Between the Covers: Gordon Parks and Muhammad Ali
Between the Covers: Gordon Parks and Muhammad Ali
When it comes to photography books that resonate deeply, Gordon Parks' collaboration with Muhammad Ali stands out as my favorite. This book is more than just a collection of images; it’s a testament to the power of time, trust, and storytelling. Parks spent years documenting Ali, and the result is a body of work that doesn’t just capture the man but reveals the soul beneath the icon.
Why This Book Matters to Me
As a photographer, I’m always chasing depth in my images—something more than a surface-level representation. That’s what Parks achieved with Ali. These aren’t just photos of a famous athlete; they’re moments that show Ali’s humanity, his vulnerability, and his strength. Parks’ ability to capture those layers is what makes this book so powerful.
What sets this work apart for me is the relationship Parks built with Ali over time. This wasn’t a quick assignment or a single photoshoot. It was years of collaboration, understanding, and mutual respect. That’s the kind of connection I aspire to create with someone through my own work. To spend years documenting a person’s life and to do it with care, that’s a dream of mine.
The Depth of the Images
Every image in this book feels intentional. You can see the trust between Parks and Ali in the way Ali lets his guard down. There’s a rawness and honesty that only comes when the subject and the photographer share a genuine connection. From candid moments to iconic portraits, the book feels like a conversation between two legends, captured frame by frame.
As someone who works with film, I’m particularly drawn to the texture of these images. There’s a timelessness to them that resonates with my own approach to photography. It’s a reminder that great images aren’t just about the technicalities—they’re about emotion and intention.
My Own Aspirations
This book inspires me to think about what’s possible when you commit to a long-term project. One of my goals is to build a similar relationship with someone, an artist, an athlete, or even an everyday person—and document their journey over years. There’s something powerful about creating a body of work that evolves alongside its subject.
Parks showed me that photography can be more than a job or even a passion. It can be a way to truly connect with people and tell their stories in a meaningful way. That’s the legacy I hope to build.
Final Thoughts
Gordon Parks and Muhammad Ali’s collaboration is a masterclass in what photography can be. It’s about more than the images; it’s about the relationship, the trust, and the willingness to see beyond the surface. This book reminds me why I fell in love with photography in the first place—and why I’ll never stop chasing stories that matter.