The Incomparable Rose Hartman (2016) DOC NYC 2016

This portrait of photographer Rose Hartman who has taken numerous iconic photographs over the last four decades is a beautiful celebration of a woman and her photographs.

Rose has created a body of work that has documented the fashion and celebrity in ways no one else has. Having the ability to sneak up on intimate moments Rose's photographs document not so much the unposed perfect second that reveals the person as themselves. They are not studio photographs but moments of life. We see how Rose changed photography of both celebrities but of fashion as well since her behind the scenes coverage of fashion shows is now the norm.

Full of great photographs and great stories this breezy hour or so film gives us an intimate portrait of the woman and her work. She is a true New York original, gruff, in control and utterly charming. And yet there is a real sense that she can be very difficult. She wants what she wants and will put on the prickliness to get it. I enjoyed my time with her but as the film wound down so did my desire to be with her. This is not an knock on the film  which is good, more that a little rose goes a long way.

THE INCOMPARABLE ROSE HARTMAN plays tomorrow at DOC NYC. For tickets and more information go here.