This is the message that keeps ringing in my ears after viewing the filmed interview to Saul Leiter at his photography exhibition at the Versicherungskammer Kunstfoyer in Munich.
“A window covered with rain drops interests me more than a picture of a famous person”
Saul Leiter
This is the message from a man who followed his ideas despite whatever opinions would be thrown a him. A person who does not know if he is a pioneer in photography or not, and actually does not care whatsoever. One who tell stories with a camera in stead of with philosophy, and thus is the visitor welcomed into the exposition.
Respected photographers of his time, downplayed the role of color photography. The true photographer told herself appart from the casual tourist by the use of the traditional black and white film.
Saul Leiter is said to buy outdated color film at a cheaper price. Therefore his photographs showed a flat colour reproduction that together with his choice of teleobjective and the use of reflexions and several juxtaposed scenes rendered his particular collage or painterly style of photography.
…and after that surge of inspiration, how could one not be tempted to follow Saul’s steps. Also ultimately his stance in life.
thegasstationphilosopher 