Really enjoyed this one. Thanks to the absolute love of my life, I'm lucky to have both Early Black and White, and a signed copy Early Color on my bookshelf. The documentary "In No Great Hurry" is a gem, indeed. My favorite quote from Saul in that film is how he sums up his life. "I make some paintings. I take some pictures." Keep 'em coming, my friend.
An absolutely enthralling video from the start to the finish , one of the best I’ve seen in a long time from anyone on RUclips , thank you so much and you nailed it completely…Great work !!
Hugh...one of your best. This is a powerful yet subtle message for those of us who value the artistic process, the work of others, and even our own work, but who may not have attained status or recognition. But as you said, "that's alright." I was brought up on Bresson, E Smith, Adams, W Evans, and other "greats." But I am not daunted by their shadow of greatness, nor slowing down with my own pursuit of another "darn good image." The process is challenging, true, yet invigorating when approached with a humble but positive attitude. I'm back to film (Mamiya 7 and a Nikon f3) but at the same time recently picked up the new Hasselblad X2d (to keep my M9 company). It's a blast on both fronts, and it's wonderful to hear about Saul L. I was not familiar, but this made my day. I will definitely explore further. Thanks!
Thank you for one of many videos you've curated that touch on the deeper meaning and connectivity of heart, mind, and art - particularly as it is distilled through the lens. It's refreshing to see your ruminations on the purity of expression, as well as reiterating that art is a personal perspective. It is a vision that (should) answer to no one but the artist. I enjoy your captivating reasoning, and most importantly, a willingness to share openly subjective analysis that risks receiving non-constructive critique. That's what should be regarded as it's own kind of heroism. I look forward to the next insightful video, and who knows, perhaps I'll make it to one of the workshops!
I loved this - so much here to unpack! I received The Unseen Saul Leiter for Christmas and have enjoyed reading it. I especially love his quote at 7:40 about people who don't inflict their ambitions on everyone else. I think George Carlin said something similar. As a committed generalist, I identify very fully with his interest in trying lots of different things and being bored by the same thing over and over again. Every time I'm been told by professional photographers that I need to specialize and narrow the focus of my work, I feel strong resistance. Ultimately, my hope is that someday as I'm making images I like that other people will like them, too.
Another very well known RUclips photographer (closely following yet another influencer - coincidence, probably - on becoming better by finding ones ‘voice’) described the journey to finding his style. Unless I was a commercial photographer working in one genre looking to win clients I can’t think of anything worse for my photography than having (to stick to) a style. I’d find that so stultifying, limiting and boring I’d probably give up.
Such a fantastic video. So insightful about a photographer whose work is the best ever made [and that’s not subjective :)]. Please keep up the great work!
Wonderful video, Hugh! Leiter was, indeed, a genius. For years, I could only describe my favourite images of his as "painterly." Now, thanks to your fine biographical offering, I know why. A lovely and literate journey. Thank you, good sir, thank you.
Saul Leiter to me is one of the first few photographer that I learn that they are able to change styles through out their careers in a time where I feel that there's a lot of online pressure saying one needs to stick to one style for the rest of their life.
It has already been said by many of the others here ... but is worth repeating and confirming ... the is an excellent review and commentary. Thank you very much, I look forward to discovering more of your videos of this type :) As regards seeing a fuller, clearer, picture of ourselves ... the Johari Window provides some insight to an approach to & understanding of this.
Wonderful piece Hugh, thank you. I’d Love to see you make a series of these exploratory pieces on individual Photographers. I’m a fan of Earnst Haas’s and Sebastio Selgado’s work and would enjoy to watch your take on their body of work. Kind Regards Barry (UK)
What an enthralling episode from start to finish, including the music. The work at the beginning, you, Cladia, and the crew, the mention of Ernst Haas (one of my Holy Trinity). Then on to the work of Saul Leiter, his thoughts on Art, and his words. Bravo Hugh and thanks.
“I’m very suspicious of the analysis of artwork.” One of the most brilliant statements I’ve ever heard. So many formulas and guidelines regarding drawing, painting, photography, etc., were pretty random rules that became accepted norms, even if they were not based on any objective reality. I’ve been a graphic designer for 45 years, and when I am criticized by someone who thinks the Bauhaus is where a dog lives, for violating some petty and arbitrary rule…🤯 Thank you very much for your insights. 🙏
This is only the second video I have watched from your show, and I have to say that it left me somewhat awestruck. This sounds, I know, hyperbolic, only it isn't, at least not for me. I am I think, first and foremost, a craftsman, secondly an artist. However, paradoxically, these catagories become blurred under further inspection. In fact I would go as far as to state that at the heart of my being I am a philosopher. Your expose brought this home to me in words that I am unable to express. Thank you. R
Saul, Ernst and Herzog were the catalysts for what propelled me into my current state of obsession with street photography; My absolute joy for wandering and wondering, Saul being the first and most influential for me. You are a current catalyst of inspiration for that as well, Hugh. If you ever come over to China, I'd love to join you and Claudia for some wandering & wondering
I’m humbled to be mentioned in the company of such wonderful photographers, Darren. Thank you. The closest we’ll get this year is Japan in December, but who knows? 😊🙏🏻🖖🏻
Great episode Hugh. Thank you for the philosophy. I too would relish a discussion of Salgado's work. In my view, the best documentary photographer of all time and whose photographs solidly echo his humanity. Best wishes, David Burns.
Fantastic insights, Hugh! Listening to you in the darkroom while printing black and white street pictures from New York 1987. And imagining them in Sauls colors.
I have artistic photos that I share online, but most of my photos go into groups chats that only get seen by a few people. Occasionally, they'll really dig a photo I took and it becomes a part of the visual story of their lives, which fills me with a lot of joy. One random photo of a dump truck in line at a landfill became of a favorite of my close friend's nephew that his mom will open on her computer whenever he wanted to see a truck. Little things like that.
Nice video and good points for photographers to consider, particularly the point that Leiter did not use expired film solely as an artistic choice. I do think an additional reason many art and professional photographers did not do "street" color photography in the 30's-50's was the fact that color photography, and 35mm color photography in particular, was largely marketed to the amateur and family photographer in the early days, and was somewhat sneered upon by "serious" photographers. Even in the 70's, older professional photographers I knew thought 35mm photography was a niche medium and would not use it unless circumstances made it necessary - such as photographing a war, a mountain climb, etc. Portraits, weddings, even sports were shot on "two and a quarter". As one who shot ASA 25 Kodachrome in my youth, I can state that the inability to photograph in low light or under incandescent lighting without a filter that lowered the practical ASA even further would have kept many from loading their cameras with it. Back in the film days, once a 35mm or roll film camera body was loaded with Kodachrome 25 or 64 (the "fast" Kodachrome), you were stuck with slow daylight film unless you had a second body loaded with another, faster film - which was rare during those decades. But nothing looks like Kodachrome and stored properly it lasts forever. Finally, hats off to those who shoot what they see where they live.
2:10 …WHERE IS THIS?? I have been to the “ Edge” ( it was soooo crowded and the glass was filthy ) and did not have a great experience. Here I see you are able to shoot over the wall. Hugh… do tell ❤❤
I totally agree with your statement regarding art not being objective. That should be very liberating for everyone. The bottom line, make pictures of what YOU like.
Another great video…… i only wish it had been you rather than Vince interviewing Mr Leiter in the original. #skills the pair of you. Regards from a chilly but bright London.
21:53 I think I remember Saul Leiter being interviewed once on digital cameras - it might have been in "In No Great Hurry" - praising his Lumix camera as a "night vision goggle" given how light sensitive digital cameras are in low light.
Thank you... had not put Saul Leiter on my radar prior to this... wonderful images... and yes, I was upset when Kodak dropped Kodachrome 10 in favor of Kodachrome 25.... just not the same...
Re. your point about worthiness, In response to another RUclips photography channel’s consideration of whether sharpness or atmosphere was most important (obviously not a binary choice) I asked this question - for all photography lovers, really… Who, of this current generation (or so, broadly, time wise; those with access to the current cameras and software, far ‘superior’ to those of the 19th and 20th centuries) will be seen in, say 50 or 100 years, as equal to Steichen, Stieglitz, Strand, Adams, Penn, Parks, Meyorwitz, Haas, Leiter et al? I have loved photography for 5 decades, bought books, postcards and posters I couldn’t afford even as a kid (still doing it now; still can’t afford it!) idolised Adams as a boy, and loved Hass ever since getting ‘Creation’ as a teenager, Leiter since his work became known around a decade ago (with 4 monographs bought now) and many others found in books about American photography of the C20th (sadly lost, title I can’t recall), Keld Helmer Petersen, Gruyaert, Allard, Maisel, Kenna, Rudman… so many, and watch umpteen RUclips ‘influencers’ but just can’t see any, now, will be regarded in the same way as the ‘Greats’. Why? Am I just being too harsh, too nostalgic, prey to favouritism? Or is something missing now? Or is it because we are now so spoiled by access, see too much too easily (and, perhaps, flit - pay too little attention; screen viewing?) that photography is too ubiquitous and/or taken too much for granted? I really don’t know but it bothers me; makes me wonder? I’d love to hear of any names you/others can suggest, or if I’m on my own, silly, or if that question strikes a chord?
@@3BMEP Can’t disagree (have one of his Monographs and love it); funny how I imagined him as one of the old guard though? I guess I meant those who have hit the public eye or big time since, say, 2000…. maybe of this digital era?
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Really enjoyed this one. Thanks to the absolute love of my life, I'm lucky to have both Early Black and White, and a signed copy Early Color on my bookshelf. The documentary "In No Great Hurry" is a gem, indeed. My favorite quote from Saul in that film is how he sums up his life. "I make some paintings. I take some pictures." Keep 'em coming, my friend.
😉😍
Thanks!
Thank YOU!
An absolutely enthralling video from the start to the finish , one of the best I’ve seen in a long time from anyone on RUclips , thank you so much and you nailed it completely…Great work !!
😊🙏🏻🖖🏻
Hugh...one of your best. This is a powerful yet subtle message for those of us who value the artistic process, the work of others, and even our own work, but who may not have attained status or recognition. But as you said, "that's alright." I was brought up on Bresson, E Smith, Adams, W Evans, and other "greats." But I am not daunted by their shadow of greatness, nor slowing down with my own pursuit of another "darn good image." The process is challenging, true, yet invigorating when approached with a humble but positive attitude. I'm back to film (Mamiya 7 and a Nikon f3) but at the same time recently picked up the new Hasselblad X2d (to keep my M9 company). It's a blast on both fronts, and it's wonderful to hear about Saul L. I was not familiar, but this made my day. I will definitely explore further. Thanks!
Thank you, Charles! I love that you are “not daunted by their shadow of greatness!”
Thank you for one of many videos you've curated that touch on the deeper meaning and connectivity of heart, mind, and art - particularly as it is distilled through the lens. It's refreshing to see your ruminations on the purity of expression, as well as reiterating that art is a personal perspective. It is a vision that (should) answer to no one but the artist. I enjoy your captivating reasoning, and most importantly, a willingness to share openly subjective analysis that risks receiving non-constructive critique. That's what should be regarded as it's own kind of heroism. I look forward to the next insightful video, and who knows, perhaps I'll make it to one of the workshops!
Thank you Edward!
I loved this - so much here to unpack! I received The Unseen Saul Leiter for Christmas and have enjoyed reading it. I especially love his quote at 7:40 about people who don't inflict their ambitions on everyone else. I think George Carlin said something similar. As a committed generalist, I identify very fully with his interest in trying lots of different things and being bored by the same thing over and over again. Every time I'm been told by professional photographers that I need to specialize and narrow the focus of my work, I feel strong resistance. Ultimately, my hope is that someday as I'm making images I like that other people will like them, too.
Lovely to see you here, Chris!
Another very well known RUclips photographer (closely following yet another influencer - coincidence, probably - on becoming better by finding ones ‘voice’) described the journey to finding his style. Unless I was a commercial photographer working in one genre looking to win clients I can’t think of anything worse for my photography than having (to stick to) a style. I’d find that so stultifying, limiting and boring I’d probably give up.
@@kronkite1530 Sean Tucker? 🙂
@@kronkite1530 yep!
This was one of those episodes that I didn’t want to end. Thank you.
😊🖖🏻
Such a fantastic video. So insightful about a photographer whose work is the best ever made [and that’s not subjective :)]. Please keep up the great work!
Thanks, John!
Wonderful video, Hugh! Leiter was, indeed, a genius. For years, I could only describe my favourite images of his as "painterly." Now, thanks to your fine biographical offering, I know why. A lovely and literate journey. Thank you, good sir, thank you.
My pleasure, Jeff!
Saul Leiter to me is one of the first few photographer that I learn that they are able to change styles through out their careers in a time where I feel that there's a lot of online pressure saying one needs to stick to one style for the rest of their life.
Thank you, Hugh.
You relighted my desire and passion for photography after pausing for nearly 2 decades and this one really hit home.
Delighted to be of service. 😊🖖🏻
It has already been said by many of the others here ... but is worth repeating and confirming ... the is an excellent review and commentary. Thank you very much, I look forward to discovering more of your videos of this type :)
As regards seeing a fuller, clearer, picture of ourselves ... the Johari Window provides some insight to an approach to & understanding of this.
Wonderful piece Hugh, thank you. I’d Love to see you make a series of these exploratory pieces on individual Photographers. I’m a fan of Earnst Haas’s and Sebastio Selgado’s work and would enjoy to watch your take on their body of work. Kind Regards Barry (UK)
Great suggestion, Barry - as I can, I will!
Just wow! Still finding my voice. This is quite helpful. Provocative yet no sledge hammer needed. Thank you for sharing that 26min and 52s.
Thank YOU, Greg! 😊🖖🏻
I have been a subscriber for a while. This may be your best.
😊🙏🏻🖖🏻
What an enthralling episode from start to finish, including the music. The work at the beginning, you, Cladia, and the crew, the mention of Ernst Haas (one of my Holy Trinity). Then on to the work of Saul Leiter, his thoughts on Art, and his words. Bravo Hugh and thanks.
Our joy, Iain! 😊🖖🏻
Hugh thank you, thank you for what you do for us who capture light, thank you for seeing the world with different perspectives, thank you Hugh
Our pleasure, Charles - truly!
“I’m very suspicious of the analysis of artwork.” One of the most brilliant statements I’ve ever heard. So many formulas and guidelines regarding drawing, painting, photography, etc., were pretty random rules that became accepted norms, even if they were not based on any objective reality. I’ve been a graphic designer for 45 years, and when I am criticized by someone who thinks the Bauhaus is where a dog lives, for violating some petty and arbitrary rule…🤯 Thank you very much for your insights. 🙏
My pleasure!
As others have said, this was fantasic. Will view it again and again. Thanks.
😊🖖🏻
Looovvveeeeee this episode my friend, all the best!!
Luis! How are you?
What a wonderful story teller you are ...
Thank you, Joe! 😊🖖🏻
This is only the second video I have watched from your show, and I have to say that it left me somewhat awestruck. This sounds, I know, hyperbolic, only it isn't, at least not for me. I am I think, first and foremost, a craftsman, secondly an artist. However, paradoxically, these catagories become blurred under further inspection. In fact I would go as far as to state that at the heart of my being I am a philosopher. Your expose brought this home to me in words that I am unable to express. Thank you. R
Happy to be of service, Richard!
I absolutely love Saul Leiter… just like me 🙂
Thank you for your insight and presentation
My pleasure!
Saul, Ernst and Herzog were the catalysts for what propelled me into my current state of obsession with street photography; My absolute joy for wandering and wondering, Saul being the first and most influential for me. You are a current catalyst of inspiration for that as well, Hugh. If you ever come over to China, I'd love to join you and Claudia for some wandering & wondering
I’m humbled to be mentioned in the company of such wonderful photographers, Darren. Thank you. The closest we’ll get this year is Japan in December, but who knows? 😊🙏🏻🖖🏻
my favourite guy as much for his attitude and life choices … a true gentleman
Great topic and great photographer, I really enjoyed this piece.
😊🖖🏻
Great episode Hugh. Thank you for the philosophy. I too would relish a discussion of Salgado's work. In my view, the best documentary photographer of all time and whose photographs solidly echo his humanity. Best wishes, David Burns.
I agree as well, David!
Fantastic insights, Hugh! Listening to you in the darkroom while printing black and white street pictures from New York 1987. And imagining them in Sauls colors.
Sounds like a wonderful way to pass some quality time, Thorsten! 😉
Saul is probably the biggest influence on my own work along with Harry Gruyaert. Both respond wonderfully to spontaneous moments.
I have artistic photos that I share online, but most of my photos go into groups chats that only get seen by a few people. Occasionally, they'll really dig a photo I took and it becomes a part of the visual story of their lives, which fills me with a lot of joy. One random photo of a dump truck in line at a landfill became of a favorite of my close friend's nephew that his mom will open on her computer whenever he wanted to see a truck. Little things like that.
Nice video and good points for photographers to consider, particularly the point that Leiter did not use expired film solely as an artistic choice.
I do think an additional reason many art and professional photographers did not do "street" color photography in the 30's-50's was the fact that color photography, and 35mm color photography in particular, was largely marketed to the amateur and family photographer in the early days, and was somewhat sneered upon by "serious" photographers. Even in the 70's, older professional photographers I knew thought 35mm photography was a niche medium and would not use it unless circumstances made it necessary - such as photographing a war, a mountain climb, etc. Portraits, weddings, even sports were shot on "two and a quarter".
As one who shot ASA 25 Kodachrome in my youth, I can state that the inability to photograph in low light or under incandescent lighting without a filter that lowered the practical ASA even further would have kept many from loading their cameras with it. Back in the film days, once a 35mm or roll film camera body was loaded with Kodachrome 25 or 64 (the "fast" Kodachrome), you were stuck with slow daylight film unless you had a second body loaded with another, faster film - which was rare during those decades. But nothing looks like Kodachrome and stored properly it lasts forever.
Finally, hats off to those who shoot what they see where they live.
2:10 …WHERE IS THIS?? I have been to the “ Edge” ( it was soooo crowded and the glass was filthy ) and did not have a great experience. Here I see you are able to shoot over the wall. Hugh… do tell ❤❤
From the rooftop of the hotel where we have our Streets of New York workshop classes on the Lower East Side! 🖖🏻
@@3BMEP ahh … looks like the perfect spot too.
@@francisschweitzer8431 We try Frank! Come join us!
Bravo!
😊🖖🏻
I totally agree with your statement regarding art not being objective. That should be very liberating for everyone. The bottom line, make pictures of what YOU like.
😊🖖🏻
Your videos are top shelf. Thanks for putting out substance and not just content.
😊🙏🏻🖖🏻
Another great video…… i only wish it had been you rather than Vince interviewing Mr Leiter in the original. #skills the pair of you. Regards from a chilly but bright London.
Dude, this video is so philosophical and inspiring and im not even a photographer
🤟🏻😊
You have attracted some serious participants, and coached them well.
👊🏻🖖🏻
21:53 I think I remember Saul Leiter being interviewed once on digital cameras - it might have been in "In No Great Hurry" - praising his Lumix camera as a "night vision goggle" given how light sensitive digital cameras are in low light.
Excellent! Thanks for this!
Thank you... had not put Saul Leiter on my radar prior to this... wonderful images... and yes, I was upset when Kodak dropped Kodachrome 10 in favor of Kodachrome 25.... just not the same...
😊
Can't disagree. For me, great art is a visceral gut punch. I can admire great craftmanship but great art is something you experience.
👊🏻
🙏🏻
😊🖖🏻
Hugh taking us to school again.
😉🖖🏻
Re. your point about worthiness, In response to another RUclips photography channel’s consideration of whether sharpness or atmosphere was most important (obviously not a binary choice) I asked this question - for all photography lovers, really…
Who, of this current generation (or so, broadly, time wise; those with access to the current cameras and software, far ‘superior’ to those of the 19th and 20th centuries) will be seen in, say 50 or 100 years, as equal to Steichen, Stieglitz, Strand, Adams, Penn, Parks, Meyorwitz, Haas, Leiter et al?
I have loved photography for 5 decades, bought books, postcards and posters I couldn’t afford even as a kid (still doing it now; still can’t afford it!) idolised Adams as a boy, and loved Hass ever since getting ‘Creation’ as a teenager, Leiter since his work became known around a decade ago (with 4 monographs bought now) and many others found in books about American photography of the C20th (sadly lost, title I can’t recall), Keld Helmer Petersen, Gruyaert, Allard, Maisel, Kenna, Rudman… so many, and watch umpteen RUclips ‘influencers’ but just can’t see any, now, will be regarded in the same way as the ‘Greats’.
Why? Am I just being too harsh, too nostalgic, prey to favouritism? Or is something missing now? Or is it because we are now so spoiled by access, see too much too easily (and, perhaps, flit - pay too little attention; screen viewing?) that photography is too ubiquitous and/or taken too much for granted? I really don’t know but it bothers me; makes me wonder?
I’d love to hear of any names you/others can suggest, or if I’m on my own, silly, or if that question strikes a chord?
I’d start with Salgado!
@@3BMEP Can’t disagree (have one of his Monographs and love it); funny how I imagined him as one of the old guard though? I guess I meant those who have hit the public eye or big time since, say, 2000…. maybe of this digital era?