It Was Always About the Work: A Photojournalist's Memoir

Melvin Grier's memoir, "It Was Always About the Work: A Photojournalist's Memoir," explores his influences and circumstances that led him to tell stories through the camera. With nearly 100 black-and-white and color photographs included, the book captures the moment and more. Grier's photos are unmistakable and evocative, covering local events, Cincinnati life, impoverished villages overseas, young future Marines, and high fashion. Despite the lack of diversity in the news industry, Grier's daughter became the second African American photojournalist for The Cincinnati Post. After the closure of The Cincinnati Post in 2007, Grier continued his career as an independent artist and has been featured in exhibitions such as White People: A Retrospective and Clothes Encounters.

Format: Hardback
Length: 98 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2023
Publisher: University of Cincinnati Press

Published by the University of Cincinnati Press, "It Was Always About the Work: A Photojournalist's Memoir" is an award-winning book by Melvin Grier, a renowned photojournalist. The book delves into the influences and circumstances that shaped Grier's career, highlighting his ability to capture the unexpected and diverse aspects of life through his photographs. With nearly 100 black-and-white and color photographs included, the book showcases Grier's most famous exhibitions and news stories, capturing moments that resonate with viewers. Grier's journey began in his early years in Cincinnati, where he won his first photo contest while in the Air Force. Despite lacking formal training, he secured a job as a photographer for "The Cincinnati Post" and later became the second African American photojournalist for the same publication. Throughout his career, Grier's photos have covered a wide range of subjects, from local events to Cincinnati life, impoverished villages overseas, young future Marines, and high fashion. His work has been featured in exhibitions such as "White People: A Retrospective" and "Clothes Encounters." After the closure of "The Cincinnati Post" in 2007, Grier continued his career as an independent artist, and his work has been featured in various publications. In "It Was Always About the Work," Grier collaborates with journalist Molly Kavanaugh to share the reasons behind his dedication to photography. The book explores the emotional connection between Grier and his subjects, the challenges he faced, and the impact of his work on society. Through his photographs, Grier has shown that photography is not just about capturing images but about telling stories and making a difference. "It Was Always About the Work" is a must-read for anyone interested in photography, journalism, or the human experience.

Weight: 734g
Dimension: 263 x 233 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781947603653