Marcus Schwier – The Americans

Known for his architectural photography, Marcus Schwier proves in his series, The Americans, that he is also able to integrate people into his consciously composed images. The title is a homage to Robert Frank, who is considered the founder of street photography, and whose own series titled The Americans painted an accurate picture of the USA in the fifties.

Consequently, Schwier set out this year with the intention of finding out what life and culture in the USA, or the American Way of Life, is all about. His series taken in New York City and Upstate New York, is the result of four weeks of work. His images reveal the contrasts that reign within the state, with city skyscrapers on the one hand, and small country bars and diners on the other.

Whether at a country rodeo, in a small town store or capturing the big city skyline, Schwier’s background in architecture and architectural photography is in evidence. The street photography style of the series is underlined by tidy picture compositions and a clear imagery.