In Darkroom, we discussed the ambiguity of photography. 1970's American Photographer and teacher Minor White created a lifetime of work that challenged an individual's conscious expectation of the world. White was a romantic and religious man who tirelessly strove to understand himself as an individual and as a photographer. White's abstract images are whimsical and romantic.
White studied Alfred Steiglitz's approach to photography and captured content he considered "equivalents" to the world people recognized. He used a large-format view camera to produce black and white photographs that resemble the tonal studies of friend and roomate Ansel Adams. During the depression when there was little work, White read and wrote poetry; there is a strong poetic influence in his work.
White's photography is a result of his tireless contribution to the arts community. In viewing his entire body of work, he was influenced by many; Edward Weston, Edward Steichen, Ansel Adams, and of course Steiglitz. In the above image, I think about Henri Cartier-Bresson's "decisive moment." Although White was considered among the greatest teachers of photography, his work shows a commitment as a forever student in capturing the world around him.
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