I didn’t want to mention Saul Leiter here in this blog, but I cannot resist that. It is impossible to practice photography and not learn something from his work. to me, his deep focus on painting and photography is the source of inspiration. this mid-twenty century iconic photographer teaches everyone to observe what is going on around them. especially, today, in the digital age, when we are so busy choosing the latest camera model and highest quality lens, Saul Leiter like a wise man of an eastern story, invites us to stop, breathe and think about what we are missing, and this would be our eyes, our vision and the way we look around us. he has been using the simplest camera and rolls expired slide film and yet, his artwork is so enchanting and mesmerising. we should seek the truth somewhere else, not through an expensive lens.
He says, sometimes photography becomes frustrating, however, at that moment, you can tell yourself, that photography is such an incredible thing to do! if you have enough energy you might capture every moment in your life!
unbelievable, I interpret that this way, to be a photographer you need to be obsessed with photography, the camera should be a part of your body and last but not least, learn to watch, observe and understand your surroundings. any other approach to photography makes you a photography enthusiast, not a photographer.
Saul Leiter’s works, have the quality of a very beautiful day, a long weekend or when you are about to appreciate life. it makes me calm and I feel the world is not that bad anyways.
Saul Leiter Foundation, 2021 “Color” accessed May 11, 2022. https://www.saulleiterfoundation.org/color