Jacob Crawford, "Southern," Transylvania, Louisiana 1999

"Southern" is a 1999 photograph by Deborah Luster, part of her series "A Southern Family." The intimate, sepia-toned portrait depicts Jacob Crawford, a resident of Transylvania, Louisiana, in a close-up view. Luster’s work often uses traditional photographic techniques to explore themes of identity, family, and the American South. "Southern" showcases her masterful use of light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and immediacy. The subject’s direct gaze and the inscription on his hat draw the viewer into his world.