Sunday, December 18, 2011

Perspective (Poem)

Perspective

      You don't have to go looking for pictures. You go
      out and the pictures are staring at you. ~ Lee Friedlander

He had a talent
for putting himself

in the picture, always
adjusting the mirrors

just so, setting up
his shoots to make light

go where he needed it
most. Getting into the plane

with his subject anchored
him in place and time,

let us see who was looking
back at us, gave us a frame

of reference to reflect a lot
more than we could mean

in a single moment, alone.

© 2011 Maureen E. Doallas
_______________________________

This is my response to today's photo prompt at Magpie Tales, where you'll find the 1966 image by the influential photographer Lee Friedlander (b. 1934) that was provided by Tess Kincaid. Join in by writing your own poem or flash fiction, using as inspiration the photo provided, then go here to add your link and to read the other participants' contributions.

Of Interest

Lee Friedlander Catalogue at ArtNet

Lee Friedlander Jazz Portraits

Lee Friedlander Page at The New York Times

15 comments:

Kathe W. said...

excellent- and I really appreciate Lee's quote and all the links you included!

Louise Gallagher said...

You've captured the essence of Friedlander's amazing talent and eyes.

Wonderful take on the prompt!

Carolina Linthead said...

What the preceding comments said...wonderful take on the prompt, and thanks for the extra effort to bring all of us closer to Friedlander.

S. Etole said...

¥our words reveal so much.

Unknown said...

First one I read today written to elucidate the photographer's tale. Very clever.

Anonymous said...

thanks for adding in that quote, it was perfect and went with both the pic and yiur poem

Anonymous said...

pictures are happening all the time, but, i disagree with lee, i think that one has to look for them while wearing picture glasses.

Mimi Foxmorton said...

Excellent capture! :)

Helen said...

The essence of the photographer, you understand him well!

Brian Miller said...

nice maureen you bring to life the one behind the pic...and thanks for all the links as well..

Helena said...

A fitting poem indeed. Nice tribute!

renaye said...

reading again the Friendlander quote, i find it make sense. i like to take photos and i didn't realise the photos r staring back at me.

Isabel Doyle said...

Excellent!

Intelliblog said...

I'm glad you delved deep into Firendlander's perspective on the world to give meaning to this curious image. Great Magpie!
Hope you have a good Chirstmas!

Monica Sharman said...

This poem would make an excellent photography lesson.

My favorite part:
"Getting into the plane

with his subject anchored
him in place and time,"