Walker Evans - Damaged Sign: Show & Tell Episode 11, street photography with Stephen Leslie

Episode 11 of SHOW & TELL, is a relatively quick(ish) exploration of one of my favourite photographs of all time - Damaged by the late great Walker Evans. I tried and failed to do it in under 10 minutes then I tried and failed to do it in under 15 but then, finally, I succeeded in doing it in under 20! Hooray!
But why this photo? Well you'll have to watch to find out but I promise you there's a lot more going here than you might initially think and Evans was a fascinating character who will get another episode or two sometime in the future, without a doubt.
But for now, put your feet up and take 15 minutes out of your hectic day to watch and be amazed. Maybe even pour yourself a slightly alcoholic beverage to accompany the film. You deserve it, don't you?
Please subscribe to the channel and Stephen will continue doing these films as he seeks to focus on photography content and not just which new or old camera to buy. And remember, there's still a 'No BOKEH TALK' promise. No bokeh talk. Ever.
For more of Stephen's photography please visit his website: www.stephenles... or his Instagram: / step_hen_le. . or sign up for the mailing list for his new book, MOSTLY FALSE REPORTS: tinyurl.com/6u...
Also feel free to contact Stephen if you'd like to buy zines, prints or sign up for his monthly street photography workshops in London. The February one is full up but they're happening every month, so please say if you're interested.

[@jd87a]

Love the jumpers, the whanging about great photos, the humor, the fantastic research.

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Glad you like them! I might start selling the jumpers, people seem to like them as much as the photography!

[@PitNeex]

The only channel that I watch the videos twice!

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Thank you very much, although at the rate I’m currently making them, you might have to watch them thrice!

[@PitNeex]

@@stephenlesliephoto as long they are so good I don't mind, thrice it is! 😁

[@nottinghamburgers5397]

"He would have jumped out of his shoes. He might even have shat himself on seeing this. Wouldn't he? I know i would have" - fantastic vid Stephen you've made my day (and yes I probably wouldve shat meseslf as well) :)

[@stephenlesliephoto]

My absolute pleasure. I stand by my statement.

[@12qwas12as]

“All art is theft”. Presaging Warhol indeed: what’s up with the multiple prints of “hops” behind Christianberry? Loved the whole episode. And also you saying “can literally be thought of as metaphor”. Poetry. Thank you Stephen! Stop worrying about the length….

[@tbostrowski6136]

another great episode Stephen, I must confess in having poached a sign or two as well as I have found that travelling with a camera and a Leatherman to be a truly liberating experience. Thanks for doing these, they are truly, treasures.

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Thank you as ever TB. It’s good to know you’re out there ‘liberating’ signs occasionally….

[@gordonwill6885]

Wonderful, Stephen you can wang on as long as you want. About anything. Feel free... 👍👍

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Don't worry, I inevitably will! Thanks for watching. More to follow.

[@huwjohn4068]

As usual, well done Stephen. I almost shat myself when you mentioned him possibly shatting himself!!

[@stephenlesliephoto]

I trust it didn't cause any embarrassment? Glad you liked the film. Thanks as ever for watching.

[@MrBouch66]

Another great film Stephen! I love how you move from a simple image at the beginning into a deep dive into the artist and then back to the image so you can view the image with a whole new perspective! Fantastic! Thanks.

[@stephenlesliephoto]

I am glad you have figure out my entire process! Thanks for watching, Mike. Please go and ring your next door neighbour's doorbell and get them to watch it too. I thank you.

[@JustinPhillip]

Always excited when i see a new Show & Tell in my Subscription feed!

[@deckmiller3652]

I remember in one of Garry Winogrand’s talk how Evans is a “collector” of signs that he even wanted to break in a locked building. Nice mention of William Christianberry, Steven! 👍🏼

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Thanks Deck, all photographers are collectors I think but some of them aren't content with just taking photographs!

[@SeanPatrickCooke]

I've enjoyed each and every one so far, keep it up!

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Thanks Sean. I will try.

[@dmander7492]

A man after my own heart! Signs ..a passion 📷

[@stephenlesliephoto]

There is something about them isn't there?

[@MarcoLamberto]

Thank you, another brilliant piece!

[@stephenlesliephoto]

You are most welcome Marco. Just getting started. Much more still to come.

[@digitaldion]

Thanks for your magnificent engagement with Evans’ person and work! It was informative, funny, and beautifully told and illustrated. You are a master of the craft! I like your Hope sign! Tell us where it was liberated from, who did you leave without any sign of hope (as such)?

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Thanks Dion, however its provenance must remain a secret, lest I am charged with criminal activities. Glad you're enjoying the films. Your task this weekend is to recruit a few more to the cause. I know I can count on you.....

[@kevinbishop8321]

Thanks for everything you put into this, very enjoyable

[@stephenlesliephoto]

My pleasure Kevin. Thanks for watching. Please spread the word. I could do with a few more views!

[@apucciarellid]

Great video as usual, really educational

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching, as ever.

[@Pat-1000]

Great show Stephen thanks so much mate

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Absolute pleasure P 71. Glad it hit your spot.

[@stevescott2052]

Really enjoyed this, many thanks Stephen 😊

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Absolute pleasure Steve. All I ask is that you get at least 500 other people to watch it. Soon. Thanks very much, I know I can rely on you.

[@waynehiebert3801]

Well worth the wait!!

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Cheers Wayne. Next one is currently percolating......

[@lightloving683]

That was 17min that felt less that 10. That’s how much I enjoyed it. Best.

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Thank you aptly named Light Loving. Please go watch them all (unless you already have).

[@lightloving683]

@@stephenlesliephoto Already have. Some multiple times!

[@captaindebug]

Superb episode. I can just imagine Evans's excitement on coming across that scene. I imagine that I would taken far more than 3 or 4 frames if it had been me walking along that street.

[@stephenlesliephoto]

He got it though, didn't he? Thanks for watching Roger, I exhort you (as I do everyone else) to go get others to watch. Thanks very much.

[@camali_ch]

Amazing video, Stephen!

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Glad you liked it!

[@photo_dude1686]

Great episode!

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Cheers Photo Dude! Please watch them all - if you already have then please consider watching them all again !

[@adenijiadetomi1469]

it's always a delight watching your videos. thanks for an informative yet fun episode. p.s: I also love signs.

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Glad you like them! Signs are great but probably best not to steal too many.....

[@Wasp9513]

What a episode Stephen!!!

[@stephenlesliephoto]

I hope that means you liked it? Thanks for watching.

[@Wasp9513]

@@stephenlesliephoto Of course!

[@_stefkas_]

I will like every one of your upcoming videos while the before ads are still running - I promise

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Thanks Stefan, that would be very useful.

[@kimanderson5273]

Thanks for another great video! Have you ever considered doing a two hour version on Mary Ellen Mark? She's one of the best.

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Well funny you should say that....I have recently borrowed her enormous Book Of Everything which is just overwhelming. So I'm trying to think of a way in that doesn't just end up being a 3 hours film of me drooling. I will figure it out and there will definitely be a film on her sometime in the future. Thanks for watching Kim.

[@dbugatto]

Another gem , well done.

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Cheers Dominic, many many more to follow.

[@a.j.fontana]

Loved this episode! Walker was a genius of the highest order and such an interesting character. We owe him a lot.

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Very true Andrew, glad you liked it. I only really scratched the surface. Might do another one one day.....stay tuned.

[@richschreibstein8826]

Quite an informative film, with much information about Evans I was unaware of. Congratulations. I did notice, however, that the "H" in your purloined "Hope" sign looked more than vaguely similar to a tilted #. I compliment you on avoiding the opportunity to make another obvious BNB (Bald Not Bald) reference to Evans and wonder if you restrained yourself because of your self-imposed 10-minute limit. I have sent links to your episodes to both my bald and hairy friends.

[@stephenlesliephoto]

I briefly mentioned his beard but there was too much else going on. Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching.

[@davegreen63]

Another fine episode, many thanks. Each and every one I find both entertaining and informative. Please keep going, and the longer the better in my opinion!

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Thanks Dave, there will be longer ones coming, I assure you. Stay tuned.

[@tmuss]

"Under ten minutes." Glad you failed at this, the rest of the movie was a home run. Great ending.

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Thanks very much. One day I’ll actually make a sub ten minute episode. Maybe…

[@jerichobelizar6758]

tysm

[@stephenlesliephoto]

YAMW

[@Dahrenhorst]

Looking at this "Damaged" picture, I'm always wondering if they are offloading or uploading. Other than maybe most, I think they are offloading the sign to get it repaired or recycled at the shop.

[@stephenlesliephoto]

We will never know and that's why it's such a great photo. Thanks for watching. Please check out all the others if you haven't already done so. And if you have.......why not watch them again?

[@stevew7779]

Love it. But it's an adjective.... 😁

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Opinions differ. I failed to find conclusive proof either way!

[@maxshootsfilm]

6:39 I've tried to find the exact website but came up short, im doing a school project on Walker Evens, could you link the exact website you showed in the video? thanks a million!

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Go to the MOMA website, type Walker Evans into the search box and, like magic, it will all appear. Really, it’s that simple.

[@maxshootsfilm]

@@stephenlesliephoto Thanks haha! now with a sober mind, I see how easy I could do that on my own! thanks anyway!

[@DarrenRye]

Is that a Hospital Records H?

[@stephenlesliephoto]

Erm, you've totally lost me? It's just an H from Hope.