Forever Saul Leiter

Photography is my form of self-expression and to share with others how I see the world through my eyes. I started this blog to showcase my photos and to be able to meet different people across the globe. I also wanted to share the things and people that inspired me to pursue this art.

One photographer that inspires me and that I look up to is Saul Leiter.
He was known as an early pioneer of color street photography. He was a painter, then he became a fashion photographer for a renowned magazine. But he became more famous later in life with his street photography.

Saul Leiter often used a telephoto lens giving his photos a compressed composition. He captures the streets of New York in their rawest form. He usually takes photos one might ignore at a glance.

“We live in a world of color.

We’re surrounded by color.”

– Saul Leiter

私たちは色彩の世界で生きてる。私たちは色彩に囲まれてるのだ。

I first learned about Saul Leiter when I watched his documentary, “In No Great Hurry: 13 Lessons in Life with Saul Leiter”, at the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum. His work as well as his philosophy in life was truly motivating.

Living in a fast-pacing world, I want to capture moments that usually go by unnoticed. I try to take photos in common places and show its beauty that other people would easily miss.

I got to see his work in person when they held the “Forever Saul Leiter” exhibition last year in Shibuya. I was in awe with the color and how he frames his shots. During my visit, I bought his photobook with the same title as a keepsake of my visit, and it also serves as an inspiration for me to continue taking more photographs.

If ever you get a chance, I highly recommend checking out his documentary and any of his photobooks.