“Most of Lange’s photography was optimistic, even utopian, not despite but precisely through its frequent depiction of sadness and deprivation. By showing her subjects as worthier than their conditions, she called attention to the incompleteness of American democracy. And by showing her subjects as worthier than their conditions, she simultaneously asserted that democracy was possible.”
~ excerpt from Dorothea Lange: A Life Beyond Limits, by Linda Gordon
I’ve been reading this book about the incredible documentary photographer, Dorothea Lange. I’m so inspired not only by Dorothea’s work, but also her drive for social action. The photo above was taken in Grants Pass, Oregon, where she spent some time shooting migrant workers.
Another thing I admire about Dorothea was her attitude. She got polio when she was seven, which left her with a severely deformed foot and a limp. But she would refer to polio as her greatest gift, because it gave her such tremendous empathy in working with her subjects. What an awesome way of thinking.