Robert Wingert Photography: The Twentieth Century in Black and White

Michael Wingert takes a memorable look at his father Robert Wingert’s life as a dedicated photographer. He benefits from notes written by his father for a talk given at one of his photographic exhibits in the 1960’s, in which he told how he became interested in photography in his youth. It was near the beginning of the 20th century and early in the evolution of photographic art and equipment. He described how he learned his craft and his experiences and exploits as a practicing photographer. This book is a retrospective of Robert Wingert’s photographs from the 1920’s through the early 1970’s documenting the twentieth century as he lived it. He saw how the world was changing and left a fascinating visual record showing life during that era. Material is centered on the original photo exhibit of nearly a hundred 16”x 20” prints made by Mr. Wingert, as well as additional pictures sourced from his 8”x 10” prints, boxes of 4”x 5” negatives and 60 rolls of 35mm film. There is a wide range of subject matter. Some images are of local historic interest in Iowa including steam locomotives, streetcars, and WW II industrial workers. There are also photographs of well known celebrities, and photos from regional and international travel. The book includes portraits as well as urban & rural landscapes. Robert Wingert had the ability to illustrate the power of black and white photography to capture our attention and convey the essence of a subject. It was the medium he grew up with. Read more