Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/04/02
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Gene actually told slightly varying stories about this picture of his children...that it was totally spontaneous, that he suggested where they walk...that there may or may not be a prior or subsequent shot. I doubt if he was trying to mislead anyone, we all have variable memories from time to time and I doubt that at the moment he took the picture he knew it was destined to be the iconic picture for the "Family of Man" show at MOMA (as over-rated a show as ever mounted IMHO), and that an absolutely unimpeachable record of its provenance should have been recorded. He was always consistent, as I remember, in noting that it was the first picture he took after recovering from his wounds...whether or not it was the very first shutter trip, someone with more knowledge of photographic history than I may be able to answer. Buzz Hausner > -----Original Message----- > From: Claes-Göran Bjernér [SMTP:claes.bjerner@pi.se] > Sent: Friday, April 02, 1999 5:40 AM > To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us > Subject: Re: [Leica] I missed it. > > Eric wrote: > > > And, for the record, was totally set up. He had them go back and forth > > several times until he got it right. > > Eric, > > I take it you were with Gene Smith at the time and saw this with your own > eyes. What really intrigues me is what possible reason you might have to > smear his name and reputation at this time? > > Since you were there I have no reason to doubt your disclosure. But my own > personal impression of W.Eugene Smith is somehow different. Never have I > met > a more honest, uncompromising and compassionate photojournalist. The Truth > was very essential to Gene! And it was his resentless search for the truth > that eventually killed him. > > Claes