Maude Schuyler Clay is one of the best photographers now at work, and a peerless portraitist. In her new collection, Mississippi History (Steidl), an exquisite collection of portraits of her fellow Mississippians, she turns her lens on children, adults young and old, and more than a few dogs. She has the ability to capture evanescent moments—a child with a sparkler, a woman at a funeral—or more formal but no less revealing situations as her subjects sit for her scrutinizing but affectionate gaze. Everyone photographed for this book comes away with their dignity intact and often enhanced, and their souls revealed for anyone patient enough to study these wonderful images. Clay’s work is also currently the subject of a show running through January 15 at the Ogden Museum in New Orleans.
All photos copyright by Maude Schuyler Clay
Courtesy Maude Schuyler Clay
Bill with gun
Courtesy Maude Schuyler Clay
Joan at Benton's funeral
Courtesy Maude Schuyler Clay
Mae Jean, curlers
Courtesy Maude Schuyler Clay
Emma and Schuyler, Christmas morning
Courtesy Maude Schuyler Clay
Langdon, Spanish glass
Courtesy Maude Schuyler Clay
Booba Barnes with puppy
Courtesy Maude Schuyler Clay
Mr. Biggers
Courtesy Maude Schuyler Clay
Ann, Jasper's funeral
Courtesy Maude Schuyler Clay
Iris and Stella
Courtesy Maude Schuyler Clay
Sophie with kittens
Courtesy Maude Schuyler Clay
Cartwheels
Courtesy Maude Schuyler Clay
Anna and Schuyler with fireworks
Courtesy Maude Schuyler Clay
