Book Corner - William Eggleston

William Eggleston is widely considered to be one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. His unique style revolutionized color photography and helped establish it as a legitimate art form.

Eggleston’s photography style was one of candidness and realism, often capturing everyday life in the American South. He was especially interested in the mundane and overlooked details of life, such as rusting cars and dilapidated buildings. This approach to photography was revolutionary for its time, as most people were used to seeing only highly composed and staged photographs.

His influence on modern photography is undeniable. His approach to color photography has been embraced by photographers around the world, who now use it to capture everything from street scenes to portraits. He has also inspired countless photographers to explore their own creativity and experiment with color, including myself.

Eggleston's subjects are often ordinary - a red ceiling, a green light bulb, a tricycle. But through his lens, these mundane objects become extraordinary. He shows us that beauty exists in the most unlikely places if only we take the time to truly see. 

His most famous work is the book 'William Eggleston's Guide' which was published in 1976. This collection of photos was the first solo exhibition of color photographs at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. His work completely changed the perception of color photography at the time, which was predominantly used for commercial purposes, and not considered suitable for art. 'Election Eve in 1976' was also a pivotal moment in William Eggleston's career. This photographic series, commissioned by Rolling Stone, was Eggleston's visual commentary on the pre-election atmosphere in Plains, Georgia.

Critics of Eggleston's work often point to the mundane subjects of his photos. They question the artistic merit of capturing everyday objects and scenes, seemingly devoid of any special characteristics. However, I think this viewpoint misses the essence of Eggleston's genius. Eggleston's ability to take ordinary, often overlooked subjects and transform them into compelling visual narratives is what sets him apart. His photographs reflect his unique vision and his knack for finding beauty in the banal. This is a quality I have strived to emulate in my own 25 years as a photographer. Living in the Midwest and working in Iowa for much of my career has led me to focus on the little things.

I was drawn to his work from the first moment that I viewed it. It's hard to explain but something clicked (excuse the pun) for me. His ability to find beauty in the mundane has shaped my own approach to photography (before I even knew it). I try to look beyond the obvious, to find the extraordinary within the ordinary. His use of color as a narrative has also impacted my work, encouraging me to explore the emotive power of color in my own photography.

I encourage you to carve out a few moments to look at his work: Eggleston Art Foundation, Election Eve and Exploring William Eggleston's Approach to Photography.