Gordon Parks

About

Photographer and writer remembered for his work for Life magazine. Also a film director, he became known for his popular 1971 film Shaft.

Before Fame

In his mid twenties, he began a career as a fashion photographer. He later produced a series of photographs documenting the harsh social realities of Chicago's South Side.

Trivia

His famous 1940s photographs include "Car Loaded with Furniture on Highway" and "Dinner Time at Mr. Hercules Brown's Home, Somerville, Maine."

Family Life

He was born in Kansas as the youngest child of Sarah and Jackson Parks. He married and divorced three times and had four children.

Associated With

He directed Richard Roundtree in Shaft.