The story of Vivian Maier and her recently discovered work has been circulating for a few days now ever since photographer John Maloof posted about his discovery over at HCSP.  Paul Russell and K. Praslowiscz have written up nice posts about the discovery.  Of course, it’s one of those feel good stories for all photographers, but what instantly came to my mind while I was looking through the work was, how many more Vivian Maier’s are out there?

Another question that came to my mind was the role the internet plays in these type of discoveries.  Without the internet, this work likely wouldn’t find much of an audience.  It’s another way the web is changing photography.  There’s no doubt that a discovery will be made that will likely send shock waves through the photography world. What if someone of Eggleston’s caliber has been out there for years photographing but not showing anyone?  Or maybe I’m wrong, maybe the web has made everyone too jaded and we’ll just give these discoveries a week of blogging and buzz before we move onto the next thing. I hope not.

I’ve no doubt there are countless other artists are out there because I know photographers.  They tend to be a bit introverted and shy about their work.  It’s much easier to stuff the negatives and prints under the bed than making an effort to show them to people who will understand.

It’s a great time to be a photography fan. I can’t wait until the next Vivian Maier comes around, but I do feel sorry for poor John Maloof who has in one purchase, literally doubled the amount of scanning and editing he needs to do.

Vivian Maier – Her Discovered Work

UPDATE

Robert Bergman is another example.

‘The Man Who Waited’ [WSJ]
Robert Bergman WITH JOHN YAU