The Genius of W. Eugene Smith

#photographer #photography #photographylessons #eugenesmith #weugenesmith #documentaryphotography #documentary
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*Note - In the last chapter of this video “why I photograph”, I mistakenly said 1990s instead of late 1970s. Which is factually wrong as Smith passed away in 1978.
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W. Eugene Smith
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Watch "Minamata" (2020)
• Minamata
Music
"Barb'ry Allen" performed by Jean Ritchie
• Barbara Allen
Footage
• BOYS LOYALTY PARADE Wi...
• Minamata Clip Starring...
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• 1966 - April 8 - Times...
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Breakdown
00:00 Intro
01:08 Part I: The war had only begun
05:20 Part II: The Caravaggio of photography
09:35 Part III: Thelonious Monk playing
11:11 Part IV: And that is why I photograph
The Genius of W. Eugene Smith.
By Tatiana Hopper
April 2023
Copyright disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research.
Under this guidance, I’ve created content which is guided towards the education, celebration and promotion of said photographs and photographers who have contributed immensely to the art of photography.
An effort is made by the presenter, verbally and through the usage of links (in the video’s description) to encourage the audience to explore the work presented beyond the video and engage with said content through books, articles and relevant links to each photographer’s own social media.
Therefore, I believe the inclusion of said images, footage and other sources can overall add depth and appreciation for the subject of the video whilst also enriching the visuals and dynamics of the it. All within what is within the fair use scope and KZbin’s policies.
#mympb ‪@mpbcom‬

[@hiramabiff885]

Wonderful presentation. I have been a working photographer for almost 51 years. I had the incredible opportunity to spend time with Gene many years ago. His work, more than any other photographer, inspired and influenced me to this day.

[@florriehathorn1890]

More than anything, it shows the total sacrifice great photojournalists make every day for the benefit of revealing hard truths and carrying around heavy stuff! They are true heroes and need more credit! This was extremely enlightening!

[@harryp6312]

You put so much work into these, all that amazing archive footage, biography research.... Thank you Tatiana!

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much for your kind words Harry! I’ll keep it coming :)

[@JoeJoe4P]

Hi Tatiana! I have to say, that this video I believe is one of your finest. I enjoyed your presentation immensely. Smith’s photos are incredible as was his life. Having seen your video after watching the movie of his life and work at Minamata, I have to say that they, the filmmakers and Johnny Depp, nailed it. Your documentaries and recommendations continue to hit new levels. Thank you for all of your hard work! Please know that it is very much appreciated! ✌️🌹

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much Joe! I’m so glad you enjoyed both this video and the film I think the film definitely provides a great insight into who he was - I read his wive’s letter (Aileen) and she talked about his extensive battle with depression but also how impulsive he was. The movie captured that in my opinion. Thank you for keeping an eye for the videos and my recommendations! All the best 🤍

[@iammarcdaniel]

I was waiting for this one, Smith was a legend.

[@TatianaHopper]

Indeed he really was!

[@theowlfromduolingo7982]

Legends never die

[@acronymphotography]

Much like photography itself, you’re making videos that will have long lasting appeal. I think your channel will be a reference point for many future photographers, artists and be a reference point to historians. I find your gentle, warm and humble style a refreshing change and the content ever- inspiring.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much, my plan has been always to make content that lasts. I appreciate the kind words and thank you so much for taking your time to watch the video! All the best.

[@john-bloss]

Gene Smith has long been my favorite photographer. Thank you for this. It’s amazing to me that you can convey so much of what made him the genius and dedication of this great story teller.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much Jim! Glad I was able to do it and thank you for watching!

[@aes53]

Smith is, in my view, one of the most significant documentary photographers of the 20th century. Like all of your documentaries, this one was as exquisite as a polished gem. The late photography writer, Jim Hughs produced an exhaustive biography of Smith called Shadow and Substance. It is sadly out of print but it appears used copies can be found for not that much money. Also, there is an old but very good documentary with the wonderful title "Photography Made Difficult". It was put out by Public Broadcasting here in the US as part of their American Masters Series. I don't know how hard that would be to find.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you for sharing that I need to get my hands on that book super interested!

[@aes53]

@@TatianaHopper, I'm in the US but found several copies in the $40 price range on Amazon. I suspect UK Amazon or other used book dealers will be similar.

[@jaychow94]

Minamata is Johnny Depp's greatest performance. Especially considering it was during the whole thing with the court case and him being blacklisted. An incredible movie, and also a wonderful photography lesson by you!

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much Jay, glad you enjoyed it and also yes I would agree Johnny Depp gave a great performance!

[@colinbradbury2334]

Smith was simply one of the best, if not THE best, 20th century documentary photographers. To do that level of work you have to care - really care - and he did. Superb video - thanks.

[@J.AshleyNixon]

Excellent documentary, Tatiana. One of your best.

[@reinhardsenger2383]

Loved the commentary!

[@anguyen800]

Your documentary works is getting better and better every time I stop by . I would say a brilliant research in a short documentary work . I have been waiting for E. Smith for a long time . Thank you Tatiana .

[@scottj9773]

So good... pretty tempted to gush... thanks for all your work, the content and for sharing. Love your work😍

[@MINOS6327]

I thank you very much for this excellent doc!

[@SCHOOLOFLIGHT]

I have grown to love your work. Thanks so much..

[@MacValdee]

Wow this was incredible! Wasn’t familiar with his work but definitely want to look into it more. Thank you for putting this together

[@Usiris23]

Always love your song choices, so fitting.

[@michaelmottlau5941]

Such a well done portrait of a great photographer

[@BenEdwards984]

What a wonderfully educational piece - I learned so much! Thanks Tatiana, this is one of your best yet 👌🏻

[@ricb4195]

This was great and enlightening. Thanks for making this kind of videos. His body of work is amazing and I don't recall ever seeing it previously!

[@syracuselux1450]

Best one yet! Thank you ! Mr Smith was not know to me and his work resonates so much to my spirit.

[@SeaUrchinFilms]

This is a brilliant essay, thanks for creating it :)

[@silenttramping]

Very well done Tatiana. Thank You for showcasing as many photos as possible. It reminds me of artist essays Ted Forbes did on his channel years back. Some of photos were zoomed in with slow pan/tilt but entire photo was never shown, feels like it'd be great to see.

[@arturm.8166]

Great documentary! 🙌

[@alandargie9358]

Another great video, thanks Tatiana! An excellent summary of his projects and analysis. Personally I love this roughly 20 minute format.

[@boarini2003]

Your channel is just incredible. Thank you.

[@martinagiusstreetphotography]

I have just heard your podcast on Street Photography Magazine with Bob Patterson and as he said, I came to have a look at your KZbin channel. I have watched this video and I say it is pretty awesome and now I am subscribed to your channel and hooked. Thanks for sharing.

[@PerEng2405]

Amazing photographer - and equally amazing documentary. Brilliant work T. Hopper.

[@williamburkholder769]

Amazing work about one of my LIFETIME inspirations. I first learned about Gene Smith in 1967, when I was 12. I've seen bits and pieces of his work throughout my life, since, but this is a very good dive into his life. Two thumbs up! Keep it up.

[@augustogazzera9067]

Amazing video Tatiana, as always. Thank you!

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you!

[@hunterdoingthings3894]

I look forward to all of your videos. Thank you for doing these.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you!

[@jhhayden]

Tatiana! This was a wonderful piece. I am old enough to remember Life and Look magazines and the early photography magazines. I remember being stunned when I first saw a W. Eugene Smith photo in one of those publications. Keep up the good work here.

[@robgoodwin6750]

What a glorious collection of some truly breathtaking work. I've seen some of the images you included, but there were many others I saw here for the first time. Thank you for sharing your perspectives, your scholarly research, and your obvious hard work with us. I share Joe Joe's thoughts below: each of your documentaries seems more inspiring and more engaging than the previous one; you have created a unique niche for yourself in this space, and we photographers are all the better for it. I also share Joe Joe's gratitude for the work you do and the passion you have for photography. Thank you.

[@photofervorphotography4997]

Stirring - well done - a beautiful and reverential tribute.

[@lhxtrilhas]

Great documentary, Tatiana! Thanks for this profound content.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much Luiz!

[@Regour]

This is the most amazing documentary about Eugine Smith , thank you so much for creating this!

[@1946gsp]

Very well done! A monograph well worth watching and sharing

[@inphotoaustralia]

The music you use on your videos are absolutely amazing! thank you for all the content, its always so inspiring.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you! This one when I first heard it I thought fitted like a glove!

[@Rus1034]

Excellent essay ! Very inspiring. Thank you

[@pauladamsmedia7707]

This was very enjoyable and educational; very well made! Thank you for making this content!

[@sevsuk2011]

Hi Tatiana, really enjoyed this video. Highly polished, the comparison to Caravaggio and the renaissance period is very thought provoking. Im embarrassed to not have seen the film McNamara, but i will shortly. Keep up this excellent work. Fantastic stuff. Steve.

[@pmcbMadeInIreland]

Really enjoyed this, thank you very much Tatiana.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you for watching Paul!

[@MrVivasvictor]

Thank you very much for the wonderful video.Eugene Smith is my idol about photography and I never stop looking to learn a little bit more about him.Thank you again.

[@habuerunt]

One of the best presentations of the work of this genius. Your time and effort in making this video is evident and greatiy appreciated!.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@darryljungen8307]

Thank you, Tatiana! These are by far my favorite type of video you do. Thank you so much for all of the effort you put into your work.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you for your kind words Darryl! 🙏🏻

[@jazzoiler]

You made my day and helped me to find the inspiration I missed. Thank you for your amazing work ❤

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you for taking your time to watch! Glad I could help through the video 🙏🏻

[@michaelr.filipic7749]

I came across your channel by chance and watched some of your videos. They represent art in themselves, incredible! Magnificent work, you've found a new avid follower with this. Keep up your excellent work!

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much Michael! I’m so glad you enjoy the channel and thank you for spending your time watching the videos :)

[@anselmocunha2477]

Thank you for all of your amazing videos!

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@kevinmclin8263]

That was fascinating. I did not know about this man or his work. Thank you for the work you do with these.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you Kevin!

[@chris.staats]

Great video essay on one of my favorite photographers. I remember discovering his work in one of my first dark room classes and he has had a lasting impression.

[@tomastapia8078]

Thank you so much for sharing! What an amazing story of Eugene. He´s such an inspiration even though he had a very tough life. Greetings from Chile

[@DI-cm5xc]

Thank you, T, first rate content as always. The hard work you put into these certainly shows.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you for watching! Appreciate the kind words!

[@svenspetersen6675]

Thank you Tatiana - this is an excellent and deeply felt and researched video. I love Eugene Smith and was interested in what you wanted to highlight. You included much more than I had expected and I loved it.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you Sven! You guys had asked for longer videos and while they might take me longer to put together I’ll try to deliver more frequently :)

[@ezagog1971]

Great video! One of the best you have created. I love it. Thanks!

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you Eduardo 🤝🏻

[@calieeldalie2547]

Hi Tatiana, I just discovered your channel, and I must say that I do enjoy very much its content! Thanks for all the work you put into researching and analysing all these masters' work. All the best from France!

[@TatianaHopper]

Welcome aboard! Thanks so much for tuning in with the channel and for the kind words! All the best!

[@ghostdragon9221]

Stunning, Thank You! Please more.

[@TatianaHopper]

Yes sir !

[@michaelchrist9849]

Absolutely great video! Thx Tatiana!

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you for watching Michael!

[@ricmondelli5846]

Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to make such beautiful videos, they truly help me understand photography in the sense of why we photograph. It also inspires me to search for my why to a deeper level.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much for your kind words; I will continue to bring more of these; all the best 🤝🏻

[@magnusa.5599]

absolutely fantastic! i learn something new every time i open your channel. this one and koudelka were both amazing!

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much Magnus!

[@jakubmarlewski1984]

Another great episode. Thank you Tatiana!

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you Jakub!

[@derricksansome236]

Thoroughly enjoyed this presentation, definitely one of the very best photography videos I have watched in a long time, thank you.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@TheFPSChannel]

Seen his photos without ever appreciating their single source and his genius. Thank you for this. ❤

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you for watching 🙏🏻

[@avoidesolation]

No words, your editing and writing at this point is just mind blowing. Thanks you so much for your work.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you my friend it means a lot 🤍

[@jaunman71]

Excellent work very well produced and fascinating.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thanks so much 🙏🏻

[@eugenior1766]

I really love these documentaries, thanks a lot! Peace!

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you Eugenio! 🙏🏻

[@alexbadeu]

This is absolutely fantastic video, thank you for making such high quality content.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much!

[@ashekrahaman4524]

Thank you so much, Tatiana, this is an absolute Gem. As everyone mentioned you put so much hard work into this, Respect!

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much my friend, I’ll keep putting effort into these, peace ✌🏻

[@neon___am]

A beautiful capsule documentary about an outstanding photographer. Thank you for making and sharing this, Tatiana.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you for watching!

[@danielscheerer3032]

Thank you for the education - really an amazing lifetime of work! Keep them coming! 🙏

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you I appreciate it!

[@fazfabrizio]

love for your work , thank you so much!!!

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you Fabrizio!

[@Joseph_Greco]

You outdid yourself on this one! 🔥🔥👏👏 Love the side by side comparison to the master painters. He really is the patron saint of photojournalists. An incredible human being. Thanks for doing this one. I've been waiting for it and you did not disappoint. Cheers! ☮

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much Joseph, I’m glad you enjoyed that part of the video, it’s honestly undeniable. Thank you for watching! ✨✌🏻

[@ignatius_guitar7452]

Wonderful video, love when the focus is on artistry ❤

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much! So do I! Need to bring more of these :)

[@drewdetsch5268]

Thank you Tatiana for this excellent film. I too am a great admirer of Eugene Smith and believe you have done real justice to him and his work with this film. Thanks again

[@martinstanev4877]

Great essay! Thank you!

[@SteveMillerhuntingforfood]

That was remarkable. Thank you for producing this story, really exceptional.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much for watching Steve!

[@davidburchettephotography6513]

I remember an article in LIFE magazine about the mercury problem. I remember that photo of the mother holding her child, deformed from the mercury, in her arms. What a powerful image...as are so many from his work. Thank you for this video, this story.

[@abovemadness]

Oh my lord!! I’ve been shooting for some time and this is my first time learning about this wonderful photographer, absolutely amazing work to say the least.

[@nancycarroll7452]

You are truly a master at what you do. Thank you for sharing such wonderful stories and photographs with us. Your channel is by far the best out there.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much for your kind words Nancy and for the super thanks 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@diforbes]

I have been tardy in not commenting how much I enjoy your videos! Another fine one, Ms. Hopper.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much Dean!

[@OwenEDell]

You knocked this one out of the park. Great job. I appreciate all you are doing.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much Owen 🤝🏻

[@reportergary]

Quite inspiring Tatiana. Thanks for your work.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you Gary!

[@alangreenwell4246]

Thank you thank you thank you. On a dull dark day you have brought some light into my life with a brilliant piece on my all time favourite photographer.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much Alan! Long time no see I hope all is well with you and Tam!

[@TariqueAli]

Thank you for this. Very very insightful ❤

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you!

[@michaelkonkel4394]

Thank you so much for this! I did not know about him - until now. These photographs are unreal. Thank you! Thank you for introducing me to this great photographer.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you for tuning in and watching Michael! I’m glad you learned about Smith, his work is just great!

[@Linc-77]

Powerful opening with that intro music. Thank you for sharing his work. Subscribed to your channel!

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you and welcome aboard!

[@jacobthomson9369]

Thank you for a most interesting dossier on a man I had no knowledge of; but whose photography has really inspired me.

[@rpigeon8]

Thanks again Tatiana! Great video presenting someone that should be known more and better. Photos are fantastic and they "speak" about life.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you for watching Robert!

[@richardrizzo_photography]

Fantastic video Tatiana, I've been a big fan of Smith's work for decades and your video certainly put it all into perspective., very well done! ❤

[@TatianaHopper]

Glad you enjoyed it Rich! I became a big fan of his work after this video 🤍

[@LieutenantLights]

Wow wow wow! I just discovered his work last week and have been devouring it and the story of his life. Excited to watch this when I get home

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you James! I hope you enjoy it 🤝🏻

[@matthewdallanegra7569]

This is an exceptional documentary! Beautiful! Please keep doing this. It has already been done, but please feature Gary Winogrand!

[@ruidanielabrunheiro]

Great job on this video. W. Eugene Smith is my favorite and you’ve done a great job paying homage to a true artist.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much Rui! Glad I was able to do justice 🤝🏻

[@davidfry8069]

this was great!!! Congratulations!!!

[@johnwatson8067]

Great mini doc, Tatiana. Really enjoyed your run through the life and work of, IMHO, one of the greatest photographers of all time. As always, very informative and extremely professional in its presentation. Thanks for a very fine piece of viewing. Thanks for bringing the film Minamata to my attention too; I really need to check that out. Not sure if you've seen it but there's also a good feature length documentary on Smith's time at the Jazz Loft, called [not very imaginatively] The Jazz Loft According to W Eugene Smith. Great photography and wonderful music, my idea of heaven. Cheers.

[@margareteastham4957]

Completely admire all your time and effort in getting all the history about artist. Truly appreciate it. Peace and respect.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much Margaret!

[@johnkelly-pd3vq]

Superb video on a true master photographer, love the intro with the music, I have watched it twice now, inspiring work

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much John! 🙏🏻

[@johnkelly-pd3vq]

Sorry I forgot to reply to your query about working in photography in Ireland/Wicklow. I don't know what area of photography you want to get work in, I do a lot of press/pr, festivals, getting out of doing weddings now, good money but fed up with the whole process,

[@StevenBrooks346]

Beautifully done Tatiana.

[@TatianaHopper]

🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@trevorvivian]

Tatiana, this is video is superb, thank you for excellent analysis and presentation.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you Trevor!

[@dlyon9673]

Thank you for this very interesting, well made video. Smith's work is really extraordinary.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you!

[@silvestersze9968]

Thanks for this great video! 🎉

[@stephengomez2766]

My all time favorite photographer. His biography is wild. Great video as always.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you Stephen! His life story is indeed wild!