MARTIN ELKORT

An American MIRROR

Exploring the life and work of noted New York street photographer Martin Elkort, An American Mirror  is a heartfelt tribute and educational documentary created by his daughter, award winning producer Stefani Twyford of Legacy Multimedia. More than just a study of Martin’s work, An American Mirror is an intimate visit with a truly interesting character who shares stories about the history of American photography along with major events that changed the nation.

An American Mirror chronicles Elkort’s winding journey from his boyhood in New York during the Great Depression to a young man coming of age in the new world of documentary photography. Educated at the Cooper Union, Elkort was also a member of the renowned New York Photo League where he studied under, and shared darkrooms with Aaron SiskindLou Stoumen and Sid Grossman, among others. It documents his story of moving away from street photography in order to support his growing family, and of his journey back when he retired and found a growing interest not only in the Photo League, but in his own work as well. The documentary follows his evolution as an artist with an emotionally honest photographic eye and as a respected writer.

Narrated by award-winning voice talent Kurt Kelly, the 55-minute film features many of Elkort’s vintage and newer photographs along with insights from highly respect museum curators Anne Wilkes Tucker and Catherine Evans as well as gallery owner Catherine Couturier, that provide fascinating historical context and artistic commentary.

Collection

The Photographs

You can review the archive of photos by selecting from the following categories

Blog Posts

ARTICLES

2nd Street and 2nd Ave Snowstorm-1948
Musings
Stefani Twyford

2nd Street and 2nd Ave Snowstorm -1948

The iconic city of New York bundled up in a blanket of snow, a reminder of a simpler time. This vintage photograph shot by Martin in 1948, takes us on a journey through the bustling streets, now quiet and still.

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Uncategorized
Martin Elkort

What Photography Means

(Remarks given during the opening of Martin Elkort’s one-man show at the Barry Singer Gallery, Petaluma California in February of 2006) I’d like to take a few minutes to talk

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Sunday Funnies
Musings
Stefani Twyford

Sunday Funnies

Sunday morning, the sharp light filtering through the windows, illuminating the scene as two kids are focused on the morning comics, or what they referred to as “the funnies,” with

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All photographs and writings on this website are owned and copyrighted by Martin Elkort and may not be used without the the expressed and written consent of Martin Elkort.