Stuart Franklin

Stuart Franklin is a British photographer and cultural historian known for capturing the iconic "Tank Man" photograph during the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. He has been a member of Magnum Photos since 1985 and served as its president from 2006-2009. Franklin's work spans photojournalism, documentary photography, and portraiture, with significant contributions to National Geographic, Time, and The Sunday Times Magazine. His major documentary projects have focused on environmental issues, including the destruction of the Brazilian rainforest and climate change in Antarctica. The photographer has published numerous books including 'The Documentary Impulse' (2016), which examines the history and nature of documentary photography, and 'Narcissus' (2019), exploring themes of environmental change. He holds a PhD in Geography from Oxford University and has taught at multiple institutions including Goldsmiths, University of London. Franklin's awards include a World Press Photo Award, and his photographs are held in major collections including the Museum of Modern Art, New York, and the Tate. He continues to work on long-term documentary projects while maintaining his position as a leading voice in contemporary photography theory and practice.

Readers appreciate Franklin's photography expertise and his ability to break down complex visual concepts in books like "The Documentary Impulse." His writing style is described as academic but accessible. Photo enthusiasts note his deep knowledge of documentary photography history and ethics. Readers liked: - Clear explanations of photographic techniques - Historical context and examples - Balance of theory and practice - Quality of photo selections in books Readers disliked: - Dense academic language in some sections - Limited practical shooting advice - High price point of some books - Focus on theory over technique Ratings: Goodreads: The Documentary Impulse - 4.0/5 (86 ratings) Looking Again - 3.9/5 (24 ratings) Amazon: The Documentary Impulse - 4.3/5 (31 reviews) Looking Again - 4.1/5 (12 reviews) One reader noted: "Franklin excels at explaining why photos work, not just how to take them." Another commented: "Sometimes gets lost in academic discourse when simpler explanations would suffice."

The Documentary Impulse (2016) An examination of documentary photography from its earliest forms through to contemporary practice, exploring the motivations behind this genre of image-making.

Narcissus (1988) A photographic exploration of reflections in nature and urban environments, documenting mirror images found in water, glass, and metallic surfaces.

The Time of Trees (1999) A photographic study of trees across different continents, documenting their roles in various landscapes and cultures.

Sea Fever (2005) A visual documentation of maritime communities and coastal landscapes around the British Isles, focusing on the relationship between people and the sea.

Footprint: Our Landscape in Flux (2008) A photographic investigation of human-caused changes to European landscapes, including industrial, agricultural, and urban development.

Vietnam Catalogue (1995) A collection of photographs documenting daily life and social changes in Vietnam during the early 1990s.