Photographer Saul Leiter - A Street Photographer who loved abstraction and beauty

THIS VIDEO: A talk about Saul Leiter and his work. He is a photographer who only stepped into the spotlight later in life. His photographs are romantic, nostalgic, and form a bridge between photography and painting. His distinctive colour work is immediately recognizable and I haven’t yet come across anyone who doesn’t appreciate his work. He is also a very humble, self-effacing individual. There are a lot of reasons why his photographs are so distinctive and why they appeal to such a large audience.
His fellow photographers appreciated his talent and he was included in what was called - The New York School. He was influenced by the shifts within the painting scene as it shifted rapidly towards what would become known as the abstract expressionist movement. He was a street photographer with a passion for abstraction and beauty.
ALL PHOTOGRAPHS COPYRIGHT: Photographs by Saul Leiter (c) Saul Leiter Foundation
ABOUT ME: The conversations focus on topics related to different aspects of photography including: art, documentary and photojournalism. The discussions explore the personal experiences of photographers and artists and how their work reflects both their internal and external landscape. During the past 30 years I have photographed in over 50 countries for magazines including National Geographic, Time, New York Times and Newsweek. I have held solo exhibitions in New York, London and Paris and my work is showcased in private and institutional art collections around the world.
WEBSITE: www.graemewilliams.co.za
FACEBOOK: / graemewilliamsphotogra...
INSTAGRAM: williamsgraeme
1 on 1 MENTORING: sites.google.com/view/graemew...
MUSIC: Intro and Outro music clip from In the Shadows by Ethan Meixsell.
Jazz - These kind words - by Ikkun (ex Barradeen)

[@wotldpeace]

You are doing valuable work Mr. Williams, thank you.

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks TGP

[@nnelgsiggah]

That was fabulous! I love his work. Thanks Graeme.

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks Glenn

[@aatt3209]

Don't be fooled by the short length of this video, it is jam-packed with critical information that should not be missed by any art lovers, particularly those who love abstract expressionism. Bravo! Thank you so much for this video, I have enjoyed watching it very much.

[@PhotoConversations]

Much appreciated!

[@almostgreen9498]

You always have something new and interesting to say about your subjects. Thank you!

[@jimphilpott902]

Color, color, color! Leiter's work captures the most pleasing and seductive use of color. Excellent presentation and analysis of his work, Thank you,

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks Jim Glad you liked it and that you are a fellow fan of Saul L.

[@daniel_913]

I really love Leiter's work and his personality. I relate to him. I'm an introvert and I shoot for me, have no real desire to push my work to the world. I don't have any IG, Facebook, etc. I enjoy the value the process of photography brings me. I don't need any validation. I think more of this approach is missing in the world today. Too many people are chasing fame online rather than just producing good quality work. Great video!

[@PhotoConversations]

Hi Daniel It sounds like you have found a Zen place.

[@MeumGaudiumRivegauche]

His early work in black and white is also remarkable.

[@PhotoConversations]

Hi Meum Yes, you're right - this time I wanted to keep it simple.

[@michaels7889]

This is the most sensitive and sensible commentary on Saul Leiter that I have found so far. It was wholly relevant and, like Leiter, without self importance but lively. Much enjoyed.

[@PhotoConversations]

Your comments are really appreciated. I'm glad that I hit the mark.

[@grahamrichards8531]

I have a couple of quotes from other material: "tireless devotion to artistic practice," "a spirit of exploration and spontaneity throughout his life," a true artist. I have his little book simply titled "Saul Leiter and love his gritty NY look. Thank you so much for this great conversation, I love them.

[@PhotoConversations]

Hi Graham I've also got that little book - my first SL and then I got a few more to indulge a bit more.

[@OwenEDell]

An excellent analysis of the work of one of the greats. Thank you!

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks Owen

[@colinbradbury2334]

Leiter is a photographer I kind of liked but never as much as I thought I ‘should’. But after watching this I think I really get him. The comparison with the Ab-Ex painters is really powerful. Really excellent watch - thank you.

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks Colin He didn't get much recognition while he was doing this work - some photography just needs time to percolate.

[@colinbradbury2334]

@@PhotoConversations Yes - which is odd in a way given (although maybe people didn't see the links immediately) the popularity of painters like Rothko at the time. Especially since the Ab-Ex painters were really more properly described as 'colour field' painters, and Leiter is definitely a colour field photographer! Fascinating,

[@bertrandroessli7862]

Thanks for this video. You showed many pictures of Saul Leiter I did not know. Merry Xmas

[@PhotoConversations]

Hi Bertrand Have a great Christmas as well. Cheers Graeme

[@carver1717]

Leiter's book Early Color is one of my favourites. Cutting back and forth between Rothko paintings and blurred Leiter photographs was a real eyeopener - brilliant!

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks 1717

[@peterphoto7732]

Wonderful how you conspired Saul Leiter's work with the abstractionist. Thank You.

[@PhotoConversations]

Hi Peter Thanks.

[@heinzhagenbucher4714]

I did, very much so. Wish you a merry Christmas

[@PhotoConversations]

Hi Heinz A very happy Christmas to you too!

[@janette0008]

Well found comparisons! Thkx

[@steveh1273]

Thank you, I did enjoy it.

[@PhotoConversations]

Hi Steve

[@PAULFROCCHI]

wonderful

[@PhotoConversations]

Many thanks Paul.

[@lucasilva9665]

incredible! thank you so much for sharing this amazing lesson :)

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks Luca

[@bowenisland100]

I like the way your videos are put together, the pacing and sequence.....I'm sure lots of work went into it. Great to hear some intelligent commentary and watch the images roll by. Thank you!

[@alvaro.delarosa]

Gracias

[@writerman242]

What a joy it was watching this. In part this is because just at this moment in my own photography it has been truly inspiring and encouraging. Thank you so much for this Graeme and you have a really good new year 👏👏

[@PhotoConversations]

Hi Paul Glad you liked it and wishing you a great 2023.

[@photogroup16]

Another great delve into a fabulous artists work. I really enjoyed your comparison to certain painters and blurring the images to emphasise the point. Thanks

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks Mark

[@1971wizzard]

Me too, I love Graeme's relaxed tones and story telling.

[@1971wizzard]

This is fantastic, I love your relaxed approach to telling the story of this talented photographer...fab!!

[@PhotoConversations]

Thanks Fleming I appreciate your feedback.

[@martingreenberg870]

Enjoyed your video. The blurring of his images and comparing them to abstract impression paintings was very helpful. Sometimes things are very simple. Leiter’s color work was discovered until he asked the owner of the gallery he was displayed at if he would be interested in seeing some of his color slides.Leiter did not promote his work. He almost became a Vivian Meier. Mask On Nurse Marty

[@PhotoConversations]

Hi Martin I think he would have been fine if he wasn't 'discovered.' He just seemed to like his life and taking pictures. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@martingreenberg870]

@@PhotoConversations I’m never going to be discovered. I haven’t found my tribe. I’m now retired so I have more time to capture and create images I enjoy. Leiter & Haas have inspired me to use color in my photography. I usually do B&W street. Now my eyes are open and I can see more. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@PhotoConversations]

You still have time - Saul was in his seventies!!

[@martingreenberg870]

@@PhotoConversationsEncouraging. Like Saul and Meier I don’t seek to be discovered. So far I have been successful. I just entered my 70’s and retired a week ago. Now I have the time to take pictures. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@PhotoConversations]

Congratulations Martin -one week in. Enjoy your picture-taking.

[@frankgurtler7316]

...sometimes I think, what would we be without the old photographers and why do none of these “now photographers” manage to describe their own works or works of the “now time” in the same way? In order to be able to work like back then, you have to travel into the jungle, otherwise your personal rights will be denied. Everyone wants to live well and better, but how they do it becomes classified photographic information in all areas of life. Except for the illness of personal self-expression in the form of selfies. F.

[@PhotoConversations]

Hi Frank Thanks for the feedback.