the literate lens

photography, writing and the spaces between

Author Archives: sarahjcoleman

Fact versus Fiction in a Novel Package of Women Photographers

As I’ve mentioned before on this blog, I’m currently writing a historical novel with a photographic theme. So naturally, whenever a novel about photography is published (which seems to be … Continue reading

December 13, 2012 · 13 Comments

Weathering the Storm: An Interview with Jim Reed

As you may have heard, we had a bit of weather on the east coast of the U.S. last week. In New York City, Hurricane Sandy came in like a … Continue reading

November 5, 2012 · 1 Comment

Windows of Opportunity

I remember once being shown an apartment by a New York realtor. The apartment was in an elegant prewar building, with a living room so big that I could have … Continue reading

October 22, 2012 · 3 Comments

Gordon Parks: Picturing the Invisible

Gordon Parks, who was born a hundred years ago, was the very definition of a Renaissance man. Though remembered primarily as a photographer, he was a prolific writer, composer and … Continue reading

October 1, 2012 · 2 Comments

Rineke Dijkstra and the Solemn Portrait

Adolescence is a subject that has fascinated many photographers. That’s understandable: it’s a time that’s awkward, thrilling, beautiful and depressing—sometimes all at once. The raw material of childhood is being … Continue reading

September 14, 2012 · 7 Comments

London Calling

I’ve been in England for the last two weeks, and by far the most talked-about photographs are the blurry cellphone snaps of Prince Harry cavorting naked in Las Vegas with … Continue reading

August 27, 2012 · 5 Comments

The Case of the Bad Olympic Portraits

With the Olympics in full swing, patriotism is in the air and athletes are the media stars of the day. If they win medals, they become gods and goddesses. Theirs … Continue reading

August 8, 2012 · 3 Comments

Moved by Reading

All the people heralding the death of the novel clearly haven’t traveled on the New York subway lately. People are using their daily commutes to read—and not just James Patterson … Continue reading

July 27, 2012 · 4 Comments

Lunch Hour NYC

Usually, the New York Public Library is not on my radar as an exhibition venue. But when I read about Lunch Hour NYC, I knew I had to get there … Continue reading

July 11, 2012 · 6 Comments