In yet another great episode of The Art Of Photography, Ted Forbes teaches us about Saul Leiter.

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Saul Leiter was a contemporary American photographer who focused on urban scenes and street photography. His photographs are characterized by vibrant colors and abstract compositions, often depicting the convergence of people, buildings and nature in the hustle and bustle of the city. His works have been widely celebrated and have a lasting influence on the field of photography.

Leiter was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1923. He began studying at the Pittsburgh Academy of Fine Arts in 1940 and during this time was exposed to abstract expressionism and the works of Henri Cartier-Bresson. He soon changed his focus from painting to photography and moved to New York City in 1946. It was here that he established his career as a photographer and began to develop his signature style.

Leiter was fascinated by the chaotic energy of the city and sought to capture the vibrancy of everyday life. He was particularly drawn to the visuals of rain-soaked streets and reflected light in windows. He often photographed from unconventional angles, making use of reflections and shadows to create abstract compositions. This approach enabled him to capture the beauty of urban life in ways that few other photographers could.

Leiter was also an avid collector of color photography and he began experimenting with it in the 1950s. He was one of the first photographers to make use of the newly developed color film and his works often featured a vibrant spectrum of colors. In particular, he was known for his use of a bright red hue, which he used to create a sense of warmth and introspection in his images.

Throughout his career, Leiter had a strong commitment to the craft of photography and sought to capture the beauty of everyday life. He held true to his own vision and style, refusing to be influenced by trends or conventions. This commitment to his work earned him a place among the greats of 20th century photography.

Leiter's work is an inspiration to photographers of all levels. His commitment to his own style and vision is an example of how to stay true to one's art. He also demonstrated how to use color to create mood and emotion in an image. His photographs are a reminder of the beauty that can be found in the mundane and everyday scenes of life.

Leiter's legacy is one of creativity and innovation. His work pushed the boundaries of traditional photography and showed how color, composition, and light could be used to capture the beauty of urban life. Today, his photographs are widely celebrated and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary photographers.

Conclusion

Saul Leiter was an acclaimed American photographer who focused on urban scenes and street photography. His photographs are characterized by vibrant colors and abstract compositions, often depicting the convergence of people, buildings and nature in the hustle and bustle of the city. His works have been widely celebrated and have a lasting influence on the field of photography.

Leiter's commitment to his own style and vision is an example of how to stay true to one's art. He also demonstrated how to use color to create mood and emotion in an image. His photographs are a reminder of the beauty that can be found in the mundane and everyday scenes of life. His legacy is one of creativity and innovation and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary photographers.

Saul Leiter in Conversation with Vince Aletti

Saul Leiter Books
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