Exposure

by Mary Ellen Mark (Photographer), Weston Naef (Editor)

Acclaimed American documentary photographer Mary Ellen Mark (b. 1940) made her first iconic pictures when living in Turkey on a Fulbright Fellowship in the mid-1960s. Her photographs of Bombay brothels, shot in the late 1970s, were published in 1981 in Falkland Road, a book that became legendary and confirmed her status as one of the most prominent and provocative documentary photographers working today

Mark’s pictures are a celebration of humanity in its most diverse and eccentric forms. Circuses, gypsy camps, children yearning for adulthood, the poor and destitute are some of her recurring themes. Mark has the unique ability to capture gestures and expressions that translate the intense emotions of her subjects. Compassionate but never literal, her pictures can be humorous, tragic, enigmatic, shocking, and oftentimes all of these simultaneously

This book presents for the first time a selection of the strongest pictures of Mark’s forty-year career, drawing from emblematic series such as "Falkland Road," "Indian Circus," and "Twins," as well as a selection of previously unpublished images. The photographs are accompanied by an introduction by Weston Naef, and an interview with Mark that provides context and behind-the-scene anecdotes. Together Mark’s images and words provide intimate insights into the lives of others, presenting compelling stories of human strength and suffering

Genres: Photography, Art

288 pages, Paperback

First published May 11, 2005

About the author

Mary Ellen Mark, born 1940, has achieved worldwide visibility through her numerous books, exhibitions and editorial magazine work. She is a contributing photographer to The New Yorker and has published photo-essays and portraits in such publications as Life, New York Times Magazine, Rolling Stone, and Vanity Fair. For over four decades, she has travelled extensively to make pictures that reflect a high degree of humanism. Today, she is recognized as one of our most respected and influential photographers. Her images of our world's diverse cultures have become landmarks in the field of documentary photography. Her portrayals of Mother Teresa, Indian circuses, and brothels in Bombay were the product of many years of work in India. A photo essay on runaway children in Seattle became the basis of the academy award nominated film STREETWISE, directed and photographed by her husband, Martin Bell.

Reviews

[Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

i keep thinking MEM is "too good". but this is more eloquent and makes sense.


"Diane Arbus is a hard act to follow. The standards she set for straightforward portraiture of a certain kind -- psychological, private, permanent -- are so high that photographers who venture into that territory run the risk of having their work found wanting. Mary Ellen Mark's Arbus-like photographs invite that kind of comparison, and they fall short. . . .where Arbus showed a wry sense of humor and a belief in the lonely courage of being different or just being alive, Ms. Mark's photographs here seem voyeuristic, even cold. . . wincingly intrusive. . . Some of the images are uncomfortably derivative. "

-margarett loke

[Kate Kaluzny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing collection of photographs spanning Mary Ellen Mark's entire career as a documentary photographer. She is one of my very favorite photographers and she is a personal hero of mine as well. Her portraits of people from all walks of life and cultures are remarkable and show a woman who truly emotionally connects with her subjects while at the same time, creating images with masterful technique.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite photography book this year. These photos are absolutely gripping - from child prostitutes in India, to hydrocephalic twins, to homeless families in Kentucky. WARNING: Not for the fainthearted- this is gritty stuff.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every one of the 100+ images in this book are incredible. I loved the text at the end of the book in which Mary Ellen tells the stories of 20 or so of her photographs. I can't believe that I haven't been familiar with her work before this.

[Margot Note]

Tiny in Her Halloween Costume, 1983: her tightly crossed arms, dead veiled eyes, frown, scar on her chin. In her own words, she wanted to look "like a French whore," but she was already a teenage prostitute on Pike Street.

[julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a beautifully-done book, but i have to say that mark's photos disturb me - especially the ones featuring twins. she brings out something in them that makes it hard for me to sleep at night.

[Martin Pepe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A study of the works of my favorite photographer.