Teenage

Back of the Book

Photographer Joseph Szabo's subject is adolescence; his rare gift is capturing the spirit of his students at Malverne High School, caught between puberty and the precipice of adulthood. Taken in the 70s and 80s, the photographs in Teenage represent a remarkable evocation of that period, and yet there is something timeless and endlessly compelling about Szabo's portrait of almost-adulthood. Some kids are painfully self-conscious, others are self-assured beyond their years--all have allowed Szabo the unique trust of seeing them as they are. The fine line between intimacy and exploitation that other photographers approach is not in evidence here—Szabo has no agenda beyond the recording of these moments of extreme loveliness, bravado and confusion. With an introduction by writer/director Cameron Crowe—himself an expert chronicler of the excitement and heartbreak of youth, having directed Fast Times at Ridegemont High and more recently Almost Famous—Teenage is a poignant record of Szabo's work spanning two decades, a timeless evocation of almost-adulthood.

Why You Should Read It

In his introduction for the book, Cameron Crowe, director of “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “Almost Famous,” refers to Szabo as having “no agenda beyond the recording of these moments of extreme loveliness, bravo and confusion.” Indeed Szabo’s photographs manage to remain respectful to the experience of adolescence, a cohesive bildungsroman of experiences in tableaus and portraits, in action shots and stunning perspectives of youth in the 70s and 80s. Szabo’s curiosity regarding the peculiar changes—in temperament, physicality, desire etc. is apparent in the photographs. Without feeling intrusive or voyeuristic, Szabo seems to inquire into specific dynamics within each photograph, collaborating with his subject and his audience to produce a reading that is unique to each experience. Most of the photographs are arresting pieces, filled with movement or some amount of confrontation with the lens or the theme itself, resulting in the sort of artistic candor that is unique to the purity of Szabo’s curiosity.

Memorable Passage

It’s possible to photograph people. It’s all in your approach; If they sort of like you and trust you, it’s going to work out.

About the Author

Joseph Szabo is a celebrated American photographer renowned for his compelling and evocative images capturing the essence of teenage life and culture. Born in 1944, Szabo's work gained prominence with his series Teenage, where he skillfully documented the raw and intimate moments of adolescents during the 1970s and 1980s. His photographs, often featuring candid portrayals of youth navigating the complexities of identity, friendship, and self-discovery, resonate with authenticity and emotional depth. Szabo's ability to capture the universal experiences of adolescence has made him a significant figure in the realm of documentary photography. His work goes beyond mere documentation, serving as a cultural time capsule that speaks to the universal challenges and joys of growing up. Joseph Szabo is worth knowing not only for his artistic contribution to the photographic medium but also for his profound impact on our collective understanding of youth culture and the visual storytelling of the human experience.

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