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Under the Big Top: Photos of Circus Troupes Across America
Early in his career, photographer John Lee interned for various newspapers across the United States, using his free time to document different circuses that traveled throughout the country. The troupes frequented small towns, delighting locals with their performances and exotic animals. Lee was able to spend time with the Bentley Bros, the Wenatchee Youth Circus, and the Chinese Imperial Circus in different locations in the U.S. The black and white photographs appear as if from a bygone age, each image a glimpse into the everyday life of the entertainers. Although his full time staff position at the Chicago Tribune eventually took precedent over capturing circuses, the unassuming and quirky photographs continue to be a source fascination and enthrall.
All photos featured in this post can be found on Offset, a new curated collection of high-end commercial and editorial photography and illustration from award-winning artists around the world. Offset is an exclusive category channel partner on Feature Shoot.