Re: [Leica] Salgado - Simply The Best?? Talk amongst yourselves

["B. D. Colen" <bdcolen@earthlink.net>]

Bob Walkden wrote:
> 
> Hi,
> 
> I think it's a mistake to try and judge photojournalists by artistic
> standards. They're different conversations.

Not when we're talking about, for instance, Salgado, Nachtwey, or a very
few others.

> 
> Secondly, good/better/best is probably impossible to define, so any
> talking amongst ourselves would be merely swapping opinions.

Oh, and that's not what people waste their entire days, for months on
end, doing on this list?

> 
> Thirdly, even to agree on a useful definition of documentary
> photography would be quite an achievement.

For whom?

> 
> Thirdly (bis), is he the best ever? Er, I'll let you know at the end of
> infinity. Best so far? Better than HCB? Capa? McCullin? Who cares?
> What's the point of comparing?

Gee, I don't know. Why don't we simply shut down all departments of art,
art history, etc., because, after all, they waste so much of everyone's
time comparing and contrasting the work of various artists.

As to the photographers you mention....HCB? From a technical standpoint,
he couldn't get a job carrying Salgado's equipment. Capa? Surely you
jest. McCullin? Please. Yes, they are all great, legendary
photographers. But none of them is particularly outstanding in terms of
the technical perfection of their work.

I'm not contending that he is The Best in terms of content and impact.
Over the long haul, the people you named will all probably end up having
greater impact on photography, and those who view their work. But in
terms of exposure, composition, lighting, I'd argue that he may well be
The Best ever - ever being up until today.
> 

B. D.