DOB: November 9th 1924
1958 published his collection of photographs ‘The Americans’. He would later move onto film, photo montage, video and manipulating photos.
Born in Switzerland into a wealthy Jewish family, he escaped the treatment hundreds and thousands of Jews were subjected to at that time, but was still aware of the horrors and oppression they went through. He used his photography as a form of escapism, especially so from the pressures of his his business orientated family.
1947 – worked for Harpars Bazaar, later on leaving to travel around South America and Europe. Returning to America, his opinion had developed into one of strong dislike, claiming the country, and in particular New York, over emphasised on the importance of money, claiming it was ‘bleak’ and ‘lonely.’
His influences are Alexey Brodovitch, Franz Kleine and Sergei Eisenstein.
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- charleston-south-carolina-1955. I think the most striking thing about this photo is the colour contrast between the child and woman. There’s a feeling of unity, which was not there between the two races at the time. He’s captured the innocence of the innocent really beautifully here.
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- Franks use of focus here, to me, draws attention to the loneliness of the starlet, despite her being central to the photo. I’d like to use this technique in my photos.
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- rodeo-new-york-city-1954-the-americans. My favorite part of this photo is the lighting and different shades of black and grey which seem to sculpt around the subjects seemingly strong, muscular body. Combined with the typical macho rodeo outfit, he’s been characterised into a mysterious and almost story-like character. I will be using black and white in my photos more for a more classical look.
Brighton&DIM 
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