Seeing Daylight: The Photography of Dorothy Bohm

Seeing Daylight: The Photography of Dorothy Bohm is a heartfelt and insightful documentary that is not only a tribute to the talents of an exceptional photographer but also serves as an evocative portrait of an extraordinary woman. Released in 2018, the film takes the audience on a fascinating journey through the life and work of Dorothy Bohm, a renowned photographer who has mastered the art of capturing humanity's shared experiences in her images.

Born into a Jewish Lithuanian family in 1924, Boch began her photographic journey in her teenage years, when she was sent to England to escape from the impending threats of the Second World War. The film delves into these early years, touching on Bohm's displacement, her exploration of emerging photographic techniques, and her entry into the world of professional photography. The narrative is enriched by Bohm's personal accounts, archival footage, and a wealth of her remarkable photographs, reanimating a pivotal era in the world of photography and the monumental events that shaped much of the 20th century.

Seeing Daylight does an excellent job of highlighting Bohm's exceptional skills and unique vision as a photographer. Her work is well-regarded for its empathetic and humanistic approach, often featuring candid shots of everyday people in everyday situations. She has an uncanny ability to capture moments of genuine emotion, enabling viewers to instantly connect with the subjects of her photographs. Covering an impressive six-decade career, the film presents a curated selection of Bohm's portfolio. From the frenetic streets of London in the post-war years to the quiet corners of European countryside; from the vibrant, multicultural faces in Manchester's streets to the enigmatic frames of far-off lands, Bohm's camera lens has captured a wide swath of existence.

One of the standout aspects of Seeing Daylight is its ability to contextualize Bohm's work within her life story. Bohm's intimate narratives about her experiences and inspirations provide a profoundly personal perspective that adds significant depth to her images. The film artfully interweaves her personal history with broader world events and developments in photography, painting a comprehensive picture of her life and her work. The scenes from present-day interviews with Bohm, now in her nineties but still filled with the curiosity and zest of a lifelong artist, add poignancy to the documentary. It's moving to witness her reflect on her past, discuss her craft, and share anecdotes from her impressive career.

While primarily a documentary celebrating Bohm's photography and the impact of her work, Seeing Daylight also tackles broader themes of identity, memory, displacement, and the power of art. It contemplates on how her experiences as a young refugee influenced her outlook and her artistic process. It explores how her photography, which often focuses on people, places, and moments caught on the margins of society, reflects her enduring sense of being an outsider. Despite the melancholic undertones, the film's overall mood is one of prevailing optimism, symbolizing the spirit of a woman who, through her lens, sought to find beauty even in the most mundane.

The film's production is praise-worthy. It does an excellent job of combining talking-head interviews, historical footage, and an abundance of stunning photographs to create an immersive and visually stimulating viewing experience. The cinematography emulates Bohm's photographic style, generating an aesthetic synergy that enhances the visual narrative. The documentary's thoughtful pacing allows the audience to absorb the full impact of Bohm's images, the historical context, and the philosophical reflections on her art.

In conclusion, Seeing Daylight: The Photography of Dorothy Bohm is an inspiring documentary that offers an intimate exploration of a photographer's life and work. The film celebrates Bohm's incredible talent, resilience, and innate ability to perceive and capture the extraordinary in the ordinary. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of photography as an art form and its capacity to create a sense of shared human experience. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or a casual viewer who appreciates good storytelling and eye-catching visuals, this film has much to offer.