Colourful life -Saul Leiter

Saul Leiter (1923–2013) was an American photographer and painter, best known for his pioneering work in color photography. Although he began his career as a painter, he became a key figure in the New York School of photography in the mid-20th century. Leiter’s quiet, poetic images captured everyday street life with a painter’s eye, often using reflections, fogged windows, and bold compositions.

Background

Leiter was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and moved to New York City in the 1940s. While initially pursuing painting, he became interested in photography and was inspired by figures like Henri Cartier-Bresson. Unlike many photographers of his era who focused on black-and-white, he embraced color early on, even before it was widely accepted as a serious artistic medium.

Style & Themes

Leiter’s photography is known for its painterly qualities — soft focus, abstract framing, and subtle use of color. His images often feature:

• People seen through windows or in reflections

• Cropped and layered compositions

• Moody, atmospheric urban scenes

• A sense of stillness and quiet beauty

He found beauty in the ordinary — snow-covered streets, umbrellas, blurred lights, and fleeting moments.

Notable Works

• Early Color (book, 2006) — a widely praised collection of his early color photographs

• Saul Leiter: Retrospective (exhibition/book) — introduced his work to a broader audience later in life

• He was also the subject of the documentary In No Great Hurry: 13 Lessons in Life with Saul Leiter (2013), which beautifully reflects his modest, reflective personality.

Legacy

Though not widely recognized during his early career, Saul Leiter is now celebrated as one of the great masters of color photography. His work continues to influence both photographers and visual artists for its poetic approach to urban life and its blending of painting and photography.