Celebrating Archie Lieberman's Impact
In the world of documentary photography, one name stands out for his profound impact on capturing the essence of American life: Archie Lieberman. His work, "Neighbors," continues to resonate with audiences, shedding light on the beauty and complexity of everyday people in rural America.
Published in 1973, "Neighbors" is a collection of photographs that go beyond mere images. Through his lens, Lieberman delves into the lives of individuals in small-town America, showcasing their struggles, joys, and humanity. His ability to capture raw emotions and tell compelling stories through visual narratives sets his work apart.
Archie Lieberman's dedication to documenting the lives of ordinary people has not only preserved important moments in history but also sparked conversations about social issues and community connections. His photographs serve as a reminder of the power of empathy and understanding in a world that is often divided.
Photo by Archie Lieberman
As a college student at the University of Iowa, I stumbled upon his book in the library, and it provided an instant connection to the type of photography I embraced. Little did I know that years later, I would immerse myself in documenting agriculture and, more importantly, the men, women and families that populate rural communities across this country.
Stay tuned for more stories celebrating the individuals shaping our world and inspiring change.
For more than two decades, Joseph L. Murphy has had the pleasure of meeting and connecting with people from all walks of life through photography. He has photographed presidents and heads of state, traversed the winding alleyways of the Fes Medina in Morocco, photographed the sprawling countryside and people that make up Argentina and covered events that have defined the U.S. Most recently, Murphy’s travels have taken him to Cambodia, Mexico, China, Vietnam and Ecuador.
He has spent the past 20 years specializing in agriculture photography for multiple organizations, publications and marketing projects.
A graduate of the University of Iowa, Murphy determined at an early age that his love of photography would shape his vision for life.