When it comes to street photography, few names are as legendary as Helen Levitt. Known for her candid shots of everyday life on the streets of New York, Levitt’s work has influenced countless photographers and captured the essence of a bygone era. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the life and work of this iconic photographer and explore what makes her images so compelling.
Early Life and Career
Helen Levitt was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1913. She first became interested in photography in the 1930s and began her career working as an assistant to photographers Walker Evans and Henri Cartier-Bresson. In 1938, she started taking her own pictures and quickly made a name for herself with her innovative approach to street photography.
Levitt’s Style and Techniques
Levitt’s street photography is characterized by its raw, unfiltered view of everyday life in New York. She often focused on children and their activities, capturing moments of joy and playfulness against the gritty backdrop of the city streets. Her images are marked by their spontaneity and sense of motion, as if freezing a split-second in time.
One of Levitt’s signature techniques was to shoot from a low angle, often lying on the ground to capture a unique perspective of her subjects. She also experimented with color photography, which was still a relatively new medium at the time.
Legacy and Impact
Despite being relatively unknown during her lifetime, Levitt’s work has had a lasting impact on the world of photography. Her candid, unposed shots of everyday life paved the way for a new generation of street photographers who sought to capture the essence of their subjects in an authentic way.
Today, Levitt’s images are celebrated for their unique perspective on life in mid-20th century New York. Her work has been exhibited at major museums and galleries around the world, and her influence can be seen in the work of countless contemporary photographers.
Conclusion
Helen Levitt’s street photography is a testament to the power of capturing the beauty of everyday life. Her innovative techniques and raw, unfiltered view of New York continue to inspire and influence photographers today. If you’re interested in street photography, be sure to check out Levitt’s work and see how she was able to capture life in motion like no other.