‘I photograph to find out what something will
look like when photographed’, Winogrand famously commented.
He was best known for his ‘street photography’, documenting
the social interactions that are continually played out in public
spaces. Working exclusively in black and white, Winogrand used a
small 35mm camera that allowed him to take photographs quickly and
discreetly, often using a wide angle lens to cram as much detail
as possible into the frame.
His book Public Relations (1977), aimed,
in his words, ‘to photograph the effect of the media on events’,
and included press conferences, opening parties and fund-raisers.
Like much of his work, it reflects the theatricality of American
culture, and demonstrates his intuitive, spontaneous approach to
taking photographs.
