The Book 'Children:: Behind the Lens'

Martin Elkort

Children: Behind the LENS

In the 1940’s and 1950’s, Martin Elkort roamed the streets of New York City with his camera in search of the perfect picture. His indelible images of simpler times remind us that the human experience can be a joyous one. Elkort was particularly drawn to the raw innocence of the children inhabiting the streets of New York, and later his current home, Los Angeles. Poignant and insightful, his photographs capture their curiosity and vigor as they explore the urban landscape. With an introduction by Anne Wilkes Tucker, Curator Emerita of Photography at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, this 69 page study of childhood features 62 of Elkort’s most intriguing black & white images of children punctuated with his eloquent reflections on photography and his creative process. This 9 x 9” offset print photography book will make a wonderful addition to any photographer’s book collection as well as anyone who enjoys experiencing the world through a child’s joyful eye.

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 Siskind, Lou Stoumen and Sid Grossman, among others. He became adept at what he refers to as ‘stealth photography.’ With his camera strapped around his neck, he walked peering down into the 2×2 inch ground glass of the camera. He developed the skill of walking right up to a person and taking their photo without them even realizing it.

After marrying in 1953, he moved away from street photography in order to support his growing family. He journeyed back to it when he retired and found a growing interest not only in the Photo League, but in his own work as well.

Martin Elkort’s work is widely exhibited and can be found in the permanent collections of The Museum of Modern Art, The Getty Museum, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, The  US Holocaust Memorial Museum, The Jewish Museum in Brooklyn, The Columbus Museum of Art as well as many corporate and private collections.

 

Book: Children Behind the Lines

Children: Behind The Lens

Street Photography Capturing the Essence of Childhood
by Martin Elkort
$35.00 each plus shipping and handling

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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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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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