Saul Leiter, an American photographer and painter, is now widely regarded for his pioneering work in color photography. Although he initially pursued a career in painting, Leiter’s introduction to photography came in the early 1940s when he moved from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to New York City. Here, he befriended Richard Pousette-Dart, an Abstract Expressionist painter and an early adopter of photography. Encouraged by Pousette-Dart, Leiter began to explore photography, soon finding a passion that would redefine his artistic career.
Leiter's early influences were grounded in his interest in abstract painting, which is evident in the composition and use of color in his photographic works. However, it was the work of photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson, known for his candid street photography, that greatly influenced Leiter’s own approach. Leiter was drawn to the spontaneity of street scenes and how seemingly mundane moments could become rich visual narratives.
One of the most remarkable characteristics of Leiter's photography was his early use of color film, mostly Kodachrome slide film, a medium that was largely underappreciated and not taken as seriously by many photographers at the time. While black-and-white photography was dominant in the mid-20th century and the medium used by serious photographers, his color photographs are characterized by a painterly quality, soft edges, and reflections, with a dreamy, almost abstract feel. Leiter used unusual framing, shooting through windows with raindrops or frost and capturing silhouettes and fragments of his subjects. This approach allowed color to be the central storytelling device.
Leiter’s unique style blurred the lines between photography and painting, and he often downplayed the significance of narrative in his work, focusing instead on atmosphere and the visual experience. His images felt intimate and detached all at the same time. He frequently played with shadow, light, and reflections to create layered compositions that seemed both spontaneous and deliberate.
Though his work was not widely recognized during the early part of his career, Saul Leiter's contribution to photography is now celebrated for its innovation and timelessness. His work helped pave the way for color photography to be taken seriously as an art form. Today, Leiter’s photographs are revered for their emotional depth and subtle beauty, and his approach continues to influence contemporary photographers. The video above by Developing Tank takes a deep dive into the work of Saul Leiter and shows just how creatively he used color to expand the world of photography.
