I bark at dogs

Yes, exactly that: 'I bark at dogs' is what the author confessed to in 'Personal Exposures'(Erwitt, 1988), which I had a pleasure of reading today. 

Can recommend it to everyone, as it's generally pleasing. Meself will be going back to it for sure- funny descriptions and greatly amusing photographs are timeless and make me smile every time ;)

Just check this: 

I bark at dogs. That is why the little dog in one of my photographs has jumped straight up into the air. A lot of people ask about that. Well, I barked. He jumped. I barked. He jumped...

And an example:

Also memorable was this random chapter: 

I'm not interested in landscapes. Just people. I like plastic flowers.

(can't picture this one but I'll post when I find an example)

The Magnum Print Room Exhibition

I have just found out there is an interesting exhibition in London currently. Pity I can't go [because of work and college], but if someone is going to London between dates below, well - just go and see them!

Exhibition - Elliott Erwitt

September 15 - November 13, 2010 - London

Four of Elliott Erwitt’s most iconic images will be presented in the UK for the first time as editioned, large format platinum prints, in an exhibition of fine photographs spanning Erwitt’s distinguished career. Produced in May 2010 using cutting edge technology, and launched at this year’s Recontres D’Arles in July, these 30”x40” platinum prints feature Erwitt’s photographs of racial segregation in North Carolina, 1950; a kiss reflected in the wing mirror of a car, California, 1955; a glamorous movie star Marilyn Monroe, New York, 1956 and one of his best loved pictures of the relationship between man and dog Felix, Gladys and Rover (New York, 1976).

Marilyn Monroe through Elliott Erwitt's eyes

p.s. Beauty Knows No Pain

Who doesn't know Erwitt's shots of Marilyn Monroe or the dogs on streets of New York?

Well, of course not everyone know them, and that's why I want to familiarize You, my readers, with his excellent eye for fun, as well as somber, shots. The decisive moment is crucial, as it's name suggests, but being able to anticipate for such moment is even more important, and when the two come together, then timeless photograph can be created...just like Elliott Erwitt's ;)

Other work He's done is the movie Beauty Knows No Pain (1972), which unfortunately I cannot locate on the web, however I found a book of his on the same subject, so here's a taster :

Kilgore Rangerettes

And the movie's synopsis:  

In 1940, the Kilgore College Rangerettes became the first dancing drill team in the nation. They have been performing at half-time shows during college football games ever since. 

The first director of the program, Miss Gussie Nell Davis, oversaw the Rangerettes for forty years before retiring in 1979. In 1971 filmmakers caught Miss Davis overseeing the summer camp, where young girls work hard in the hopes of finding a coveted spot in this elite cheerleading group. 

Beauty Knows No Pain is a film about the young ladies who come from all over the country to compete in a two-week drill, knowing that not all of them will make the cut. Through the difficult but rewarding process, Miss Davis tries to imbue her charges with enthusiasm, energy, and a non-stop smile. 

The latter part of the film focuses on one member from North Dakota, who, in her second year, has embodied all of the spirit the Rangerettes represent. At the end of the two week camp, the girls gather to see who is in, who has been chosen as an alternate, and who will go home unfulfilled. The girls meet their triumph and disappointment with shrieks and tears. 

Enjoy!