We visited Henry Horenstein's Archive in Boston

The Elliott Gallery team visited the Archive and Studio of legendary American photographer, Henry Horenstein, in Boston.

One of our most prolific artists and one of the top portrait photographers worldwide, according to the Smithsonian Institution, welcomed us to his Archive and took us through his impressive collection.

Henry Horenstein is a photographer, teacher, and author. He studied history at the University of Chicago and earned his BFA and MFA at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he has held the position of Professor of Photography since the 1970s. A student of photographers including Harry Callahan, Aaron Siskind, and Minor White, Horenstein cites these figures in encouraging his compelling approach to composition and subject matter. At RISD, Callahan advised Horenstein, ‘Photograph what you love. Even if you make bad pictures, you’ll at least have a good time.’ This approach served Horenstein well for the foreseeable decades, infusing his diverse body of work with an energy of constant curiosity. 

Among others, we discussed his upcoming projects and future plans, as well as his latest book, We Sort of People, published by Kehrer Verlag in 2023. The book was created in collaboration with journalist and writer, Leslie Tucker to explore the last descendants of a little-known American clan of multiethnic origin, available to purchase directly from his website.

Thank you Henry for your hospitality & looking very much forward to welcoming you once again in Amsterdam!