Hirmer Publishers has announced the release of "Brownie," a comprehensive photography book by American photographer David Katzenstein. The publication represents the culmination of ten years of experimental color photography captured between 1979 and 1989, using a series of vintage Kodak Duaflex cameras that transformed technical limitations into creative opportunities.
Katzenstein's journey with these simple cameras began in 1975 when he purchased his first Kodak Duaflex at a yard sale. The photographer chose to work with the second generation of the iconic Kodak Brownie camera series – the Kodak Duaflex, which was originally introduced in 1947. This camera paid homage to the original Kodak Brownie camera that debuted in 1900 with the revolutionary goal of bringing photography to the general public, making the art form accessible to amateur photographers worldwide.
The photographer began his systematic exploration with the Duaflex camera in New York City during 1979 and 1980, capturing the urban landscape through the camera's distinctive lens. Throughout the 1980s, Katzenstein expanded his photographic journey internationally, taking his cameras on extensive travels to various locations across Latin America and North Africa. This global perspective allowed him to document diverse cultures, landscapes, and human experiences through the unique aesthetic of his vintage equipment.
"Brownie" demonstrates how the camera's inherent simplicity became Katzenstein's most valuable creative tool. The fixed-focus lens and square format characteristic of the Duaflex produced images with an ethereal quality and nostalgic warmth that modern cameras struggle to replicate. The square format constraint forced Katzenstein to experiment extensively with composition techniques and explore innovative approaches to the juxtaposition of foreground and background subject matter, creating layered visual narratives within each frame.
Katzenstein drew significant inspiration from renowned painters, particularly Pierre Bonnard and Henri Matisse, incorporating their bold use of color and unique spatial arrangements into his photographic work. This cross-disciplinary influence helped bridge the gap between painting and photography, creating images that possess both documentary value and artistic sophistication.
The book "David Katzenstein: Brownie" is scheduled for publication on September 19, 2025, and will be available in hardcover format. The 200-page volume features 134 color illustrations showcasing the full range of Katzenstein's decade-long experiment with the Duaflex cameras. The book measures 10¼ inches by 10¼ inches, reflecting the square format that defined much of the photographer's work during this period. The publication will be available for $55 USD, €50 EUR, or £45 GBP, with ISBN 9783777445991.
