In the world of photography, street photography is one of the most popular genres. Many famous street photographers have captured stunning images of everyday life. These photographers have seized the essence of city life, and their work is truly inspirational. If you’re interested in learning more about street photography, check out this list of famous street photographers.
Let’s talk about Street Photography! There’s been a lot of images posted on the internet over the years that have been self-categorized by photographers as Street Photography, most of which fit into the category while others are simply snapshots with a certain aesthetic level.
So what exactly is Street Photography, and how is it defined?
The definition of Street Photography is actually extremely vague. The most accepted “term” states that it is a conducted art that features unmediated and randomness in public places. Something like “serendipity,” so to speak.
The photographer is an armed version of the solitary walker reconnoitering, stalking, cruising the urban inferno, the voyeuristic stroller who discovers the city as a landscape of voluptuous extremes. Adept of the joys of watching, connoisseur of empathy, the flâneur finds the world “picturesque.
Susan Sontag, 1977
Since the definition has not yet been enhanced by photographers, taking a look at the work of Street Photography masters can help better inform us about the category and art itself like no other description has in the past. In fact, just the term “Street Photography” itself has so many overlaps and nuances. For me, some of these overlaps include Humanist and Social Photography, Documentary Photography, Candid Photography, and Photojournalism.
Get Inspired By Famous Street Photographers
To give us further insight into Street Photography, here’s a brief list of 10 famous street photographers whose work, I think, encompasses what every aspiring Street Photographer should study and, more importantly, contemplate.
1. Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908-2004)
Henri Cartier-Bresson was a French photographer widely considered the father of modern photojournalism and a pioneer of street photography. Born on August 22, 1908, in Chanteloup, France, Cartier-Bresson developed an early interest in painting before discovering his passion for photography.
In the late 1930s, Cartier-Bresson co-founded the photography agency Magnum Photos along with Robert Capa and David Seymour. This collective was instrumental in developing photojournalism as a profession and helped establish photography as a legitimate art form.
Cartier-Bresson’s artistic style is characterized by his “The Decisive Moment” concept, which emphasizes the importance of timing and intuition in capturing a photograph. He believed there was a split-second in which the elements of a scene come together perfectly, and it was the photographer’s job to capture that moment. This approach requires a keen observational eye and the ability to anticipate and react quickly to unfolding events.
Cartier-Bresson’s work is celebrated for its simplicity, elegance, and emotional resonance. His photographs often capture candid moments of everyday life, and his compositions are characterized by their balance and harmony. His small, unobtrusive camera allowed him to move freely and unobtrusively through the streets, capturing scenes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Throughout his career, Cartier-Bresson traveled extensively, documenting major events and figures of the 20th century. His work has been exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide, and he has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of photography. Cartier-Bresson passed away on August 3, 2004, but his legacy lives on through his timeless images and his influence on generations of photographers.
Henri Cartier-Bresson on the web:
2. Garry Winogrand (1928–1984)
Garry Winogrand was a distinguished American street photographer known for his spontaneous and dynamic images that captured the complexities of urban life in post-war America. Born on January 14, 1928, in the Bronx, New York City, Winogrand served in the U.S. Air Force and studied photography at Columbia University before attending classes with Alexey Brodovitch.
His work is characterized by its candid moments, often captured without looking through the viewfinder, resulting in dynamic, unposed compositions. Winogrand’s photographs, which often feature tilted horizons and off-center framing, embody the “snapshot aesthetic” that emerged in the 1960s and 70s.
Winogrand’s extensive body of work provides a fascinating and sometimes chaotic glimpse into American society during a time of significant cultural and social change. He received several awards for his photography, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship.
Although he is responsible for capturing the iconic image of Marilyn Monroe, Winogrand only gained recognition for his work in the 1960s. He was praised by John Szarkowski, the Director of Photography at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, as “the central photographer of his generation.”
Winogrand’s innovative approach to street photography presented images that touched the nerves of his audience, especially during the politically charged moments of the era. He passed away on March 19, 1984, but his influence continues to be felt in the world of street photography and beyond.
Garry Winogrand on the web:
3. Vivian Maier (1926-2009)
Vivian Maier was an American street photographer whose work captured intimate moments and scenes from urban life, predominantly in Chicago and New York, during the mid-20th century. Born on February 1, 1926, in New York City. For most of her life, she worked as a nanny while secretly pursuing her passion for photography.
Maier’s work is characterized by her candid and observational approach to street photography, often using a Rolleiflex twin-lens reflex camera to shoot from the hip and capture spontaneous moments without her subjects being aware. Her photographs are marked by strong compositions, intricate details, and a sense of intimacy with the people and scenes she captured.
Her artistic style is closely associated with the “humanist photography” movement of the mid-20th century, which emphasized the dignity and worth of individuals and the significance of their everyday lives. Maier’s work is celebrated for its empathetic and compassionate portrayal of the people and scenes she encountered on the streets.
Vivian Maier’s work remained undiscovered until after she died in 2009, when a large collection of her negatives and prints was found in a storage locker. Since then, her work has been widely exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide, and she is now regarded as one of the most important street photographers of the 20th century.
Although Maier never approached the artistic industry formally, her talent and the sheer volume of her magnificent images speak for themselves. She is considered by many, including myself, to be one of the true masters of photography. For a deeper understanding of her artistry and vision, I highly recommend the documentary “Finding Vivian Maier,” which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature in 2014.
Vivian Maier on the web:
4. Josef Koudelka (1938- )
Josef Koudelka is a renowned Czech-French photographer celebrated for his powerful street photography documenting marginalized people and social upheaval. Born on November 22, 1938, in Boskovice, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), Koudelka developed a passion for photography as a student at the Czech Technical University in Prague. His early work was commissioned by theater magazines, marking the beginning of his deep involvement with the art form.
Koudelka’s work is characterized by its raw and gritty style, capturing moments of intensity and emotion with precision in composition and timing. Using a wide-angle lens, he incorporates the surroundings to provide a broader context for the subject matter, resulting in photographs marked by dramatic contrasts and strong narratives.
His artistic style is often described as humanistic and empathetic, focusing on the dignity and resilience of individuals faced with adversity. Koudelka explores themes of displacement, loss, and the impact of political and social upheaval on ordinary people.
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Koudelka gained international recognition for his photographs of the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, which were published anonymously as “P.P.” (Prague Photographer) to protect his identity and family. He later joined the Magnum Photos agency and continued to document social and political issues worldwide, including gypsy communities in Eastern Europe, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the transformation of landscapes through industrialization.
His work has been extensively exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide, earning him numerous awards and honors, including the Prix Nadar and the Grand Prix National de la Photographie. Koudelka continues to work as a photographer, capturing the complexities and contradictions of human existence with his unique and powerful visual language.
One of Koudelka’s most iconic images is a photograph taken at the exact moment the Warsaw Pact military forces invaded Prague. The image features a watch as a marker of this historic and tragic moment, with a small portion of the sky enhancing the feeling of oppression looming over Prague. The empty streets in the foreground set the overall tone for the city’s emotions that day, making it a haunting and symbolic representation of the invasion.
Vivian Maier on the web:
5. Robert Doisneau (1912-1994)
Robert Doisneau was a French photographer celebrated for his charming images of life on the streets of Paris. Born on April 14, 1912, in Gentilly, a suburb of Paris. After studying lithography and engraving at the École Estienne in Paris, he worked as a draftsman and graphic designer before embracing photography as a profession.
Doisneau’s work is known for its whimsical, poetic quality, capturing candid moments of ordinary people in everyday situations. His photographs often evoke nostalgia and romanticism, highlighting the charm and beauty of Parisian life. They are noted for their strong compositions, rich details, and the warm, intimate connection he had with his subjects.
His artistic style is described as humanist photography, focusing on the dignity and humanity of individuals in their daily lives. Doisneau was adept at blending into the background and capturing unposed moments, revealing human interactions’ humor, tenderness, and complexity.
One of Doisneau’s most famous photographs is “Le Baiser de l’Hôtel de Ville” (The Kiss by the Hôtel de Ville), which captures a couple kissing amidst the hustle and bustle of Paris. The image has become a symbol of romance and the timeless allure of the city, showcasing Doisneau’s unique ability to find beauty and poetry in ordinary moments of life.
Despite being later recognized as posed, Doisneau’s iconic image, “The Kiss” has such an outstanding nature that many feel it doesn’t matter. Alfred Eisenstaedt likely inspired him, whose photograph was published in Life in 1945 and shares a very similar dynamic.
Doisneau was more than a Street Photographer; he was also a great concept artist, thanks to his arrangements that juxtaposed elements, resulting in intriguing visions of society and even marks of surrealism. One of his most popular concept portraits is “Les Pains de Picasso” (1952), which is indescribable.
In Street Photography, capturing humor is challenging, but Doisneau mastered it, showcasing his talent for the genre in many of his images.
Robert Doisneau on the web:
6. Jill Freedman (1939-)
Jill Freedman was an American street photographer celebrated for her candid and powerful images documenting the complexities of urban life and social issues. Born on October 19, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Freedman studied sociology at the University of Pittsburgh before moving to New York City, where she discovered her passion for photography.
Freedman’s work is characterized by an empathetic and compassionate approach to capturing the lives of ordinary people, particularly those on the margins of society. Her images often document the daily lives of firefighters, police officers, and residents of urban neighborhoods, revealing her subjects’ resilience, strength, and dignity.
Her artistic style is described as documentary and observational, with a focus on the human experience and the complexities of urban living. Freedman’s work is marked by rich details, strong compositions, and the emotional connection she established with her subjects. She often used black-and-white film to emphasize the raw and gritty nature of her captured scenes.
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Freedman’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide and has received several awards and accolades for her photography. She published several photo books, including “Firehouse,” “Street Cops,” and “Circus Days.” Freedman continued to work as a photographer and advocate for social justice until her death on October 9, 2019.
Celebrated as a splendid storyteller, Freedman’s work is a testament to her commitment to documenting the human experience, finding beauty, strength, and humanity in everyday life.
Jill Freedman on the web:
7. Walker Evans (1903-1975)
Beginning his career in the late 1920s, Evans quickly gained recognition for his objective and documentary style. In the 1930s, he worked for the Farm Security Administration (FSA), documenting rural poverty and hardship during the Depression. His iconic FSA photographs, including images of sharecroppers and their families, remain some of the era’s most enduring and well-known images.
Evans’ artistic style is characterized by straightforward compositions, meticulous attention to detail, and an absence of sentimentality or manipulation. He had a remarkable ability to convey a sense of dignity and humanity, even in the most challenging circumstances, and his work is widely regarded as a key contribution to American documentary photography.
One of Evans’ most ambitious street photography projects took place in the New York City subway, where he captured candid images of various subway riders inconspicuously. He used a 35mm camera painted matte black and concealed it under his topcoat, with the lens peeking through the hole between two buttons.
After his work with the FSA, Evans continued to capture images of urban environments, street scenes, and vernacular architecture. His work has been widely exhibited in museums and galleries around the world and is considered one of the most important and influential photographers of the 20th century.
Evans’ work stands as a testament to his commitment to documenting the social and economic realities of his time, and his images continue to be celebrated for their powerful and thought-provoking portrayal of American life. His goal of creating “literate, authoritative, and transcendent photographs” was certainly achieved, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of photography.
Walker Evans was an outstanding photographer and photojournalist whose most iconic work includes his time with the Farm Security Administration (FSA) where he documented the harsh effects of the Great Depression on American society. During that time, he said that his goal was to make literate, authoritative, and transcendent photographs, which is exactly what he did.
One of his most ambitious Street Photography projects was done in the New York City subway, where he photographed various subway riders inconspicuously. How did he do it? He took a 35mm camera, painted it matte black, and hid it under his topcoat where the lens peeked through the hole between two buttons.
Walker Evans on the web:
8. Susan Meiselas (1948-)
Susan Meiselas is an American documentary photographer whose work has been published in many newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times, The Times, Time, GEO, and Paris Match. She joined the Magnum Photo Agency in 1980 and has been a prominent member ever since.
Meiselas first gained recognition in the mid-1970s with her project “Carnival Strippers,” which documented the lives of striptease performers in New England. Presented in a book with accompanying audio, this work provides an unfiltered glimpse into an overlooked subculture.
Meiselas’s photographs are notable for their strong narrative quality, rich details, and vibrant colors. She has an ability to capture moments of intensity with a keen sense of composition and timing, creating images that resonate with viewers.
Meiselas has received numerous awards throughout her career, including the 1979 Robert Capa Gold Medal and the 1992 MacArthur Fellowship. Her work has been extensively exhibited worldwide and has earned her a place as a respected member of the Magnum Photos agency.
Today, Meiselas continues her work in photography, focusing on human rights, identity, and cultural memory. Her dedication to documenting the human experience and finding beauty in everyday moments has created a powerful and enduring visual legacy.
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Susan Meiselas on the web:
9. Elliott Erwitt (1928-)
Elliott Erwitt is a celebrated American documentary photographer renowned for his candid and humorous shots of ironic and absurd situations in everyday settings. Born on July 26, 1928, in Paris, France, Erwitt grew up in Italy before emigrating to the United States in 1939. Much like his contemporary, Robert Doisneau, he has mastered the art of capturing humor in the streets.
Erwitt’s work is characterized by its candid and observational approach, capturing quirky, absurd, and unexpected moments in people’s and animals’ lives. His photographs often feature dogs, reflecting his love for these creatures. He possesses a unique ability to convey the personality and character of his subjects.
His artistic style, often described as documentary and street photography, focuses on the humor and humanity found in everyday situations. Strong compositions, playful juxtapositions, and an unerring eye for timing mark Erwitt’s work. He often uses a 35mm camera and black-and-white film, which adds to the timeless quality of his images.
A member of the prestigious Magnum Photos cooperative since 1953, Erwitt’s work has been widely exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide, earning him numerous awards and honors, including the Royal Photographic Society’s Centenary Medal and Honorary Fellowship.
Elliott Erwitt’s extensive body of work is a testament to his keen observation skills and ability to find humor, beauty, and emotion in everyday life. His photographs, such as “USA, 2000, New York City,” showcase his unique take on street photography.
Meanwhile, images like “Cracked Glass with Boy” reveal a different, darker side of Erwitt’s talent, symbolizing violence. Additionally, his iconic image “Paris, France, 1989” is often mistaken for a work by Henri Cartier-Bresson, demonstrating how well Erwitt has mastered the “Decisive Moment” technique.
Elliott Erwitt on the web:
10. Eugene Smith (1918-1978)
Eugene Smith was an American photojournalist renowned for his evocative and humanistic style of photography. Born on December 30, 1918, in Wichita, Kansas, he began his career in high school, working for local newspapers.
Smith’s work is characterized by emotional depth and narrative power, often delving into complex social and political issues. His photographs stand out for their strong compositions, rich details, and intimate connections with his subjects. His style is rooted in documentary and photojournalistic approaches, emphasizing the human experience and the effects of social and political events on ordinary people.
During World War II, Smith served as a combat photographer, capturing the brutal realities of war. He later worked for Life magazine, producing poignant photo essays like “Country Doctor,” “Nurse Midwife,” and “Minamata,” which highlighted the effects of mercury poisoning in a Japanese village. His work has been widely exhibited and celebrated, earning him numerous awards and honors.
Smith’s immersive approach to storytelling is evident in photo essays like “Country Doctor” and “Spanish Village.” Despite facing controversy for staging some scenes, his dedication to capturing humanity’s depth and resilience remains evident. His extensive body of work, including projects like the Jazz Loft Project, documenting Manhattan jazz musicians, showcases his unique vision and commitment to storytelling.
Eugene Smith on the web:
11. Gianni Berengo Gardin (1930-)
Gianni Berengo Gardin is an acclaimed Italian photographer celebrated for his nuanced reportage and evocative visual storytelling.
Gardin’s work, characterized by sensitivity and a keen observation of the human condition, has been defined by black-and-white photographs that poetically capture the essence of moments and emotions. His images, which often document daily life’s beauty and struggles, reflect his profound appreciation for people and their environments.
His artistic style, rooted in documentary and street photography, emphasizes storytelling and focuses on social and cultural aspects of life. Gardin often employs a 35mm camera, enabling spontaneity and fostering an intimate, unobtrusive connection with his subjects.
With nearly 980 reportages focusing on social issues, architecture, and the natural environment, Gardin’s first photograph was published in 1954 in Il Mondo. He has collaborated with various publications, including Domus, Vogue, and Le Monde. His work has been exhibited extensively in galleries and museums worldwide, and he is a member of the prestigious Magnum Photos agency.
Gardin has received numerous awards, including the World Press Photo Award in 1963, the Brassaï Award in 1990, the French Order of Arts and Letters, and the Medal of the President of the Italian Republic. His extensive body of work, marked by depth, compassion, and visual poetry, has solidified his position as one of his generation’s most important and influential street photographers.
Gianni Berengo Gardin on the web:
12. William Klein (1928-)
William Klein is a renowned American-born photographer, painter, and filmmaker known for his unconventional and groundbreaking approach to street photography. Born on April 19, 1928, in New York City, Klein developed an interest in art at an early age and went on to study painting and sculpture at the Sorbonne in Paris.
Klein began his career as a fashion photographer in the late 1950s, but his work as a street photographer brought him international acclaim. His first photo book, “Life is Good & Good for You in New York,” published in 1956, was a groundbreaking exploration of the gritty and chaotic street life of New York City. Klein’s use of wide-angle lenses, high contrast, and unconventional compositions challenged the traditional norms of photography and set the stage for a new wave of street photographers.
Klein’s artistic style is characterized by its bold and dynamic compositions, high contrast, and raw, unfiltered portrayal of urban life. His work often features dramatic angles, distorted perspectives, and a sense of immediacy and energy. Klein’s photographs are noted for their ability to capture city life’s chaos, complexity, and beauty.
William Klein’s innovative and influential approach to street photography has left a lasting impact on the medium, and his work continues to be celebrated for its boldness, creativity, and unique perspective on the urban experience.
William Klein on the web:
13. Lee Friedlander (1934-)
Lee Friedlander is a celebrated American photographer known for his innovative and distinctive approach to street photography. Born on July 14, 1934, in Aberdeen, Washington, Friedlander developed an early interest in photography and began taking pictures while still in high school.
Friedlander’s work is characterized by its complex and multi-layered compositions, often featuring multiple subjects and elements within the frame. His photographs often include reflections, shadows, and other visual elements that add depth and intrigue to the image. Friedlander’s work is noted for its ability to capture the everyday and the mundane in a way that reveals the beauty and complexity of the world around us.
Friedlander’s connection with John Szarkowski, the influential curator of photography at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, was a pivotal moment in his career. In the early 1960s, Szarkowski included Friedlander’s work in several important exhibitions at MoMA, including “New Documents” in 1967, featuring the work of Garry Winogrand and Diane Arbus. This exhibition helped establish Friedlander as a significant figure in the world of photography and contributed to the recognition of street photography as a legitimate and important art form.
Lee Friedlander’s extensive body of work is a testament to his keen observation skills and ability to find beauty, humor, and emotion in everyday moments. His photographs continue to be celebrated for their complexity, depth, and visual richness.
Lee Friedlander on the web:
14. Helen Levitt (1913-2009)
Helen Levitt was an esteemed American street photographer celebrated for her poignant and poetic images of urban life. Born on August 31, 1913, in Brooklyn, New York, Levitt’s fascination with photography began in the late 1930s when she started documenting the streets of New York City.
Levitt’s work is characterized by its empathetic and humanistic portrayal of the everyday lives of ordinary people, especially children. Her photographs often capture moments of play, interaction, and introspection, revealing the humor, wonder, and complexity of human experiences. Levitt’s images are noted for their strong compositions, vibrant colors, and the intimate connections she established with her subjects.
In the late 1940s, Levitt collaborated with filmmaker Janice Loeb and writer James Agee to create the documentary film “In the Street,” which captured the everyday life of the residents of New York’s East Harlem neighborhood. The film is a testament to Levitt’s dedication to documenting the vibrancy and diversity of urban life.
Levitt was an early adopter of color photography and began experimenting with it in the early 1950s. She used color slides to capture the lively and colorful street scenes of New York City. Levitt’s pioneering work in color photography helped elevate the medium as a serious form of artistic expression.
Helen Levitt’s extensive body of work is a testament to her keen observation skills and ability to find beauty, humor, and emotion in everyday life. Her photographs continue to be celebrated for their warmth, charm, and emotional resonance, making her one of the most important and influential street photographers of the 20th century.
Helen Levitt on the web:
15. Saul Leiter (1923-2013)
Saul Leiter was a renowned American street photographer and painter known for his pioneering use of color in photography. Born on December 3, 1923, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Leiter moved to New York City in the 1940s to pursue a career in art. While he initially focused on painting, he discovered photography through his association with the Abstract Expressionist movement and quickly embraced the medium as his primary form of expression.
In the 1950s, Leiter began working as a fashion photographer for Harper’s Bazaar, where he brought his unique sensibility and style to the world of fashion photography. His work for the magazine showcased his ability to create visually striking and emotionally resonant images that transcended the boundaries of commercial photography.
Leiter’s work is characterized by its intimate and contemplative style, capturing subtle and often overlooked moments of urban life. His images are noted for their rich color palette, layered compositions, and the interplay of light and shadow. Leiter’s photographs often feature reflections, windows, and fragments of scenes, inviting viewers to explore the complexities of the visual world.
His artistic style is often described as impressionistic, focusing on the images’ emotional and atmospheric qualities. Leiter was known for his ability to find beauty in the mundane, and his work is marked by its poetic sensibility.
He was recognized for his imagery in both black and white and color, and his pioneering use of color in street photography helped establish it as a legitimate form of artistic expression.
Saul Leiter on the web:
Famous Street Photographers | Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these 15 famous street photographers have helped shape the genre of street photography. If you’re interested in trying your hand at street photography, why not start by checking out the work of one of these masters?
