THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHER TO EVER TOUCH A CAMERA 

Gordon was different. To call him a photographer is not enough. He is more than that. Considering all his contributions. He was and is an icon.

Love videos like this that talk about photographers, history, and other photo topics in general. Did not even know about this photographer before today

always had the desire to explore with film and not just digital, and to be able to tell a story through such craft it takes a lot more. thank you for sharing..

Simply put the man was a gifted artist and storyteller who captured the true side of this countries painful and beautiful soul.

hey vuhlandes i have no idea if you'll see this but thank you for making this video, i aswell am a huge admirer of Gordon Parks and when a lot of people hear that i am they usually reside it to be because of race and yes i may be a black woman who is in love with photography that is just the tip of the iceberg as to why i admirer his photos above all photographers, Gordon Parks work has the ability to make the viewer feel something while documenting candid moments.

I loved the video at 0:00 in. Gordon Parks is one of the GOATs in this field.

For anyone who thinks that Vuhlandis is biased for being black and liking a black photographer who shot during a hard time in the life of black people... yeah, dude he is. BUT who isn’t? Let me ask you something. If you knew of someone who struggled and showed struggles of the people around you, like war photographers, you’d have a certain spot in your heart for them too. White people like me can like Eggleston and Leiter and Klein because we never had to go through stuff blacks had to. And guess what? That generation that grew up with segregation? That wasn’t a hundred years ago. That was your grandmother and grandfather. This will be in society for decades. Give him a break

I learn something new every time i watch your videos! I really respect your outlook on shit fr. You real heavy 💪🏾✨

Great video bro, much respect on staying firm and true to your beliefs and ideas. I love the nostalgic editorial vibe your images give, and glad to see who actually inspired you. I see the correlation in Gordon Parks and your work. Keep it bro

I love your social approach to photography! It's something we sadly don't get to see very often, especially here on RU-vid or other popular platforms. Keep being an active voice to your community and your values! Thank you!!

Thank you for highlighting the book. I am definitely pick that up. Keep up the good work.

Thank you vuhlandes definitely enjoyed these images/art.

Truely inspirational , photographer who captured real life moments ,who made history alive are fr different beast compared to general fashion photographer these days

This was so good brotha! The first photo I saw of his was A Great Day in Hip Hop and its funny because I initially thought that hip hop was his focus but he turned out to be so much more than that.

Thank you Vuhlandes for a great little snapshot of a legend! The thing I love about photography is that there are many different aspects of greatness. I think you can make a pretty strong case for Parks being the greatest, but you could also make a case for Phillip Jones Griffiths, Mary Ellen Mark or W. Eugene Smith and a fair few others. When it comes to sheer emotional impact Chris Steele-Perkins hits me hard with his 70s-80s photographs of the isolated elderly and those in England below the poverty line, photos so raw I can't see how he could have taken them for the tears. Perkins had a hard early life too - though not to the same extreme as Parks. Maybe its that shared pain that helps make for unflinching photographs. What I can say to help make a case for Gordon Parks being the best is that I don't think any other photographer quite mastered such a variety of styles and experimentation as Park did. He seemed to be able to do it all. His work with slow speed colour film turning fashion photography into a form of impressionism. The coupling of his accomplished poetry with his photographs to create almost cinematic still moments. The work he did on civil rights and for the F.D.A in the depression is landmark, era-defining imagery. He was a film-maker. He was a composer. He was a true renaissance man. Most of all he deeply cared. "I'd become sort of involved in things that were happening to people. No matter what color they be, whether they be Indians, or Negroes, the poor white person or anyone who was I thought more or less getting a bad shake." For me one of his greatest images is of the actress Ingrid Bergman. Parks had been assigned as a Life photographer to the island of Stromboli off Sicily, to document the making of a film by Italian director Roberto Rossellini and Bergman. His orders were unwritten, but they were to essentially get a photo of the love affair between the director and Bergman, who had left her husband and child for him and in doing so created an international scandal. Her fans had turned against her. She was a pariah. There was fierce competition amongst the papers and photographers to get a photo of her in an embrace with Rossellini. Bergman felt cornered, hounded. Rossellini ordered all press of the island, exception Parks and one other. Bergman had followed his work, and had expressed her admiration for his sensitive work on his 'Harlem Gang Leader' photo essay for Life. She let Parks have free access, he could follow her anywhere. And when the chance arose to betray Bergman and get the biggest scoop of the time, he stood firm and let it pass. He found the two of them in an embrace on the darkened set, one that was in Parks' words, 'comforting rather than lustful.' It was just what he had been sent to capture. He raised his camera... then immediately put it down again without taking the photo and left, hoping he had gone unnoticed. "The moment that slipped away," he wrote, "was undeserving of betrayal." Bergman had noticed, and was grateful. Parks became a lifelong friend and her photographer. Oh - the image? It's of Bergman and three local women, clad in black. They hover over her shoulder in the background, staring with disapproving curiosity. Bergman waits for them to leave, her back angled to them, vulnerable before these ominous figures. Her sideways glance weary, sad - yet somehow still strong and beautiful. The wall running up behind the figures on the left, the shadow of the rooftop on the right, the perfect control of all the elements... it's a masterpiece and it's forever locked in my memory. Above all else Gordon Parks was a wonderful human being. His photographs gave everything to the people in front of the camera and he held nothing back for himself. He was content to know that legacy would take care of itself. His words, "the subject matter is so much more important than the photographer", should be the bible for documentary photographers. He easily belongs in the top rank of photographers and it was as if he packed two lifetimes into one. You all owe it to yourselves to get one of his books, though I'd beg you to take a look at Phillip Jones Griffiths and W. Eugene Smith, who I feel could give him a run for his money. (Buy photobooks folks, it pays better than new lenses in the end.)

OMG U are killing your podcasts! Dr.V!

Gordon is goated fr.

Forgot to say, another photographer very much worth your time is Dawoud Bey. Thanks again Vuhlandes!

I love and value your art and way of thinking. thanks for sharing

Thanks for this info. You’re my favorite photographer bro

Thanks for sharing, cheers from Argentina

He is the best to me. A great inspiration!

Saw his exhibit at the Getty last year. Epic.

Nan Goldin is my favorite photographer for a similar reason. her work documenting the lgbt community when they were struggling ten times harder than I am today. makes me feel saddened yet hopeful for the work we still have to do.

It's easy to see why you and many others would regard Gordon Parks as the greatest photographer to ever touch a camera. He used his art to serve and alleviate his people. This is the highest form and function of art, in my OPINION. Thanks for the great vid!

So good. Aiming high. Thank you.

Thank you for leading me to Gordon parks, very inspirational 📸

Harlem gang leader in the 40's was my personal favourite of his legacy, truly a brilliant story teller.

Loved that you did this! Studied him when I was 14 and really inspired me to pick up a camera.

My god he also directed Shaft. What an absolute legend.

amazing stuff, I never heard about him, excited to look into his work!

Thanks for this video!

Great Pics, great look..., very powerful!

“Yea not reading that bro. Good luck” 😂😂💀 love that. Keep working bro!

Good way to start the morning off while packing my camera up lol

Gordon Parks is one of the best in history hands down.

I end up buying his book and autobiography

Deeply agree. Parks is and will always be the best.

You should check out Jamel Shabazz! Heavily inspired by Gordon Parks and follows the tradition of depicting lives of black people from the early 70s to present. His book, A time before crack (I think that's the title) is pretty awesome!

Dopeeeeeee 💪🏾

you should check out Malick Sidibe, Sory Sanle and James Barnor. I think you may like their content too

@Vuhlandes I have a IPhone 12 pro max . What would you recommend for me to use with it to shoot a short Music Video.

Imagine the everyday struggle of even trying to process a photo back then, the guys on the same level as the greats in my mind for sure, Vivian Maier, Don McCullin and Fan Ho - can't wait to explore his work more when I go track some books down, thanks for exposing myself to this :)

When is Vuh coming out with a photo book? TAKE MY MONEY!!!

Gordon Parks has always been an inspiration for me photographically as well. "The guy who takes a chance, who walks the line between the known and unknown, who is unafraid of failure, will succeed." ~Gordon Parks 1912-2006

Love Gordon Parks, He’s my “Lebron James”, his work transcends photography Henri Cartier Bresson is my “Michael Jordan” Your vids are getting better and better ..... love the discussions ..... they seem to be just as much discussions with yourself and they are with the listeners

Thank you for sharing this ♥️ amazing as always

I hate when people say bs like "I have 7 black family members and they disagree with you" and "i understand and its not that bad". We are not all the same! Dude had the nerve.

Gordon Parks, yes indeed! Also check out Jamel Shabazz.

Here before 100likes! Proud of you Vuhlandes!

I'd not heard of Gordon Parks before today. Now one of my favourite photographers. Thank you so much, these works are incredible

He's the reason I started photography after I saw the kendrick Lamar "element" video I did a project on him and he's definitely a legend

I LOVE GORDON's WORK! For me it's Robert Frank, Saul Lieter, and Gordon Parks. He's is a Norman Rockwell with camera.

The fact that Kobe is your favorite player of all time, I knew there was a reason I liked your videos🤝

It's always the black and white photographers. Not that I have anything against them but yea, they're just another level or breed

I’ve been waiting for this ONE!! YES!!!

You are way above your time with how you photograph the environments you're in. Keep up the great work! I've been waiting for someone to cover MR. Gordon Parks! He was so phenomenal! He's a part of the reason why, I wanted to become a photographer. Not long ago, I told SteveSweatpants that his work reminds me of Gordon Parks! Great Video? People check out the Gordon Parks foundation on Instagram!

Wow. I saw the title and immediately thought of Gordon Parks! He's always been one of my favs growing up. Iconic work.

Love the channel my dude been watching for awhile and I'm actually just getting into film now just bought a Canon AE-1 Program and your channel has helped me a ton

his photography is fire, his exclusion from most discussions of great photographers is purely because of racism. Not even directly pointed at him but racism culturally and specifically in the photography industry, which has a giant history of racist behavior and ideals. he is someone who has influenced my work in a big way but because of cultural standards and the subconscious things that affect my own thinking as a white dude, he doesn't immediately pop into my head when discussing great folks. Always trying to grow and defeat those subconscious things. Respect for the reminder to pay more attention.

I'm surprised he's your favorite photographer just with how opposite your work is compared to his he is hands down one the of the BEST

One of the first photography books I bought was Gordan Parks/Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man.

Gordon is my favorite as well. Keep speaking truth to power!

Soon as you said Kobe was the GOAT I hit the like button!!!! 💪🏿👌🏿✊🏿

I think it’s badass when you talk about racism and how white mainstream photography can be.

Thanks for sharing Gordon Parks May needs some help with my RZ

It's exhausting to read the toxic comments and opinions on racism, but it does show how RELEVANT Gordon Parks is today. I've lost hope so many times in my life and carried a deep sadness around, feeling like there was nothing I could do to break our chains.. and just kept watching us die, helplessly. I was ready to pick something up.. but Gordon Parks choice of weapon is a huge inspiration for me. Now I can shoot back. It's our duty to document the black experience, and preserve our history as we make it. Happy Black Futures VUHLANDES. If it's worth anything, you have already created a TSUNAMI of inspiration for ME and the black community for many years to come. We appreciate you, we love you 🖤 Stay black

Mine is Don McCullin. I love his work...... I suppose both very similar in their struggles of the wars they were both documenting.... ? I did notice throughout all the photo's you've shown in this vid that Gordon really managed to balance the indoor and outdoor light really well. I get that he used flash...... But he used it really well :-) (in my opinion ;-) ) Great talk.... Keep em coming :-)

Linda Hughes? Recommend your channel in a blog. Love Gordon Parks. I took photography in H.S. and when I went to college my counselor told me about him. I continued with photography.

That's messed up you're talking about your own feelings because of racism you've personally experienced and people feel the need to unsub/comment hatefully trying to invalidate you. Great work, great content, ty for teaching me about another talented photographer. C:

There's actually no debate. Gordon Parks is hands down the greatest.

u dont have to explain, its YOUR opinion... if people dont understand that then they can kick rocks..gordon parks is my fav also.. when u can relate to someone you tend to love their work...

When I hear people refer to someone as a GOAT I laugh. While there are a lot of good photographers, there is ONLY one true GOAT, Gordon Parks. In college we devoured his work, studying every inch of his frames. Unless you have no soul, you feel every image deep in your heart. The body of work Parks created stands the test of time. I do not think it’s too much to say his work is the most important collection of images anyone has ever created.

Really enjoyed this episode, sir. Thank you.

Awesome vibes, I agree and support 👊🏾

Well said, keep at it and you responded perfectly to those ignorant/ fragile comments. People getting defensive over something they shouldnt be need to think inwards.

as a middle aged white man who has been in photography for 30 years and taught for nearly 10 years i think it is fantastic that a young man such as yourself has found Gordon Parks and is inspired by his story and his works. Gordon Parks has long been glossed over in the conversation of great photographers throughout history and your exposure of him will help further elevate him to the place i believe he deserves to be. i am enjoying your journey that you are sharing and i look forward to you continuing the good work! keep it up!

Loved this one bro.

Even though you hate nikon, i hella respect your perspective on photography and how you go about it. Not just a clout chaser like most "photographers" around.

Love this one!

Unrelated, but your voice/videos are so relaxing to listen to. 😌

Parks the goat. Do you think it helped that the photography world wasn’t so oversaturated like it is today? I do wonder if we will have someone of that status from the current era.

Great photographer. The GOAT!

Thanks for another great upload 😼

Absolutely the best american Photographers ever, great video 🙌 Shaft is one of his films that has amazing lighting and direction, a choice of weapons is a very very important book from/about him and his life. If your interested in other BIPOC photographers, Martin Chambi is another amazing Photographer that will piss off the Nikon shooters lol

real spill vuh I think you are well on your way. I think you've created a whole separate lane in terms of photos. you've documented photos that most think are straight out of movies when it is real life. you are already to a point where I can see one of your photos and immediately tell if it is yours or not. keep it up bro

gordon parks is really that dude!

Keep making videos i am white i dont care about race i have black niece and nephew and spanish nieces and nephews love is love doesnt matter you dont think of race i am a catholic we are all gods children he made us different this world would be boring if we were the same

You my top 10 photographers bro. Ftw

Appreciate you and your work 🙏

peace, keep up the wonderful work!!

Why I shoot and direct. The G.O A. T.

I read his autobiography

Thank you for introducing me to the pictures of Gordon Parks

Bro...Check out Eudora Welty's work some time. I think you'll have another photographer to talk about. She's well known for her writing, but she was an outstanding photographer. She also worked in the early part of the 20th Century.

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

amazing video man, keep being you!

I got the same book for Christmas 😂🔥

I be watching them ads no cap.

Thanks for this video... Gordon parks work is beyond fascinating! He is a True legend.. well worded everything you said 🙏🏽