Such a great post. Been in love with Leiter's work since discovering him at the Photographers Gallery. (But your first encounter, in the wild, is way cooler...)
I'm a huge fan of Leiter, though I only discovered his work a few years ago. He really pushed the boundaries of composition, particularly with his use of huge negative space. I guess it's no surprise he wasn't really "discovered" until decades later. But anyone who had said the color photography was not for serious photographers had obviously never seen his work. His use of color was amazing.
Really like Harry Gruyaert's work on India and his pictures of Belgium, especially the coast. There's a documentary about him that is good enough, details at harrygruyaert-film.com
A wise person (I don't know who) once said that a good story follows a predictable pattern unpredictably. That's how I feel about Leiter's photos. On the one hand we've seen it all before, but on the other, each photograph feels like a drop of morning dew in a desert.
Nicely done. I appreciate your focus. And thank you for the book references. I'll be following up. I have one Leiter book that I treasure. I love his rain windows and colors And I will say, personally, once I dove deep into photography as an everyday passion (not a hobby), I spent 3 years trying to figure out a "career" in it. Meaning, some kind of photography job/biz to sustain my passion. I've had miserable failure, gave away far too many of my photography hours, and did not push hard on the commercial side. But I have to secretly admit, that I feel so much more at ease doing it to my own heart beat as opposed to taking orders. Though... this is not sustainable given my expenses. Cameras and film ain't cheap. I know Leiter had a successful fashion/commercial career. So his "when I feel like it" statement is a bit of a myth, but nontheless, it's good to be reminded that it's the passion and desire that are most important to sustain one's work.
Thank you, Mark. And yes, I agree with you, it's a bit of a pretended shyness on Leiter's part (and mine) to say that "I work when I feel like it". I don't doubt that he wasn't ambitious or determined, but he was luckly to have been noticed and gotten the Vogue and Harper's Bazaar jobs. As for financial sustainability, my father use to say that hobbies are expensive, but the're worth it because that's the place where your heart and sould can find shelter.
I very much love Leiter's photos too. Are you familiar with Ernst Haas? He worked in colour well before Leiter and also had an impeccable eye for artistic framings of things he found in the street. His reportage on New York City in colour was the first big colour reportage in Life Magazine.
Thank you, Karin. I hadn't been familiar with Ernst Haas until you mentioned him. I just looked at some of his photos online and they're amazing! Will be ordering his book New York in Color.
Probably my favourite photographer: unique, ironic, self-depreciating.
There is an exhibition of his photographs, drawings and paintings curated by Anne Morin (co-produced by the Rencontres d’Arles and DiChroma Photography, Madrid with the collaboration of the Saul Leiter Foundation, New York) at the MK Gallery, Milton Keynes, UK from 17th February to 2nd June 2024. https://mkgallery.org/event/saul-leiter/
Thank you, Michael. Never heard of Gruyaert. Will check check him out.
Very well written thoughts on the genius of Saul Leiter.
Thank you, Andrew!
It's your turn Andrew. Let's see that Saul post!
Ha ha! I may wait now until after I’ve been to the Centennial exhibition in March!
Such a great post. Been in love with Leiter's work since discovering him at the Photographers Gallery. (But your first encounter, in the wild, is way cooler...)
Thank you very much! :)
I'm a huge fan of Leiter, though I only discovered his work a few years ago. He really pushed the boundaries of composition, particularly with his use of huge negative space. I guess it's no surprise he wasn't really "discovered" until decades later. But anyone who had said the color photography was not for serious photographers had obviously never seen his work. His use of color was amazing.
I agree, Kevin. As much as I love black and white photography, I much prefer his color photos. They're mesmerizing.
Fantastic, and brimming with generous suggestions for more viewing and reading.
Thank you, Kenneth! Glad you liked it.
If I would have to pick one ‘street photographer’, it would be him. His way of seeing, composition and his colors are just unmatched in my opinion!
100 % percent, Susanne!
Now, this is my cue to rewatch the documentary "In No Great Hurry - 13 lessons in life with Saul Leiter".
Thank you, Michael. I've never heard of Gruyaert, but will definitely cheeck him out.
Really like Harry Gruyaert's work on India and his pictures of Belgium, especially the coast. There's a documentary about him that is good enough, details at harrygruyaert-film.com
Thank you, Pierre. Will check it out.
Just watched the video. I bought the download. Terrific! Thanks for the link.
Thanks, Pierre. I saw a couple of times. It makes me want to go out and take photos. :)
Totally agree with you, Susanne.
A wise person (I don't know who) once said that a good story follows a predictable pattern unpredictably. That's how I feel about Leiter's photos. On the one hand we've seen it all before, but on the other, each photograph feels like a drop of morning dew in a desert.
Nicely done. I appreciate your focus. And thank you for the book references. I'll be following up. I have one Leiter book that I treasure. I love his rain windows and colors And I will say, personally, once I dove deep into photography as an everyday passion (not a hobby), I spent 3 years trying to figure out a "career" in it. Meaning, some kind of photography job/biz to sustain my passion. I've had miserable failure, gave away far too many of my photography hours, and did not push hard on the commercial side. But I have to secretly admit, that I feel so much more at ease doing it to my own heart beat as opposed to taking orders. Though... this is not sustainable given my expenses. Cameras and film ain't cheap. I know Leiter had a successful fashion/commercial career. So his "when I feel like it" statement is a bit of a myth, but nontheless, it's good to be reminded that it's the passion and desire that are most important to sustain one's work.
Thank you, Mark. And yes, I agree with you, it's a bit of a pretended shyness on Leiter's part (and mine) to say that "I work when I feel like it". I don't doubt that he wasn't ambitious or determined, but he was luckly to have been noticed and gotten the Vogue and Harper's Bazaar jobs. As for financial sustainability, my father use to say that hobbies are expensive, but the're worth it because that's the place where your heart and sould can find shelter.
Thank you, Gizem!
I very much love Leiter's photos too. Are you familiar with Ernst Haas? He worked in colour well before Leiter and also had an impeccable eye for artistic framings of things he found in the street. His reportage on New York City in colour was the first big colour reportage in Life Magazine.
Thank you, Karin. I hadn't been familiar with Ernst Haas until you mentioned him. I just looked at some of his photos online and they're amazing! Will be ordering his book New York in Color.
Thank you for the tip!
Saul Leiter, the big man !
Probably my favourite photographer: unique, ironic, self-depreciating.
There is an exhibition of his photographs, drawings and paintings curated by Anne Morin (co-produced by the Rencontres d’Arles and DiChroma Photography, Madrid with the collaboration of the Saul Leiter Foundation, New York) at the MK Gallery, Milton Keynes, UK from 17th February to 2nd June 2024. https://mkgallery.org/event/saul-leiter/
Thank you, Peter! Glad you liked the post.