Tim Mantoani - Behind Photographs

The past few years in history have marked an amazing change in the world of photography. We have seen the passing of such industry icons as Richard Avedon and Arnold Newman. Photographers that not only documented a generation, but helped define it. These image makers worked in large and medium formats, in darkrooms and with silver based film. They were true photographic craftsmen, artists and visionaries.

Behind Photographs began as the personal quest of photographer Tim Mantoani to document the living legends of photography. "We have come to a point in history where we are losing both photographic recording mediums and iconic photographers," Tim comments. "While many people are familiar with iconic photographs, the general public has no idea of who created them. Behind Photographs became a means to do that, the photographer and their photograph in one image."

Using a soon to be extinct photographic medium, 20×24 Polaroid, Tim is using the handful of these giant view cameras that exist to document his project. Each instant photograph is 20×24 images in size and cost $200 per exposure. Tim explains, "I chose the format for two reasons. First, Polaroid film as it is right now no longer exist. It seems appropriate to celebrate a process that we will soon no longer be able to enjoy. Second, to Tim, this is THE ultimate view camera. If you are going to call the greatest living photographers and ask to make a photo of them and you are shooting 35mm digital, they may not take your call. But if you say you are shooting 20×24 Polaroid, they know you are serious about it."

Tim Mantoani's desire to record photographer's came shortly after the death of his photographic mentor and good friend, Dean Collins. Dean was an icon in the world of photographic education and passed away at the age of 53 due to complications from cancer. "Dean and I shared an amazing bond, especially the past few years of his life. I had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer when I was 30, just a short time before Dean was diagnosed," Tim comments. "It came out of the blue for both of us and made me realize how precious each moment we have is. Dean was such a visionary and made me understand the power of 'now'"

For more information on all of what Tim is up to visit...
www.mantoani.com