Sean McCormack Photography Author youtube galway

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The Man Who Shot the 60's

Someone on Twitter mentioned this movie a few weeks back. I only finally got to watch it this morning. And I was enthralled with it. For those that aren't up on British Photography in the 60', this movie is about fashion photography Duffy, courtesy of none other than the BBC. Along with Bailey and Donovan, they made the 'Terrible Trio', or "Black Trinity". All three were responsible for a complete change in how fashion was photographed. Gone were the upper class gentlemen in 3 piece suits, replaced by young, hip, dudes.This documentary begins with Duffy in 2009, shooting for the first time in 20 years. His health is failing with a degenerative lung disease. Having burnt most of his negatives in 1979, it was a chance finding by his son Chris, that led to the creation of the Duffy Archive and Duffy's first ever exhibition.This movie takes us through his career and right up to the first exhibition. Duffy died last year, but the Archive still works on, producing a book of his works.I found the movie fascinating and interesting. The photography is refreshing, even though it spawned a whole generation of copycats. David Bailey has a few cameos, mostly being a complete ass, but it's obvious that was part of their friendship. At one point Duffy makes the point about being 'competent' in his work, and that being the height of it. To me, that was definitely a reveal. I find it to be so true. The art follows the craft.Take an hour and watch this, it's well worth it.