TCF Ep. 622 - Jesse Lenz

Photographer Jesse Lenz, Gordon Park's Segregation Story, & Ripley

The last few weeks have been difficult as we mourn the loss of our dog, Zoey. Her absence was such a disruption, and she was such an integral part of everyday life. Her face was always the first and last I saw when leaving and returning from work. She filled our home with unbounded love and joy that made the loss of the smallest moments feel so much bigger. Loss of any sort is never easy, but losing a beloved pet is especially difficult to come to terms with.

Photographer Jesse Lenz

But life marches on, and after some delays, we have released the latest episode of The Candid Frame. Episode 622 features my conversation with photographer Jesse Lenz, the founder of the Charcoal Book Club, a long-time sponsor of the show. As a lover of photo books, I have been a fan of the service CBC provides the photo community. This conversation with Jesse made me appreciate what he does so much more.

Publishing is all about curation, the choices editors and publishers make to determine what works will be selected and promoted to a potential audience. Modern publishing is a numbers game that factors target audiences, spreadsheets, marketing strategies, and name recognition. I understand the tight margins and that passion alone can’t drive business decisions.

However, I was glad to hear that CBC is not just a numbers game for Jesse. He is driven by the sincerest belief that photographs belong in books. The physical creation of the object provides a work a much-deserved home. His inclination towards intimate personal work is evident in his selections as is his willingness to showcase photographers who create non-traditional bodies of work.

Whether or not this interview convinces you to become a Charcoal Book Club subscriber is beside the point. I hope you reconsider how you want your work to be preserved and shared. This interview will give you food for thought.

Gordon Park’s Segregation Story

I am trying to practice restraint when it comes to purchasing photo books, but I’m failing. The wall-length bookshelf that I built in my studio is nearly full. I have been less impulsive about purchases, instead compiling a list of books to consider. When an unexpected check comes in, as it did this week, I justify a purchase or two.

The latest book that is a must-have on my list is Gordon Parks: Segregation Story. Released in 2022, it is an expanded edition of Park’s seminal story on segregation for Life Magazine in the summer of 1956. The images strike an amazing balance of painfulness and beauty while at the same time showcasing his amazing photojournalistic skills. It was one of those books I knew I would regret not owning once it was out of print and became less affordable. I highly recommend you do the same.

Ripley on Netflix

I have become increasingly selective with how I spend my leisure time, especially when sitting in front of the television set. I use television less as a distraction these days; instead, I hope to see something that leaves an impression and engages me.

Ripley on Netflix is just such a show. Based on Patricia Highsmith's novel The Talented Mister Ripley, it is a retelling of the story best known from the 1999 film starring Matt Damon. This interpretation is a closer reflection of the novel, largely because the story unfolds over eight episodes. The characters, the complications of the relationships and plot are more nuanced than is possible with only two hours.

However, the awe-inspiring black-and-white cinematography of Robert Elswit (There Will Be Blood, Punch Drunk Love, The Town) is what captivated me. Within the first few minutes, I was mesmerized by the noirish feel and look of a classic black-and-white print. Just as I recovered from one image, the next one appeared, throwing me into another wave of joy and awe.

Directed by Steve Zallian (Searching for Bobby Fischer, All the King’s Men) and starring Andrew Scott (Sherlock, Fleabag, 1917), the series exemplifies visual storytelling at its best. Though the dark subject matter may not be for everyone, I suggest you give it a chance. If nothing else, watch the first 20 minutes with the sound off and enjoy the glory of the cinematography. You’ll likely get sucked into the story like I did. So, you have been forewarned.

Upcoming Street Photography Workshop

I am leading a street photography workshop in Los Angeles this upcoming weekend. If you are in the and are interested, there are a few spots available. You can sign up by visiting the Los Angeles Center of Photography website.

Thank you for your continued kindness and support. Be blessed with a wonderful week.