How To Do Abstract Street Photography Like Saul Leiter

Save this one for a rainy day.

Interviews referenced:

Books referenced:

Ted Forbes video on Saul Leiter (anchors):

00:00 Intro
01:07 Influences
05:18 Parameters of Style
08:51 Photowalk: Midtown Rain
11:16 Photowalk: TTC Subway
15:07 Photowalk: Winter Festival
23:53 Final Comparison

[lomeroger]

Finally, after many years, I was able to find a channel that doesn't show a kid right out of the diapers, repeating street photography rules that were said decades ago, showing off their latest gear but not one single useful word about art. Thank you so much for giving quality references and presenting these artists with the respect they deserve. I hope it serves as a true inspiration to newcomer photographers and that it teaches them to look at the images that are everywhere instead of keep looking at their gear.

[StarnaessGacha]

The sole fact that this video took months to come to life speaks loudly about the effort you put in. Well done Sir.

[MaunoKoivistoOfficial]

This is what YouTube content should be, but rarely is. Your channel is able to be both informative and meaningful, and that's a huge feat of talent

[RighteousNacho]

Out of all of the photos, the most intriguing one for me was the top-down shot during winter of the woman and the walker. The minimalist use of empty space was quite captivating. ❤

[UndinePoetry]

I'm not a photographer, but I watched till the end like my life depended on it!
While I was staying dry and cosy under the blanket, you went out there, shot in different conditions, and brought up all these brilliant ideas. Impressive work, and I loved the quoted interview in the end, as a conclusion. ❤

[RohanGillett]

Maybe I haven't seen enough videos on YouTube or read enough. But this is the first time I've seen a breakdown of how someone took their photos. Great stuff!

[sarahterry]

When you mentioned how much he utilized winter conditions I expected you to end it there and advise we give that a try. The next thing I know you’re waiting 2 months till winter to actually demonstrate using Sol Leiter’s techniques in winter - RESPECT 👏👏👏

[jimphilpott]

You have done a masterful job with Saul Leiter, capturing both style and technique. The atmosphere of colors, frames, and reflections is reminiscent of the master you are attempting to emulate. I think this is one of your best efforts in imitative photography.

[Nupe]

People spending thousands of dollars to buy the most expensive camera… and this man is shooting with a $200 old canon camera… just perfect. Congrats for you amazing job.

[InsaneDynamics]

I love the effort in not only imitating but telling the whole storyline of where that person is coming from and your perception of how best to take those photos.

[desoriordan]

A great video, Saul Leiter's work makes me wish I could have lived in those times for some reason. But the job of any photographer, hobbyist or professional, is to document the world as it is when they are alive. Leiter certainly did this to perfection. Keep up the great work.

[gabrielgavalo]

Just discovered this channel. Can’t believe I’m just finding it now. These videos are equally informational and entertaining. Well edited, well written, great content, clear and concise. 10/10 might be my new favorite channel.

[johnschnorr]

Bravo. Leiter is my favorite photographer. But I seem to be overwhelmed when i think of trying to do something similar. But, your concentrating on anchor and abstract, red and yellow, negative space and nostalgia is a smart way to start. Your commentary, stories and photos are an inspiration. Looking forward to the next rainy day.

[ahlamamr]

I am so happy to find this channel finally someone talks about photography and the art it is!!

[caroleduhaime]

I love your series on Imitative photography. These videos are both educative and inspiring. I hope you keep making them. You are a great educator as well as an excellent photographer.

[TheFilmFellow]

I’m a huge Saul Leiter fan. Not sure what it is about those Jewish guys but 4 of the 5 of my favorite street photographers are Jewish.
I actually think that your red umbrella shot is right up there with his. Well done man. There were a few other shots you took that were very strong.
And thank you for not corrupting society 😄.

[TomPark]

Love his use of negative space, and his abstract qualities

[gabrielchan]

This is the best video about Saul Leiter and street photographer. May need to watch more than once.

[TheJUIJUIJOJ]

Your videos are excellent! They are a fantastic way to educate photographers. Sometimes photography content can be difficult to relate to, but you do such an impressive job at breaking down the artists core features.

[marceijkelenboom]

This really shows how good a photographer Saul Leiter was. Even though the imitation images match the technical/compositional aspects of the original photos. They totally lack the conceptual and meaningful stories the original images tell. That's not to say they are bad photos, it's more a testament as to why the originals are so good.