Two-Minute Take: Joel Meyerowitz - "Cape Light" Photobook Flip Through

Joel Meyerowitz is an American photographer with a story that begins in the heart of New York City. Born in 1938, Meyerowitz studied painting and medical drawing at Ohio State University, earning his BFA in 1959. Interestingly, he kickstarted his career as an advertising art director before a collaboration with none other than Robert Frank led him down the path of self-discovery in photography. Completely inspired by Frank's vision, Meyerowitz took a leap of faith, leaving his job to pursue his newfound passion. His early black-and-white street photographs, captured with a 35mm Leica, set the stage for what was to come. Fast forward to 1976, and Meyerowitz had shifted gears…focusing primarily on color photographs that showcased architectural light and space, all captured with a large-format view camera. This marked the birth of his iconic work, "Cape Light." Now, "Cape Light" is a departure from the bustling streets of NYC. Instead, it's an exploration of a quiet, contemplative beach town. The book unfolds as a beautiful mix of portraits, landscapes, and still-life photographs, encapsulating what feels like Meyerowitz's relaxing summer vacation. The images document the dance of light as it transforms throughout the day around his cottage where he was staying or as the tide came in and out along the shoreline. But it's not just about light; it's about the unhurried pace of life in the town – cottages, shops, and the people who were also visiting this quiet coastal town. Meyerowitz's compositions and color palette create a painterly and timeless feeling that transcends nostalgic imagery into something that seems it never has existed.