Ruth Orkin

Ruth Orkin (1921–85) was an American photographer, photojournalist, and filmmaker who was given her first camera at ten and by seventeen, was cycling across America. In the early 1940s, she settled in New York, joining the Photo League and making her name with photo stories for major magazines. Her photography retains a cinematic sense of the passage of time and allows the humanity and charisma of her subjects to shine through.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2024
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Ruth Orkin (1921-85) was a remarkable American photographer, photojournalist, and filmmaker whose lifelong passion for visual storytelling took diverse forms. Despite facing initial obstacles to pursuing her dream of becoming a filmmaker, Orkin's artistic spirit found alternative avenues to engage with the world of images. At the tender age of ten, she received her first camera, and by the age of seventeen, she embarked on an ambitious journey across America, capturing her experiences through a series of meticulously annotated photographs. After settling in New York in the early 1940s, Orkin joined the Photo League, where she honed her skills and gained recognition for her powerful photo stories featured in prestigious magazines like Life, Look, and This Week.

Through her lens, Orkin captured a wide range of subjects, from iconic celebrity portraits to breathtaking birds-eye views from her apartment window. Her photographs encompassed the joys of childhood, the complexities of human relationships, and the unique experiences of a lone American tourist exploring Italy. What sets Orkin's photography apart is its ability to evoke a cinematic sense of time, capturing moments that linger and evoke emotions. Her images not only showcase the subjects' physical presence but also reveal their inner essence, showcasing their humanity and charisma.

Orkin's work stands as a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to visual storytelling. Her photographs have been exhibited worldwide and have been published in numerous books, cementing her place as a pioneering figure in the field of photography. Ruth Orkin's legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of photographers and artists, reminding us of the power of visual communication to capture the essence of life and evoke empathy in the viewer.

Weight: 240g
Dimension: 190 x 125 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500411247