one of the greatest photographers of all time | Mary Ellen Mark & The Book of Everything 

These are the best types of photography videos. Steps away from trends and shows real art

Perhaps what today’s photographers should take from the work of Mary Ellen Mark, is her total and complete obsession with her craft, her ability to gain access and intimacy with her subjects, along with her incredible drive. Those were different times, and Mary reflected on that in her lectures and presentations, acknowledging that in this century, most of her work wouldn’t be so easy to make. It seems to me that few photographers out there today, have Mary’s commitment and willingness to give themselves totally to the creative process. Matt, how do you feel about photographers today? Clearly, you are inspired and lifted by Mary’s work , but do you think that too many are too inhibited, social media obsessed and concerned more about content, than creativity?

Yes. Mark's work is amazing. Almost 25 years ago she came to my hometown after we had a major flood. She took photos of people living in Fema trailers. The beauty she finds in what could be called the horrors of society is inspiring and why I became a photographer. I might never make a photo as profound as any she has taken. But, the drive is what keeps me going.

She's a favorite of mine, and this book is beautifully done, with high quality printing and binding. A treasure!

My favorite part was the monologue about being honest with your subjects

A monumental book. Stunning work. And a tour de force production be the always impeccable Steidl. They’ve really outdone themselves here. This is by far the most beautifully printed book I’ve ever seen. They look like darkroom prints. The ink even smells good. Worth every penny. RIP Mary Ellen Mark. Such a power lasting legacy. Mr. Bell did it proud.

I love the soft blue cover. Really striking graphic design, let alone what it holds inside.

each one of her photos is so powerful and full of emotions, every time you flip a page I feel like Woah. thanks for sharing, Matt. This is amazing.

She was one of the realist in the game and a huge influence on my own work for years. Seriously thoughtful and moving work. Glad to have found this video! Cheers!

Such incredible work that she made. So inspiring. Thanks for sharing this book series with us Matt, it seemed you were very conscious of the music choice too which I appreciate.

At 1:53 the young lady in the bath tub is my dear sister Laurie! She is still alive and lives in Oregon.

Thanks for sharing Matt! Forgot what I was watching and was just vibing to the music and got lost into the subjects eyes

Her work, her character, and the stories that she told of making her images are all beyond incredible.

Man that looks amazing, both the work and the presentation. 😍

I just put up a video about this set as well. I was lucky to get it on Amazon ore order for only $67. The prices are crazy now. But it is so valuable and beautiful

Thank you for sharing!

Been watching your channel for a while now, don't think I've ever commented till now. But have to say that I can really see M.E.M's influence in your work. You really do use the same intimacy as she does, especially when the subjects are your family. It's also great to see how you collect photo books. To collect them because they have study value, it's the same way I collect my books and it's nice to know that there are others that do the same. Love your channel, respect your work. Peace.

❤ Thank you for the review

She did a talk here in Portland years ago. For those who can’t afford this 3 volume collection- check out her Aperture workshop - “On the Portrait and the Moment” it’s awesome

My copy came in today, so excited to finally have it after a long wait. Great video on it!

Now I need to go back and re-watch your other reviews to see if you always match your shirt to the book cover! Great review of a great photographer. Thanks for sharing.

Great job in covering her work and sharing some of it. As a landscape photographer myself that rather abhors photographing people, there is a quality to her work that I can only state as empathetic. And this too, has quick become one of my favorite photo books. Her work on the outskirts of what I'd call societal norms and her empathy for these people is a thing of beauty and in high display in these three books. Her work reminds me very much of the work of Bruce Davidson in that regard, and if you find this incredible group of books to be of interest, you may also find Bruce's Outside Inside collection to be of interest. (albeit not cheap)

I just came to comment saying how good and I seen I commented pretty much the same thing 2 years ago lol :) love a Matt Day photobook video

was waiting for this one, truely great work !

I just recently saw the film "Streetwise" that Mary Ellen Mark co-created about kids living on the street in Seattle. It blew me away. Even though it was made decades ago, it is still absolutely relevant to today and it carried a huge emotional weight for me. If you've never seen it, I highly recommend tracking it down.

Discovered her and her work through a friend of mine who worked as her archivist....such an inspiring photographer she was!

Thx for showing all the photos

absolutely can't effort it but my priority book for sure.

Thank you for making this! I’d been looking recently for a high quality photo book especially in black and white . This book is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks so much for sharing this recommednation with us. I went ahead and purchased it, I had to bite my tongue at the price lol but I’m sure I won’t regret it :)

Frigging awesome. Thank you for the...enlightenment.

I saw that book in the background of your last video and I was already looking it up but couldn't find it somewhere good to see you made a video about it.

Everything about the set is just perfect, hopefully I can get my hands on it one day...

Love photography but woefully unaware of the greats. Thanks for introducing me to Mary's work, it's both inspirational and aspirational. I would love those books but maybe I need to save first. Got Friend of Mine on preorder instead :)

Wow this was an incredible collection of work and hope I’m able to pull this off to own one. Thanks for sharing as always

Thanks

Great book, great review! I just got the book like a month ago 🙂

I’ve been looking at this collection for awhile and whilst watching your video, I went over to my favourite bookseller here in the UK (Photobookstore) and they’ve got two copies in stock. Most importantly on sale with nearly 30% off?! I’ve pulled the trigger. I’m gleefully ‘blaming’ you!!

A year or two ago this was available for pre-order on Amazon for $60. I held off because I thought it might get cheaper. I fucked up.

more like this dude :D so good

Highly recommend dropping half a tab when going through this beaut of a book

Hello, Matt :) Great video, thank you for it. I was wondering the coffee mug on your hand, is it for practising lucid dreaming ? Maybe you can share with us on your podcast. Thanks ;)

Lovely book and i got mine for 150e 2 months before it is available.

I failed to preorder it on Amazon for 150 then the price shot up. I has the sad.

Hey! What's the music? thanks

Does anyone know how she light her subjects/photos? A lot look like natural light.

wow!!!!

tooo expensive for me :( are there other cheaper treasures ?

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I'm afraid it is well out of reach for me... PS, what is the title of the musical piece you use?

What kind of film was she known to shoot? Was it Tri-X?

What medium format cameras are you using at the time being?

Vulandes was right, film photographers always have a flannel at arms reach lmao

I'm poor :(

Yikes! $447.00

To much money for a photo book...

I’m sure she enjoyed photography!...she loved what she was doing!...y’all come up with lot of complications trying explain things that we’re not there!...and I call it SELFISHNESS

Matt...the music over you talking was way too frenetic. Don’t be too “RU-vidy.” I had to stop the video to relay my thoughts. Going back to it now, but yeesh, my head 😖