Saul Leiter is one of the most loved photographers of our time. One of the reasons is that his photographer of everyday life is quite like poetry. The use of soft light and the glimmer of rain-slick streets finally reveals the beauty of our bustling concrete jungle. The photographs of New York completely transform the city, thanks to the use of colors and abstractions in their images. If you are home this winter, here are a few tips from Leiter to help you create nostalgic images.
- As Saul Leiter once said: “A window covered with raindrops interests me more than a photograph of a famous person.” This proves his ability to see the magic of daily life. To get images that showcase the quieter side of your city this winter, look for subtle moments. There does not necessarily need to be drama in the image. A mere reflection of the light on the pavement can say a lot. So focus on what other people can’t see.
- Embrace layers and abstraction. Leiter always worked with foreground glass, reflections, rain, and out-of-focus shapes, which helped him create a dreamy effect when photographing New York during the winter. Work with depth, which is another main style for his composition. At the same time, wet pavements are another important, recurring subject. Moreover, use a telephoto lens to help compress the scene, while maintaining depth as the primary emphasis.
- Colors are the king. Saul Leiter was one of the early photographers to experiment with colors, which was unheard of at that time. While color is now a part of our images, it is best to focus on it wisely. Explore vivid saturation, subtle hues, and layered tones to bring out the best in your photos. Since fall and winter often feature muted tones, try balancing them with vibrant colors in your clothing. But don’t ignore black and white, as Leiter also used the latter to create moody inages.
- Compose with care. Saul Leiter never captured everything in a single frame. Instead, he employed cropping, foreground elements, and other techniques to create intrigue. So, when you make images, look for that sense of mystery that his images create. Branches, fences, and glass panes are some examples to add to your photographer’s. Use negative space, such as sky, pavement, snow, and mist, to give room to your subject. You can use wider apertures to create blur in the foreground this winter, which helps make the images a bit dreamy.
- Post-process with subtlety. By that, we mean editing, keeping Saul Leiter’s tones and contrast in mind, you can have a slightly warmer white balance for golden hours or a cooler tone for overcast images. You can also reduce sharpness or add grain, based on how you interpret Leiter’s work. But, only edit if it is absolutely necessary.
These tips are a few, but a handful, for anyone who wants to capture the magic of their city with ease.
