Larry Towell’s name was familiar to me b/c I knew he was with Magnum (here), but I’d not paid  attention to his work until recently when I saw this series he shot years ago of his family in rural Ontario.  In many ways this work remind me of Sally Mann, in location, in a certain affection, and in an idealic pastorial vision, but Towell’s work is less heavy handed visually.  To it’s credit it’s simpler, and I say to it’s credit since the more subtle visual effect requires exceptional content – in general.  But Towell’s work didn’t just strike me as being photographically excellent; more importantly, it reminded me of childhood and my own fond memories.  Wonderful stuff.

(For more, there’s a multimedia essay on Magnum’s site, here.)

photo: Isaac’s First Swim, Lambton County, Ontario, Canada, 1996. ©Larry Towell/Magnum

photo: Baseball, Lambton County, Ontario, Canada, 1998. ©Larry Towell/Magnum

photo: Naomi in Hollow Tree with Cat, Ontario, Canada, 1990. ©Larry Towell/Magnum