Diane Keaton, the iconic actress we all adored, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy far beyond the silver screen. While she'll forever be remembered for her roles in classics like The Godfather and Woody Allen's films, there was another passion burning brightly within her: photography. And it wasn't just a hobby; it was a deep-seated love that manifested in published works for us all to enjoy.
In fact, Keaton authored or co-authored at least four books directly related to photography. Two of these were filled with her own photographs, offering a glimpse into her unique artistic vision. Her camera of choice? The classic Rolleiflex. During her travels in the 1970s, this trusty companion helped her capture the images that would eventually form the basis of Reservations (1980). This book wasn't just a collection of pictures; it was an exploration of often-overlooked and unloved American hotels, revealing a hidden beauty in the mundane. Keaton's use of direct flash and square black and white format gave the images a stark, almost documentary feel.
Reservations also subtly hinted at her burgeoning interest in interior design and architecture. This passion would later blossom fully in books like The House that Pinterest Built (2017), a style guide offering her personal take on creating a beautiful and functional home. And then there was California Romantica (2019), a loving tribute to the unique architectural style found in Southern California.
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite her published works and obvious talent, Keaton herself resisted the label of "photographer." "I shoot the pictures, but I’m not doing them in any big way. I just like it. I like images,” she confessed to House Beautiful. “If I see a tree that looks unusual, I’ll just take a picture of it. I take a lot of pictures that go nowhere. But I enjoy it. And maybe someday I’ll do something with them.” This raises a question: Does the intention or self-perception of the artist diminish the impact and value of their work? What do you think?
And this is the part most people miss... Keaton wasn't just taking photographs; she was a voracious collector and enthusiast. She dreamt of creating a vast, public library dedicated solely to photography books. As she revealed to The New York Times, her ultimate ambition, as reported by Art News, was to "purchase every photography book ever published,” acquire an old warehouse, and transform it “into a massive library of image-driven books and open it to the public." Imagine the treasure trove of visual knowledge that would have been!
Her book, Saved: My Picture World (2022), delved into her lifelong fascination with collages, offering insight into her creative process and the images that inspired her. It's a visual journey through her mind, revealing the connections she made between seemingly disparate objects and ideas.
“I’m just a person who cuts out paper, throws it up on the wall, or finds old photographs that I see at the swap meet and throw them up on the wall,” Keaton explained to House Beautiful. “I mean, I have tons of that — tons, tons, tons. And I have a very long table. And I like to play around with cutting objects and putting them in the same moment — maybe I present them as little collages. But nothing important.”
Again, she downplays her artistic endeavors. But is it truly "nothing important" when someone shares their unique perspective and passion with the world? Diane Keaton may not have considered herself a photographer in the traditional sense, but her photographs and books offer a fascinating glimpse into her creative soul and her deep appreciation for the visual world. Her impact on photography, however she defined it, is undeniable. Did she do enough to be considered a photographer? Did she leave a mark on the world of photography? What is your favorite photography book? Share your thoughts in the comments!
