Personal Exposures

by Elliott Erwitt

Elliott Erwitt’s eye for humor catches at the same time the subtle hint of tragedy. Seeing what few others see, and capturing it for all of us, is the essence of Personal Exposures . For this volume Elliott painstakingly culled the work of a lifetime, rediscovering prints he had not seen in years and creating a unified whole that reflects a consistent, mature vision of photography and humanity. Here are men, women, and children in off-guard moments; old people; little girls hamming it up; and even various dogs, who have their own preoccupations. The pictures reflect a lifetime of humorous, ironic observation and sensitivity to the human condition. 248 duotone photographs

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Art

Hardcover

First published November 1, 1988

About the author

Elliott Erwitt (born Elio Romano Erwitz) is an advertising and journalistic photographer known for his black and white candid shots of ironic and absurd situations within everyday settings -- the master of the "indecisive moment".

Reviews

[Hákon Gunnarsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always like Elliott Erwitt, he is such a great photographer. One of my favorites. For one thing, he has taken a lot of very interesting photos of dogs, and another thing, he has this warm humor that very often appears in his shots. This may not be my favorite Elliott Erwitt book, but it is still a very good one. Mostly people and urban landscape, but some animals too, quite a few dogs. Well worth looking through a couple of times at least.

[Leila Mota · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! Not only the photos but also the text. I loved it. I was presented to the author by another author/photographer whose book I'm still reading (David Gibson). I do love photography and there are some artists doing it.

[Nghia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will make you smile. I’m sure :)

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book for my images review paper for my digital photography course this summer. I really enjoyed his philosophy and find many of these photos--mostly from his personal collection; hence, the title--quite humorous. For example, a nudist art class painting a fully clothed model.

It also includes quite a few poignant photos, many of quite famous people: Nixon & Khrushchev, Jackie & Robert Kennedy at JFKs funeral, and so on.

[Ferhat Culfaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing photos by Elliott Erwitt. Excellent introduction by him on his life, technique and philosophy. Some beautiful gem like photos. A must for any serious enthusiast for street photography.

[Shameel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The essay in the beginning is one of the finest essays on being a photographer you're likely to read.