Peru, page 7 1948

Robert Frank made this photograph in Peru; it's a page from a book, so it’s almost certainly made with a handheld camera. The picture has an honest, grainy, on-the-fly quality. You can tell he wasn't hanging around waiting for the golden hour. The lack of contrast makes it a study in grey. The light feels flat and even, the subjects—two men with hats carrying heavy loads—stare into the camera. Frank's work feels like a conversation; he’s sharing a moment, not lecturing, and there's a profound respect in his gaze. This picture is so moving, so human. Frank reminds me of the raw intimacy of early Weegee, but with a softer, more empathetic touch. His work feels incredibly influential, it invites us to see the world in its messy, unvarnished reality.