Paul Strand, a renowned American photographer, is celebrated for his influential and pioneering work in the realm of modernist photography. With a career spanning over six decades, Strand’s photographs have left an indelible mark on the world of art and photography. From his early days as a member of the Photo-Secession movement to his later work as a documentary filmmaker, Strand’s camera of choice played a significant role in shaping his unique visual style. In this article, we will delve into the world of Paul Strand’s photography and explore the cameras that helped him capture some of the most iconic images of the 20th century.
The Early Years: Paul Strand’s First Cameras
Born in 1890, Paul Strand began his photographic journey at a young age. His interest in photography was sparked by his father, who was an avid amateur photographer. Strand’s first camera was a 5×7-inch view camera, which he used to capture landscapes and still-life compositions. This early exposure to photography laid the foundation for Strand’s future work, and he soon became fascinated with the possibilities of the medium.
As Strand’s skills improved, he began to experiment with different cameras and techniques. In 1907, he joined the Photo-Secession movement, a group of photographers who sought to establish photography as a legitimate art form. Led by Alfred Stieglitz, the movement emphasized the importance of photography as a means of artistic expression. Strand’s involvement with the Photo-Secession movement had a profound impact on his work, and he soon became known for his modernist approach to photography.
The Graflex Camera: A Turning Point in Strand’s Career
In the early 1920s, Strand began using a Graflex camera, a 4×5-inch view camera that would become an integral part of his photographic practice. The Graflex camera was a significant improvement over Strand’s earlier cameras, offering greater flexibility and control over the photographic process. With the Graflex, Strand was able to capture a wider range of subjects, from landscapes and cityscapes to portraits and still-life compositions.
The Graflex camera played a crucial role in Strand’s transition from a modernist photographer to a documentary filmmaker. In the 1930s, Strand began working on a series of documentary films, including “The Plow That Broke the Plains” and “The City.” These films showcased Strand’s ability to tell complex stories through images, and his use of the Graflex camera was instrumental in capturing the footage.
The Leica Camera: A New Era in Strand’s Photography
In the 1930s, Strand began using a Leica camera, a 35mm rangefinder camera that would become his camera of choice for the next several decades. The Leica camera was a significant departure from Strand’s earlier cameras, offering greater portability and flexibility. With the Leica, Strand was able to capture a wider range of subjects, from street photography to documentary work.
Strand’s use of the Leica camera marked a new era in his photography. He began to focus more on documentary work, capturing the lives of everyday people and the world around him. The Leica camera allowed Strand to work more discreetly, capturing candid moments and unposed portraits. This approach to photography was a significant departure from Strand’s earlier work, which often featured formal, posed portraits.
Strand’s Leica Camera: A Closer Look
Strand’s Leica camera was a Leica IIIa, a model that was introduced in the 1930s. The Leica IIIa was a significant improvement over earlier Leica models, offering a more compact design and improved optics. Strand’s Leica IIIa was equipped with a 50mm f/3.5 Elmar lens, which provided a wide range of creative possibilities.
Strand’s use of the Leica IIIa was characterized by his emphasis on simplicity and directness. He often used the camera’s built-in viewfinder, rather than an external viewfinder, to compose his shots. This approach allowed Strand to work more quickly and discreetly, capturing candid moments and unposed portraits.
Other Cameras Used by Paul Strand
While the Graflex and Leica cameras were Strand’s primary cameras, he also used other cameras throughout his career. In the 1940s and 1950s, Strand began using a 4×5-inch Linhof camera, which he used for his landscape and still-life photography. The Linhof camera offered greater control over the photographic process, allowing Strand to capture highly detailed images.
Strand also used a 35mm Nikon camera in the 1960s and 1970s, which he used for his documentary work. The Nikon camera offered greater portability and flexibility, allowing Strand to capture a wider range of subjects.
A Comparison of Strand’s Cameras
| Camera | Format | Lens | Era |
| — | — | — | — |
| Graflex | 4×5-inch | Various | 1920s-1930s |
| Leica IIIa | 35mm | 50mm f/3.5 Elmar | 1930s-1960s |
| Linhof | 4×5-inch | Various | 1940s-1950s |
| Nikon | 35mm | Various | 1960s-1970s |
Conclusion
Paul Strand’s cameras played a significant role in shaping his unique visual style and approach to photography. From his early days as a modernist photographer to his later work as a documentary filmmaker, Strand’s cameras helped him capture some of the most iconic images of the 20th century. The Graflex camera, Leica camera, and other cameras used by Strand offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of photography and the creative process of one of the medium’s most influential practitioners.
By examining the cameras used by Paul Strand, we can gain a deeper understanding of his photographic practice and the ways in which he used his cameras to capture the world around him. Whether you’re a photographer, artist, or simply someone who appreciates the art of photography, Strand’s cameras offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of photography and the creative process of one of the medium’s most influential practitioners.
What type of camera did Paul Strand use for his early work?
Paul Strand used a 5×7-inch view camera for his early work. This type of camera was commonly used during the early 20th century for landscape and portrait photography. The 5×7-inch view camera allowed Strand to capture high-quality images with great detail and resolution.
Strand’s use of the 5×7-inch view camera also reflects his interest in the technical aspects of photography. He was known to be meticulous about his equipment and techniques, and the view camera allowed him to have greater control over the photographic process. This attention to detail is evident in many of his early photographs, which showcase his ability to capture nuanced tones and textures.
Did Paul Strand use any other cameras besides the 5×7-inch view camera?
Yes, Paul Strand used other cameras besides the 5×7-inch view camera. In the 1920s, he began to experiment with smaller cameras, including the 35mm Leica. The Leica was a revolutionary camera at the time, offering greater portability and flexibility than larger view cameras.
Strand’s use of the Leica allowed him to work more quickly and spontaneously, capturing candid moments and everyday scenes. This shift towards smaller cameras also reflects Strand’s growing interest in documentary and street photography. He used the Leica to capture many of his iconic images of urban life, including his photographs of New York City and Mexico.
What features did Paul Strand look for in a camera?
Paul Strand looked for cameras that offered high image quality, precision, and control. He was particularly interested in cameras with large formats, such as the 5×7-inch view camera, which allowed him to capture detailed images with great resolution.
Strand also valued cameras that were well-made and durable. He was known to be meticulous about his equipment, and he expected his cameras to be able to withstand the rigors of frequent use. Additionally, Strand was interested in cameras that allowed him to work efficiently and effectively, whether he was capturing landscapes, portraits, or street scenes.
Did Paul Strand have a favorite camera?
Paul Strand’s favorite camera is often reported to be the 5×7-inch view camera. He used this camera extensively during his early career, and it played a significant role in the development of his photographic style.
However, it’s worth noting that Strand was also very fond of the 35mm Leica, which he used to capture many of his iconic images of urban life. The Leica offered Strand a level of portability and flexibility that was not possible with larger view cameras, and it allowed him to work more quickly and spontaneously.
How did Paul Strand’s camera choices influence his photography?
Paul Strand’s camera choices had a significant influence on his photography. His use of the 5×7-inch view camera, for example, allowed him to capture highly detailed images with great resolution. This attention to detail is evident in many of his early photographs, which showcase his ability to capture nuanced tones and textures.
Strand’s use of smaller cameras, such as the 35mm Leica, also influenced his photography. The Leica allowed him to work more quickly and spontaneously, capturing candid moments and everyday scenes. This shift towards smaller cameras also reflects Strand’s growing interest in documentary and street photography.
Can I use a modern camera to replicate Paul Strand’s style?
While it’s possible to use a modern camera to replicate Paul Strand’s style, it’s worth noting that the cameras he used were often quite different from those available today. Strand’s use of large-format view cameras, for example, allowed him to capture highly detailed images with great resolution.
That being said, many modern cameras offer similar features and capabilities to those used by Strand. For example, medium-format digital cameras can capture highly detailed images with great resolution, similar to those captured by Strand’s 5×7-inch view camera. Additionally, many modern cameras offer manual controls and other features that can help photographers achieve a similar level of precision and control.
Are Paul Strand’s cameras on display anywhere?
Some of Paul Strand’s cameras are on display at the Aperture Foundation in New York City. The Aperture Foundation has an extensive collection of Strand’s photographs, as well as some of his cameras and other equipment.
Additionally, some of Strand’s cameras are also on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which has an extensive collection of his photographs and other materials. It’s worth noting that many of Strand’s cameras are also held in private collections, and may not be on public display.