Bud Powell 1956 - 1958

Lisette Model made this gelatin silver print, Bud Powell. You can see her commitment to capturing the moment, the immediacy of the process. The blacks are so rich, almost velvety, contrasting with the stark highlights on the piano. The surface has a slight sheen, a tactile quality. Look at the way the light catches the edge of the piano. Model coaxes out such an unexpected luminescence. It's not just about recording what's there, it’s about transforming it into something emotionally resonant. Model reminds me of Diane Arbus, another photographer drawn to the raw, unfiltered aspects of life. Like Arbus, Model found beauty in the everyday. This image, with its deep contrasts and intimate framing, is a testament to Model's ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary.