Conversations with Tyler Ken Burns on the Complications of History
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Nov 16, 2022 In this engaging conversation, Ken Burns, renowned documentarian and author of *Our America: A Photographic History*, shares his insights into the complexities of American history. He discusses the evolution of photography, from formal portraits to today’s selfies, and touches on the ethical implications of depicting violence in documentaries. Burns reflects on the importance of female figures in early photography, his unique quilt collection, and the surprisingly profound connections between crossword puzzles and filmmaking. His passion for storytelling and the future of documentaries are also explored.
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Over-photographing
- We over-photograph, diminishing the value of individual images.
- This book aims to restore that value by presenting powerful images with minimal captions.
Photo Faces
- Early photographs show formal, almost Calvinistic poses, reflecting the solemnity of early portraiture.
- Modern "photo faces" are often instantaneous and false, cheapening the photographic process.
Listening to Photographs
- Ken Burns discusses "listening" to photographs by imagining the sounds and movements of the captured moment.
- He uses this technique to bring historical photographs to life in his documentaries.
