A new exhibition opens at the Smithsonian tomorrow. "The Scurlock Studio and Black Washington: Picturing the Promise" will offer a rare view of what life was like for African-Americans in Washington, D.C., throughout most of the 20th century. For nearly 100 years, two generations of the Scurlock family documented cultural change with their cameras. As a successful portrait studio, the Scurlock business was renowned for its portraiture, but also left behind a legacy of documentary photography.

The images range from performances to civil protests to high-society events, and number in the thousands. Some notable portrait subjects include Marian Anderson, W.E.B. Du Bois, Duke Ellington and Muhammad Ali. A selection of these images will be on display at the Smithsonian, coupled with photography antiques. Here's a small selection of the Scurlock images.

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Produced by Claire O'Neill

In the mid 1930s, President Roosevelt initiated a series of economic relief programs known as the New Deal. Inheriting a nation's post-Depression illness, FDR's plan was to spend billions of federal dollars to create jobs, boost morale and rehabilitate the economy.

Government organizations such as the Works Progress Administration and the Farm Security Association hired photographers to document American life during World War II. The more prominent photographers included Gordon Parks, John Vachon and Dorothea Lange, known for her migrant worker series.

In photography, this era is typically rendered in black and white. But the Library of Congress recently has published a beautiful collection of large-format color transparencies to The Commons, a public domain on flickr.com. In light of today's Congressional vote on President Obama's proposed economic stimulus package, the Daily Picture Show presents images of a historically resilient and vibrant America.

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Produced by Claire O'Neill

Dr. Kiros Siltan Wendim on the Mall on Jan. 20, 2009. Photo by David Deal for NPR

 

By Coburn Dukehart

With all the photos that came out of Washington last week during the inauguration, it may have been easy to miss some of our special projects.

NPR hired two professional photographers, each with their own distinct style, to go downtown and shoot whomever, or whatever, they chose.

Here's a look back at their work:

David Deal's portrait series - Faces from America's Mall and Robb Hill's set of panoramic images - Transcending Black and White.

Vanessa Mills, of Knoxville, Tenn. photographed in Washington, Jan. 20, 2009. Photo by Robb Hill for NPR

 

Enjoy!

It's people. Here's a look at various people in various positions -- everywhere but on the ground.

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Continue reading "Something In The Air" >

The Year of the Ox begins today. In the cyclical Chinese zodiac, the ox symbolizes success through fortitude and hard work -- perhaps a source of some comfort in difficult economic times. Thus resolute and optimistic, we travel from Beijing to Johannesburg to join those ringing in the lunar new year.

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Today The Daily Picture Show presents a look back at Harley-Davidson's history. The company has recently celebrated its 105th anniversary and suffered economic setbacks. Can it handle the rough road ahead?

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By Coburn Dukehart

For all the thousands of photos I looked at during our inauguration coverage, this 1,474-mexapixel image by photographer David Bergman wins my vote as the best (and biggest!) photo of the day. View it full-screen on a large monitor for the best effect.

You can read more about it on his blog: davidbergman.net

Today The Daily Picture Show takes a peek at President Obama and his administration on their first day at the White House.

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Today The Daily Picture Show is a visual summary of the inaugural balls hosted by President Obama last night.

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Today The Daily Picture Show provides a few snapshots of Washington on the eve of Barack Obama's inauguration.

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Today The Daily Picture Show features frozen images from Maine to Germany, and beyond.

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Today The Daily Picture Show features a wax Obama in London, a rose-petal shower in India, and everything in between.

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By Coburn Dukehart

NPR's multimedia team welcomes you to the The Picture Show - where you will find a collection of some of the best photos from around the world, as well as features and commentary on photography, video and multimedia.

Here, we will attempt to answer the question "What does NPR look like?" while bringing you visuals that make you think, question, and hopefully even smile!

Enjoy!

Today The Daily Picture Show travels from Florida to Chile, capturing scenes of the space shuttle, off-road races and more.

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Today The Daily Picture Show travels from Washington to Singapore, capturing scenes of the Capitol, marine mammals and more.

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Today The Daily Picture Show travels from Australia to Rwanda, capturing scenes of sunny surf, school children and more.

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Today The Daily Picture Show travels from Germany to China, capturing scenes of winter wonder, religious fervor and more.

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Today The Daily Picture Show travels from Israel to Scotland, capturing scenes of religious tradition, human hardship and more.

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Today The Daily Picture Show travels from Ukraine to Germany, and beyond, capturing scenes of Christmas, a winter swim and more.

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What is 'The Picture Show' blog?
It's a daily take on what National Public Radio looks like -- through photographs and video. It is the NPR story-telling sound, visually translated.

Who will be posting here?
Keith Jenkins, NPR's supervising senior producer for multimedia, and his team of visual journalists: Coburn Dukehart, John Poole, David Gilkey, Heather Murphy and a rotating cast of interns.

What do photography and video have to do with radio?
It is often said that radio paints pictures with words and sound; we are simply returning the favor.

How is National Public Radio going to be able to show you pictures?
Through this blog and the Radio Pictures podcast, yes. Through your HD radio, no.

Seriously, what can I expect to find here?
Great visual journalism from NPR's photographers, video journalists, producers and reporters. Also, selected photographs, videos and stories from some of the best camera-wielding journalists in the world.

Can I comment on what I see here?
Yes, but keep it on point and all about the visuals. Confused? Please follow the comment guidelines.

Can I contact you?
Yes, by e-mail address or through the The Picture Show contact form.