Classic, PhotobookBlack and White, Color, Dutch, Ed van der Elsken, Identity, Portrait Photography, Street Photography

Martin Parr (Hrsg): Ed van der Elsken. My Amsterdam. (De Verbeelding Publishing, 2005)

The people and surroundings of Amsterdam formed an important photographic source for Ed van der Elsken. The collection of images presented in this edition has been selected by Martin Parr. This book combines the original black and white prints that came from his archive and a selection of new colour images.

“I never met Ed van der Elsken. But after going through his archives I feel I know him and his work a lot better. You can sense the exuberance and energy of this photographer by just leafing through the contact prints.
[…]
So what did I learn by going through all this work He covered the markets, the main shopping streets. He spent a day photographing people crossing the street in the rain. You would see him pose people in the street, especially young people, punks and rockers. You can see the laughter and the banter that must have taken place.
[…]
Although the reputation of Van der Elsken is now rowing, I believe the purpose of this book is to ensure that we get to know more about his life, his beliefs, and his enduring passion for Amsterdam.” Martin Parr