definitely one of your best ones, Ted, thanks.

[@georgebernstein1203]

Ted, it is an amazing and impressive presentation and shows how thoroughly you know the subject before recording it. Thank you.

[@TheCampbellseth]

So great seeing your incredibly inspiring photolit again!

[@javifranco2519]

I can not wait for episode two!!!!

[@timheuser8374]

Ted, thank you. your knowledge on not only the technical, but also the historic side of photography is extensive and brilliant

[@benjamindejonge3624]

Thanks so much to cover Eugene Smith in this way

[@RogerFennLPCC]

Thanks for the introduction to W. Eugene Smith. Nice job. It is appreciated.

[@snoek1971]

Beautiful hommage to Smith, thank you Ted!

[@rodrigo591ify]

Such a good job. And, you kept it under 20 minutes. Amazing. Thank you.

[@sillytotoro]

This is great!! Thanks for introducing us to this amazing photographer. Looking forward to the deep dive of his work.

[@KingdomArmor]

Thank you for the introduction to Mr. Smith. Fascinating subject and I looking forward to learning more.

[@violin-schwerin]

thank you for a wonderfully interesting episode!

[@maxloudon8245]

Wonderful episode on W.Eugene Smith looking forward to further episodes on this intriguing photographer,you do these videos so well Ted ,both informative and inspiring.

[@SebastianTramsen]

That is what you are best at and why I started love your channel. Brilliantly told.

[@RicardoRMedina]

W. Eugene Smith is one of my favorites! He had a complex personality and so demanding on himself and was always at odds with the Life magazine editors over the selections of his images for publication. He had a definite vision of how to present his work. He was a genius in his own medium but poorly understood at the time even though he had the reputation as being one of the best photographer around. Thanks for posting this video Ted!

[@conanliquid]

Great video of one of my top 5 photographers. Ahead of his time, yes. A genius, yes. A proper photojournalist, yes. Was one of the biggest inspirations for my dad as a photojournalist. Thank you.

[@JoePacheco]

Amazing episode! Amazing photos but I'm especially reeling about the jazz loft recordings! I've never heard of this till now! Being a musician/recording engineer and jazz lover, what I'd have given to be there at that time! What a gold mine! thanks for this and all your work!

[@TevfikFikretBakan]

Very well-balanced 18 minutes documentary. Thanks a lot.

[@Cyriljayant]

Ted Thanks again . He is one of my favourite Photographer . Your video was a great add to get to know about him . Thanks a lot for your teaching.

[@michaelmottlau5941]

Incredible story telling. Enjoyed every moment of this well spoken and intelligent portrait of this brilliant and multifaceted photographer and human being. Well done - Thanks.

[@zandr6718]

Just discovered this channel and all I can say is amazing! Thank you!

[@hoboindigo7663]

Thank you for that History lesson on Photography. I never knew of this gifted photographer. Thanks for the back story and the wealth of information that you shared.

[@KenLeePhotographer]

Thank you for what you do. It is greatly appreciated.

[@thisismookim]

A brilliant presentation of a brilliant life. Thank you!

[@gweebbee]

Another excellent video! Thanks for all the work you put into these videos and thanks for all the inspiration Mr. Forbes!

[@JonathonSeagull1]

Excellent, I have been missing your photo lit episodes

[@rkrw576]

This is an amazing talk. My father bought me a book of Smith's work and I must have looked at it 1000 times when in high school. He is the best photographer, imho. You have earned a subscriber!

[@johnkraemer5505]

Great overview! Job well done! Eugene Smith was one of a kind! He one of my favorite photographers! Thank you!

[@evanpschneider]

excellent documentary. thanks!

[@ThePosiview]

Wonderful, Ted, simply wonderful. Thank you.

[@jaredfadel]

Absolutely is an inspiration to me and my work. I love W Eugene Smith.

[@davesfineart1]

Excellent episode Ted and I look forward to your next installment on Eugene Smith. BTW.....thanks for doing this show, its one of the few programs I look forward to. ~ Dave

[@foreleftyall]

love the mix of bio and images. i’m reading Wide Lens now and your video is a really nice partner for that book. what a talent Smith was. I’m definitely hooked.

[@rbruce63]

The photo reportage what an amazing way to convey a story with images. Mr. W. Eugene Smith was indeed a powerhouse in photographic production and a troubled one, perhaps overheated. I would love to see his entire oeuvre in a wide span of time. Thanks for giving hi, his place in your enlightening series of videos!

[@AlexHemarios]

amazing and inspiring video...thank you so much Ted. EXCELLENT!!!!

[@anandmohan23]

absolutely love your channel ! what an inspiration for any photographer. Great perspective.

[@aegeanbo]

I agree with all your choices of great photographers. Thank you for you videos.

[@nikonrulz]

You're a breath of fresh air Ted. Excellent video!

[@gilliantrethowan3257]

A terrific introduction to W.E.S! .... your commitment and passion for his work is inspirational. Thank you!

[@kevinhooa4325]

Well said, and a very good overview of this brilliant man's work.

[@noIMspartacus2]

Thank you for one of the best and most informative series I have ever seen - and certainly one of the best examples of what the internet/youtube was supposed to be...

[@egorrvnk7762]

thanks for shining a light on this! I will now have to explore this body of work. cheers.

[@jonkomatsu8192]

My favorite of the old time photo jourmalists. Thanks for the vid.

[@DavidMeyerPhoto]

Brilliant photography, thanks for the video on E. Smith.

[@user-pv5gb9jf5j]

Quite a presentation about such a photographer. The amount of information you covered amazes me. I enjoyed your efforts on this one. Looking forward to more episodes on this one.

[@JBRasor]

Great video, as always! W. Eugene Smith...what a master.

[@lov3jazz]

Never heard of him before, but this video made my jaw drop quite frankly... I am familiar with jazz scene (local). His pictures on that - extraordinary, but what he did one war...Captured emotions and images transcendents any possible frame and engulfs with sheer raw spiritual power. I just don't know how to phrase it... Thank you for sharing his story.

[@dawntreader7079]

thank you so much for making these videos ted.

[@christopherbarber9351]

Great segment, Mr. Forbes! Thank you.

[@adamwold3389]

Amazing work! Looking forward to more on Eugene Smith!!

[@garoldcarlisle5637]

Excellent, thank you for this introduction. Your videos are unique. Very thought provoking and informative. Little works of art on their own.

[@kaietaro]

Fantastic introduction, thank you taking the time to make this.

[@MJAdams-js7np]

Binging on your bios. Thanks for putting them together. Fan Ho is my favorite so far.

[@Bonobo3D]

Fascinating and passionate discussion on W Eugene Smith. Looking forward to more.

[@charlessummers7381]

Outstanding! As with the Salgado video, very informative. Thanks!