Throughout her career, photographer Diane Arbus demonstrated a gift for capturing the unusual and
eccentric in a compelling, thoughtful manner. This now–iconic photograph was originally included in a photo–essay, “Two American Families,” published in the London Sunday Times Magazine. In a letter to her editor, Arbus described encountering the woman pictured here in a bookstore: “I said I wanted to photograph her with husband and children so she suggested I wait till warm weather so I can do it around the pool! . . . They are a fascinating family. I think all families are creepy in a way.” Part of the caption for the image, based on Arbus’s corresponence, reads, “The parents seem to be dreaming the child and the child seems to be inventing them.