Redheads

Not keen on photos

I'm not a big fan of Meyerowitz's street photography, but this subject seemed intriguing to me, and since the price was right I went for it. Well, I should have known better, because this collection of images made during the summer months around Cape Cod, Massachusetts appear to be made in a similar fashion to Meyerowitz's street photography. Consequently, they come off as posed snapshots. In his preface, the photographer relates that he found a high proportion of subjects he asked to photograph at the beach were redheads, which intrigued him. He then actively sought out redheaded subjects to augment what became this project.I would think that more care would have been given to an undertaking thought of as a formal project than the resulting images, many of which are simply dull, unflattering, under exposed, or out of focus. How one can under expose subjects on the beach and miss focus when shooting stopped down in bright daylight conditions escapes me, but Meyerowitz manages to do that here in several instances.It turns out that Meyerowitz is a more interesting writer than photographer, and his Preface is full of excellent prose and interesting insight on the subject of redheads. I quote:"...how emotions are expressed and where they emanate from are mysteries. Do the eyes say it all as they grow thoughtful or fierce, warm or sparkling? Or does the forehead, lined like the palm of the hand with the tracery left by curiosity, anxiety, rage, or simple good humor? Or does the mouth? We all know what charms and deceits the mouth holds."He's a compelling writer, but the images in this collection fail to match his skill with words or the eminent reputation he has gained as a street photographer.

As a redhead myself, I find the entire collection unremarkable, unappealing, unattractive--as well as lacking depth and context. A photo itself should tell a story; these taken individually or as a whole don't. The photos don't capture any essence or beauty at all. There is an attitude in many of the models or subjects that is troubling as well--one almost anti-social or defiant in nature--that I just don't get.

Plenty of pictures, most not interesting, paper quality isn't amazing, the book is fair at best. Has men, women, and children, many have horrible dye jobs.

This book is a series of portraits featuring red heads. I must admit I am a fan of Joel Meyerowitz, and I liked many of the images in this book, but others left me wondering why were they included.The text at the beginning of the book gives a clear insight into the mind of a photographic artist, and how and why a project is created.This is not a technical how to book, this is a book that will deepen you sense of artistic creation.

I love how real the people look in these photographs. No effort was made to hide freckles or pale eyelashes. No one is spray tanned. The photographs communicate such character and warmth. This is definately one of my favorite books about redheads.