Balloon man, Paris 1951

This is a photograph by Robert Frank, likely taken in Paris at some point in the mid-20th century. It’s a black and white image, so the tonal range becomes really important – it’s how Frank creates a sense of depth and mood. Look at how the light catches the balloons. Some are dark, almost swallowing the light, while others reflect it back, creating these ghostly highlights. The balloons themselves almost seem to float away from the vendor. Frank's known for his street photography, capturing these fleeting, everyday moments. Here the balloons are tethered to the seller, but the scene still feels so loose. The slightly grainy texture and the way the light kind of fogs the background creates a dreamlike atmosphere. I am reminded of Garry Winogrand, another great street photographer. Both captured these fleeting moments of humanity. With Frank, though, there's always this undercurrent of melancholy. Nothing is ever quite resolved. You're left with a feeling, an impression. That’s what makes his work so powerful.