Who is August Sander?

August Sander was a German portrait and documentary photographer. Sander’s first book Face of our Time was published in 1929. Sander has been described as “the most important German portrait photographer of the early twentieth century.

Photo analysis of one of August Sanders pieces

This black and white environmental portrait of three German boys in suit’s strongly reflects there social class clearly and also creates a story as to who they are. This image was clearly before or well after the first world war as the three boys would be wearing another suit as this picture was taken round the same time. There is a strong contrast in this image, coming from the grey sky and the boys black suits. The use of the contrast really helps the three boys stand out in the picture. The dull natural lighting lights up the boys faces also helping them to stand out and also sharpening their features.