Composition with Garry Winogrand

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00:00 Intro
01:09 3 Things I learned with Garry Winogrand
03:42 On Composition: the role of context
06:29 On Composition: shape
07:42 On Composition: directions
08:37 On Composition: depth
10:02 Conclusions
Music
Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress
Covered by Russ Willoughby
Learning photography with Mary Ellen Mark
by Tatiana Hopper
January 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.
#streetphotography #streetphotos #photography #photographer #garrywinogrand #photographylesson #photographylover #filmphotography

[@aramdavid]

Winogrand was one of the best ever. I saw his color slide show at the Brooklyn Museum 3 times when it ran. To think those were the things he is not even known for...

[@TatianaHopper]

I know I was surprised myself when I stumbled upon his colour photography, definitely a lot to learn from those, thank you for watching Aram!

[@gchristopherklug]

I saw that show twice myself.

[@WalkInsider]

He said on his interview he already saw everything and he doesn’t need to see it twice. Many photographer today don’t understand photography at all they thought a good photograph has to do something with beautiful scene or pretty face model or sexual pose in the studio. Sad

[@primeryai]

@@WalkInsider I don't think that has rerally changed, it's just that photography tools are infinitely more accessible and everything is online now, so the mediocre majority is very visible now. Masters like Winogrand were always one in a million

[@washingtonradio]

One aspect of the great photographers was the amount of time they took to perfect their craft. They also learned to 'see' a composition almost intuitively; lots of practice. The lesson for me is take my camera with whenever possible and look for compositions but don't worry about whether I get any photos that trip, it's the exercise that is important.

[@TatianaHopper]

Yes Jay great insight and I would definitely agree with everything you wrote there!

[@OboeCanAm]

He's one of my favourite photographers, and yes, I'd like to see more videos about him! "I photograph to find out what something will look like photographed." - Garry Winogrand

[@TatianaHopper]

Lovely quote, thank you for watching and yes more Winogrand for sure!

[@richardrizzo_photography]

Well done Tatiana, great discussion on such an amazing photographer. Yes, more of his work please. 🙂

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you Rich, will do!!

[@nambu1306]

Your videos are what is getting me and inspiring me to be a street photographer

[@TatianaHopper]

Mission accomplished! Thank you for tuning in my friend!

[@yojimbo-jack]

Ahh thank you for making this! Garry is my biggest inspiration in photography so this is such a treat!

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@RocketinExile]

Yes more Winogrand. One of the greatest ever.

[@TatianaHopper]

Roger that!

[@RichardSilvius]

Love the clip you chose at the beginning, from that documentary…it always made me laugh. It seems like a bungling affect he adopted as a way of disarming people…

[@jgaffney567]

The two most important lessons are shoot shoot shoot and ignore photographic influencers who push gear. At least realize why they push gear. They are doing it for themselves to make money. Winograd or any master can take any camera and make magic. Strive for that.

[@jgaffney567]

@@BrunoChalifour well comfort is always good but a craftsman can make their craft with any tool. A driver can use a Kia and beat a non driver using a Porsche

[@JackCrossSama]

It's not what you have, it's how you use it that matters.

[@jgaffney567]

@BrunoChalifour Run run the experiment and you will be surprised ... Around the supercar factories the companies often do collaborative work on pedestrian brands sportier models ....the test drivers from the factory often drive these models and well they aren't often embarrassed

[@MARTIN-101]

my philosiphy is simple. i just want a camera that clicks in split second on my click. thats it.

[@BenEdwards984]

I’ve never heard of Gary Winograd before, but what amazing compositional style he had. I’ll definitely be checking out more of his work. Thanks Tatiana, for another cracking video!

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you for watching Ben glad you'll be checking out his work!

[@Ali-sj5pn]

One of my favorite channels so happy to see how well your doing !

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much Ali!

[@marlon_fm]

I think this is one of the best photography channels around here. Tatiana is very charismatic and I simply love the way she shares knowledge, specially because it is not tech heavy, like most channels.10 out of 10.

[@TatianaHopper]

Grateful for your words Marlon!

[@marlon_fm]

@@TatianaHopper you're welcome.

[@gonzoexpress9885]

Another beautifully created and curated presentation Tatiana. Garry Winogrand was a serious standout when it comes to his contemporaries. He was a very genial, quirky and good-natured person who was totally committed to his photography 📸. His book, THE MAN IN THE CROWD, is brilliant, as is his color work 1964. A true giant of American photography.

[@TatianaHopper]

You used the perfect expression "a true giant of American photography" for sure! I absolutely agree I'm trying to get a hold of his doc because I want to learn more about him and bring more to the channel. Thank you for watching!

[@andrewinnes479]

Thank you for another great video.

[@teocastel5882]

Great episode, thank you ! We'd love one on Pentti Samalahti :))

[@TatianaHopper]

I didn't know about him, thank you for suggesting it! Cheers Teo!

[@silvestersze9968]

Amazing video and great mentor!! 🙌

[@WatchesAndPhotography]

YESSSSSSSS finally a video on Garry Winogrand 😊 my all time favourite photographer to me personally cheers Tatiana ☕️

[@TatianaHopper]

That's great more Winogrand to come for sure, thanks for watching Chris!

[@silvestersze9968]

Thank you, Tatiana! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you Silvester!

[@mattbray_studio]

your videos are so good. thank you

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@kennethakennetha]

always delight to watch your videos! ❤

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you Kenneth!

[@JoeLopez]

Nice job on this video. Thank you.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you Joe!

[@TheAbennett72]

Great points and I will be returning to this video for reminders

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you Adam!

[@christophermorris7616]

As a longtime photographer who has been in the industry for a very long time, your reviews on the great photographers are quite good. Truly enjoy watching 🍃

[@marcosdamata8325]

Great content as usual, thank you! ❤ Winogrand is a Wizard, reminds us that photography - specially street - requires a sharp and fast mix of mind and intuition. Always on te edge of failure, but magic eventually happens when one is in the right mindset.

[@ivotnunes]

Thank you!

[@TatianaHopper]

Thanks for watching!

[@terenceflynn5125]

Every now and then I KZbin one of the greats for a bit of inspiration. This young lady comes up a lot, and makes brilliant videos. Just subscribed. You’re brilliant!

[@SergeyZarin]

Tatiana thanx for the video!

[@TatianaHopper]

🙏🏻

[@ashrafishak]

Such an inspiring video for a person who is just starting photography. Thank you for a such a great content.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you for giving it a watch!

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Another great video

[@endlichbilder]

Soo good Contend - thank you very much.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you for watching!

[@21jlxi]

I can't believe how quick he takes the photos, I didn't realise he was actually taking photos till I noticed he was winding the film on. Most people wouldn't even realise he was taking the photo, which is the whole point I guess. Great video as always. Cheers from New Zealand.

[@TatianaHopper]

I know its uncanny how he used to do that and it always worked! Much love back to New Zealand!

[@popularchipi]

Gracias 🙏

[@theblackmanarmedwithacamera]

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS VIDEO!💯🤘🏾🤘🏾

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you!

[@GrenvilleMelonseedSkiff496]

More Winogrand … yes please!

[@TatianaHopper]

Yes!

[@AbDaniel21]

very nice video tatjana, i love your content

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you!

[@nicktalerico8273]

Would love to see a video about a Winogrand book!

[@thomasrottkamp7079]

Yes! Definitely more Winogrand, please

[@TatianaHopper]

Roger that Thomas!

[@thomasrottkamp7079]

@@TatianaHopper 😄

[@silvestersze9968]

This’s a really inspirational lesson! And thx! 🎉

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much Silvester!

[@silvestersze9968]

@@TatianaHopper … meow!

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

what a wonderful photographer. more? yes please!

[@TatianaHopper]

More coming! :)

[@A-RA-N]

I'm a fan of this photographer, he has something secret, especially the handling of his camera when he wants to take a picture and doesn't let go, he's really a master of street photography, he will remain one of the best in the street photo, thank you for this video

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much for watching! A real master indeed!

[@DiegoMDeras]

I love seeing videos about Winogrand, especially his color stuff which is pretty difficult to find online. I'd love to see a video on his photos from the book 1964. Nice work!

[@TatianaHopper]

Yes that was my idea, need to get a hold of the book! Thank you for watching!

[@richardsimms251]

Terrific video and educational experience. RS. Canada

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you for watching Richard!

[@etiennededurocher]

thanks for the great content

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you for watching!

[@Studio-37]

More winogrand, please!

[@TatianaHopper]

For sure!

[@LebelionProductions]

The photograph of a couple with monkeys. The black guy is actually my cousin’s dad. He now live somewhere in Canada. Ive recently spoke to him about the photos. He remembered but he’s so old that he hardly can explain why they’ve done this and the back story behind the photographs… :(

[@TatianaHopper]

The world is really small, actually one of my favourite photos by Winogrand! All the best!

[@denbeigh]

Was there even a backstory? I assumed it was candid. You should definitely talk to him again because this is probably the most controversial talked about photo that he has taken. I think there's a lot of sides to it and I'm not sure if there's any record of Garry talking about it.

[@gchristopherklug]

Just found your channel. So much to think about.

[@TatianaHopper]

Welcome aboard!

[@gchristopherklug]

@@TatianaHopper I went to your web site. Evocative self portrait but your portfolio was being worked on. Looking forward to seeing it.

[@TatianaHopper]

@@gchristopherklug yes I was changing a few things yesterday you can have a look now if you would like :)

[@gchristopherklug]

@@TatianaHopper I’ll go look today, hopefully. Your videos are so thoughtful. I’m going to work my way through them.

[@WatchesAndPhotography]

Garry Winogrand was known for his compositions, sometimes criticized for horizon not being level. He also did not believe that all lines had to be straight and parallel in relation to buildings, as he thought that that’s not how we see. He’d rather play with the angles rather than artificially make them straight and parallel. Garry was a conflicted man I believe. I think a very sensitive man as well. Evident in what he chose to write for his proposal to the Guggenheim Foundation. Garry was a no-nonsense, no bs photographer, didn’t come from privilege, just a humble person who loved to photograph. One of my favs, he had a lot of wisdom to impart when it came to talking about photography in general.

[@TatianaHopper]

Very interesting, thank you for the insight Chris! Appreciate it :)

[@oldhollywoodangels]

Im so obsessed with this man

[@john-bloss]

I’ve just discovered your channel and really like your insights into these great photos and photographers. I have always loved the work of W. Eugene Smith and think you could do a great video (or maybe two) on him. Definitely will recommend your channel to others.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you Jim! Welcome aboard and yes a video on W. Eugene Smith is in the pipeline!

[@tychomagneticanomaly]

Another excellent analysis, thank you. The footage of Winogrand in Venice is a lovely choice, reminded me of the two weeks I spent with the homeless community there, 10 years ago. I actually don't crop, but that may be related to my first job, graphic design. When designing a magazine spread, I touch an control every bit of information on the page, in camera I love to do that all in the single moment before the «click».

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you for watching Thorsten I appreciate it and cheers for sharing your insights!

[@pepeye]

While it is interesting to think about what I would generally categorize as the geometric aspects of his photographs, what is the most valuable lesson for me in his work is the importance of being able to recognize the drama and power of the subject matter present in front of you. Winogrand was such a master of recognizing the potential visual power of what was happening in front of him and then finding a way to construct a composition to take advantage of it. But the composition won't matter much if we're not seeing what is happening around us. See first, then shoot. That's the lesson for me in his work.

[@DanScott1]

Thanks Tatiana, he tried, he really did, but could just not get along with this world. Only that pre-click moment of connection got him out there, after that, what's the point, a dreary every day conned-sumer reality that ate him up, literally. He was desparate to know himself in a world where almost no one does. He was a frustrated genius.

[@DanScott1]

@@BrunoChalifour I infered from his interviews/life.

[@DanScott1]

@@BrunoChalifour Whats your perspective on him then?

[@ashton1991]

This dude came into my film class recently who had done a short doc on this guy's time shooting the streets of Austin in the 70s.

[@GaitaPonto]

When you learn that Winogrand left 6 thousand rolls of undeveloped film when he died, I wonder how many of these pictures would be considered by the artist as good enough to be published or even shown. I am for cropping, recomposing, correcting the exposure or doing what is needed to make the image tell a story. You were there, you captured the moment, so you decide how you will present your work. I really can`t understand suggestions like "avoid cropping" as "rules" but only as advice to help you evolve and become more "SOOC" efficient. Good video as always.

[@TatianaHopper]

I agree, look at the end of the day if avoiding rules and cropping helps you, your work and following your path as a photographer fairplay to you, each to their own that's what I always say :)

[@afinacionymovimiento]

Another vote for more Winogrand!

[@TatianaHopper]

Roger that!

[@rajsingharora26]

Just wanted to tell you how important it is what you do for Photography....& especially when I get to relearn from the master's again.

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you so much Raj, appreciate your words! Much love!

[@Austinite333]

Garry wants folks to think he did not take a photo with his head shaking at the camera. He did😅. Thanks for this.

[@TatianaHopper]

ahahah I know I its hilarious!

[@joetrent4753]

I totally agree with the arguments against cropping. I use a 24mp camera so don't want to crop my images to a smaller mp. Secondly as stated in this video I have always wanted to make sure I capture the best image I can in camera without the need to crop out anything distracting or to crop for a better frame. I never in my time photographing considered cropping nor do I have any problem with people who do crop. It's too easy now to use a lot of digital tools to help fix less than perfectly composed images. Trying to get it right in camera, for me, is a really good discipline to learn.

[@davidellinsworth3299]

What can you do with 24MP that you can't do with 20, 16, or even 12? I agree with getting it right in camera as much as possible, but seems strange that you think 24MP is barely enough

[@joetrent4753]

@@davidellinsworth3299 24MP is a good sweet spot and I never said it's barely enough. Those are your words. 24MP is just about right. I also print my images so don't want to lose any detail cropping. Besides, not cropping my photos is mostly a good discipline I apply to myself to aim to compose the photo at the scene rather than in post.

[@davidellinsworth3299]

@@joetrent4753 you said you don't want to crop your 24MP images because you don't want to lose any MP, which alludes to the exact same thing I said. How big do you print?

[@geoffmphotography9444]

Interesting look at GW, thanks. Love the period music from the Hollies! Groovy. How about Lee Friedlander. Overlooked these days imo.

[@TatianaHopper]

Groovy indeed, that's the kind of soundtrack I imagined the footage to have ahah, Friedlander, that would be great!

[@TheFilmFellow]

I sometimes use his “fiddling with my camera” technique out on the streets. It’s legit.

[@TatianaHopper]

I've also used that one before and it works!

[@pamelasmith8652]

!!!!! JT

[@FiqriHartono]

more of Garrt Winogrand please

[@lokyinphotography]

I think a good picture usually comes with form and content all together. HCB once said the geometry is like perfume to him.

[@TatianaHopper]

Very interesting!

[@marco.mod65]

hi, i'm marco, i don't speak english, despite everything you are my favorite youtuber. your videos are well done. I am a great admirer of Herbert List, greetings from Italy.

[@TatianaHopper]

Hey Marco, thank you so much, appreciate the kind words, grazie mille!

[@dmclaren93]

Just a heads up if you do plan on showing any Garry Winogrand book and you don't own any already good luck getting one, really really pricey. Though local libraries may be able to help you get your hands on one of his books. I had to do it so I could see Arrivals & Departures.

[@TatianaHopper]

Yeah that's right, I was thinking of getting one from my local library to be honest, but let's see! :)

[@thegenral]

more gerry

[@robertmchugh4639]

If the photo is too busy, why did you take the picture in the first place? (in reference to cropping).

[@refugeenius]

Nobody can touch Winogrand. Raw humanity , electricity and poetry in every frame.

[@silvestersze9968]

You also mentioned Democratic Eye from another video. So, is Photographic Eye the same thing you are referring to? 🎉

[@FreezerKing]

Regarding cropping, it's a tool like any other thing. Use it well and it's good, use it poorly and it sucks. It's a picture by picture sort of deal.

[@Ava-ph9vv]

Would love to see more Winogrand - there's no such thing as too much Winogrand.

[@TatianaHopper]

Agreed Ava!

[@Waferdicing]

💜💛💚🤎🖤🧡❤️

[@DioArt]

Not to bad mouth, but Bresson did crop the "decisive moment " most well known pic. :)

[@filmic1]

Nice, I never liked cropping. What draws you to focus and release the shutter is probably wrapped in context, that subconsciously drew me to aim and shoot in the first place. There might be a deeper story that I might only realized after I scanned my slide or negative. A photographer friend would say, oh 'I would have cropped that more tightly,' but then it's not the same photograph to me. I guess I'm looking for a story? defined by the form that drew me in the first place. It's all osmosis to me anyway. I liked what Barnett Newman said in Painters Painting. 'It's scale that counts.'

[@TatianaHopper]

Interesting thoughts!

[@TheNitebinder]

Winogrand was certainly a very eccentric photographer. After giving up fashion photography, all he concentrated on was 'photographing the world'. Which is ironic since after he died, thousands of undeveloped film rolls were found. Why take so many pictures, if you're not going to develop them? Good video otherwise. Would love to know the story behind the photo at 6:20!

[@TatianaHopper]

Thank you for watching funny enough you pointed that photo there was someone here in the comments that is related to that man and said he asked him but he didn't remember anything as we was older now.

[@DanScott1]

It's the excitement up to the point of clicking, after that, next opportunity to click. All else is dust.

[@MilleIdeAlex]

Practically Winegrand would be a bit like Lieutenant Columbus (Peter Falk) of photography, same clumsy way of doing things but attentive to details

[@javiera8782]

Once you think your done with a scene take 3 more photos

[@nikaberzina2478]

Did he have any pseudonyme ?

[@Owwliv]

Cropping is such an interesting topic... I think it's perhaps a matter of doing it before you take a picture, pre-visualization if you will, or doing it after... What's looking through a viewfinder but cropping the world? With 35mm film, there is only so much resolution after all- you may as well crop before you click & use the whole negative. I wonder about those 6000 rolls- sometimes you know you've got something, and sometimes you know that you don't. Why bother developing it if you know it's not there? I don't take that much film, but, if I did, I wonder if I might just throw out rolls which I didn't think had anything of real value on them.... With film I try to just walk away if it wasn't a real picture, but, with street... I wonder how you'd even know it was bad with street- it all happens so fast.

[@jamesnicol3831]

Do not think Gary would like the soundtrack

[@jamesnicol3831]

The music I mean the commentary is good

[@TatianaHopper]

@@jamesnicol3831 ahah cheers james who knows he's not around anymore but I think it fits the era he worked in :) thank you for watching!

[@LukeFranklin65]

Nice video about an inspiring photographer. However I’d like to disagree about cropping. I think it’s an important part of the process of creating a good story. Because of the instantaneous aspect of street photography one sometimes comes back with elements in the photo not needed and needs to be eliminated to retain the content and context.

[@TatianaHopper]

Absolutely, I say each with their own and there's no right or wrong about it, you just do you :)

[@noahmizrahi9934]

I didn’t learn a single thing about composition other than it exists. Nice photos though.

[@andgainingspeed]

I can't subscribe to a hard rule of not cropping but I can see why you always want to try to get the composition right SooC. Not cropping might serve as one of the limitations you impose to make yourself do things you might not otherwise, like getting closer to your subjects. But if getting closer makes you lose what you wanted in the image in the first place then it's self defeating. The flipside is losing the composition maybe because you are too far away to avoid uncontrollable elements moving into the composition. Or you have negative space unbalancing a composition or lose a hard perspective for a leading line. In street/candid/unstaged photography, with almost every element of the image will have to deal with some kind of tradeoff or compromise. Intentionality and practice can help you be ready for the decisive moment in an almost unconsciousness way. I imagine if you become a master, shots that you would have once considered lucky, become less rare.

[@mikepenney5726]

Interesting guy... heavy volume shooter produces results... to a point... I can't stand watching him work... looks haphazard... Most importantly I believe he could not do what he did the way he did it in the current era. Getting in peoples' faces with a wide lens on the street these days would probably get you assaulted or worse.

[@Yanbrandcom]

All images are cropped, in camera, in editing or when printed. This cropping debate only exists with pretentious amateurs.