Back Ground: David C. Turnley was born on June 22, 1955, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He has a twin brother, Peter Turnley, who is also an award-winning photographer. He also grew up in Fort Wayne and started his photography by documenting Fort Wayne's rural area. He then attended three colleges for photography. He attended the University of Michigan and then went to Harvard University in Massachusetts. He then went overseas to participate in a university in Paris, France. Over his career as a photographer, he has won many awards for photography and documenting historic events. He has the Pulitzer Prize and the two World Press Photo of the Year awards. He has recorded many famous people such as President Obama, President Mandela, David Beckham, President Clinton, Kid Rock, and Jerry Seinfeld, and he also documented Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Football team for two years and counting. His most famous documentation is that of demonstrating the fight for freedom in South Africa, called the Apartheid. He covered this event from 1985-1997. Over this period, he became friends with Nelson Mandela.
Style:
David Turnley is known for his evocative and compassionate photographic style, capturing poignant moments that reflect the human condition. His black-and-white images are timeless, emphasizing the raw emotions within each frame. Turnley's work often conveys a deep empathy, allowing viewers to connect intimately with his subjects. His compositions skillfully balance closeness and distance, creating a powerful narrative. Turnley can bring forth a visual poetry that speaks to the shared experiences of humanity.
Philosophy:
While David Turnley is primarily recognized for his exceptional photography, his philosophy extends beyond the lens. He believes in visual storytelling to help understanding between communities. Turnley emphasizes the importance of empathy and human connection in his work, striving to capture the universal aspects of the human experience. His philosophy highlights the idea that through photography, one can transcend linguistic and cultural barriers to convey the shared emotions and struggles that define our common humanity. Turnley's commitment to social justice and his belief in the potential of images to inspire change reflect a philosophy grounded in the belief that art can positively impact the world.
Influence:
David Turnley's work is influenced by his commitment to human rights and social justice. His experiences as a photographer covering conflict zones, revolutions, and societal change shaped his perspective and provided a viewpoint for the underprivileged. Turnley's background in cultural areas informs his approach, proving his understanding of the communities he captures. The empathy evident in his work is rooted in his belief that photography can serve as a powerful catalyst for reform. Additionally, Turnley draws inspiration from the rich history of documentary photography.
Sources:
http://www.davidturnley.com/about-david
https://www.worldpressphoto.org/collection/photo-contest/1992/david-turnley/1
https://stamps.umich.edu/news/david-turnley-retires-from-the-university-of-michigan
Style:
David Turnley is known for his evocative and compassionate photographic style, capturing poignant moments that reflect the human condition. His black-and-white images are timeless, emphasizing the raw emotions within each frame. Turnley's work often conveys a deep empathy, allowing viewers to connect intimately with his subjects. His compositions skillfully balance closeness and distance, creating a powerful narrative. Turnley can bring forth a visual poetry that speaks to the shared experiences of humanity.
Philosophy:
While David Turnley is primarily recognized for his exceptional photography, his philosophy extends beyond the lens. He believes in visual storytelling to help understanding between communities. Turnley emphasizes the importance of empathy and human connection in his work, striving to capture the universal aspects of the human experience. His philosophy highlights the idea that through photography, one can transcend linguistic and cultural barriers to convey the shared emotions and struggles that define our common humanity. Turnley's commitment to social justice and his belief in the potential of images to inspire change reflect a philosophy grounded in the belief that art can positively impact the world.
Influence:
David Turnley's work is influenced by his commitment to human rights and social justice. His experiences as a photographer covering conflict zones, revolutions, and societal change shaped his perspective and provided a viewpoint for the underprivileged. Turnley's background in cultural areas informs his approach, proving his understanding of the communities he captures. The empathy evident in his work is rooted in his belief that photography can serve as a powerful catalyst for reform. Additionally, Turnley draws inspiration from the rich history of documentary photography.
Sources:
http://www.davidturnley.com/about-david
https://www.worldpressphoto.org/collection/photo-contest/1992/david-turnley/1
https://stamps.umich.edu/news/david-turnley-retires-from-the-university-of-michigan