The Genius of Photography: Paper Movies- The Americans by Robert Frank

Indianapolis, (1955)

From viewing this documentary I found American photographer Robert Frank's 'The Americans' photo book to be my favourite.  As it was said in the documentary Frank did indeed lay bear the soul of 1950s America in his famous photo book.

Covered Car, Long Beach (1955)

Although The Americans was greatly criticised upon its realise, it is now one of the most influential photo books among photographers.  Frank created this photo book when in 1955 he travelled around the United States taking photographers in each town. 

Rodeo, New York City (1954)

Starting from New York and going South he took abstract and mysterious photographs showing mainly the tension of American class and wealth over race and class differences.  The photo book consisted of 83 photograph, despite Frank using nearly 700 rolls of film.

Parade, Hoboken, New Jersey (1955)

Each chapter of The Americans began with the American flag, with only one photograph per page and none on the opposite page.  This was done in order for people to analyse each photograph at a time.

The photo book was published by Robert Delpire in France in 1958 and then America in 1959.  Overall The Americans focused less on the single image as Frank was interested in creating a body of work as a single image wouldn't explain his view of America as well as a collection.