Our discussion with Stephen Somerstein proved to be so fantastic (and long) that we simply could not bring ourselves to cut it into a singular episode... So, we broke this one in half and today we are publishing Part 2 of this very special, and extended discussion on documenting history.
We hope you enjoy this continued discussion, as we expand on Stephen's battle with Paramount Pictures for using his images without explicit permission during the creation of the Emmy award winning documentary "Selma", selling a large format photo for a very high price tag during a charity event for Elton Johns AIDs Foundation, the importance of photo editors in journalism, as well as the advantages they offer new and upcoming photographers and the deteriorating (yet hopeful) state of American journalism in the 21st century.
In a sense they want to feel, that this can come again. They want to be reminded of that better time. I think thats why the picture is even more symbolic today...
I think it becomes more important in times of stress, or difficulty in the country. That we’re reminded that there can be better days. That there are people who have been here. Who have drawn from the best of what America has to offer.
Stephen speaking on the power of the image and its relation to the current climate of a nation.
You can have a great photographer, but you need an editor.... What I have experienced, is that there are great photographers out there. They are talented people. [But] the photographer is not gonna see the public eye, unless they have a good editor who not only recognizes the image, but also presents it properly. Unfortunately magazines and newspapers do not spend the money to hire those good people.
Stephen speaking on the importance of photo editors and the deteriorating quality of journalism today.
If you missed our last episode, stop now, click here and go back and give it a listen. You don't want to miss a minute.
This episode brought to you by Glass Key Photo in San Francisco – Get your analog gear, film, repairs and more at 1230 Sutter Street, just off Van Ness Avenue in mid-town San Francisco. Open 7 days a week, 12pm-6pm.
Show Notes:
- Stephen Somerstein Homepage and Portfolio
- Email Stephen for More Information
- Elton John Aids Foundation
- De Young Museum
- Robert Flynn Johnson
- Selma Movie
- Ava Duvernay - Paramount Pictures
- The Jewish Museum
- San Francisco Chronicle - Leah Garchik
- Harvard College Observatory
- Paramount Studios
- Vivian Maier
- Howard Greenberg
- Henri Cartier Bresson
- San Fran
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