Hanoi

Saul Leiter, the American photographer and painter (1923–2013), stands as one of the most influential figures in the evolution of colour street photography. Largely self-taught and initially trained as a painter, Leiter rejected the stark, documentary-style black-and-white imagery that dominated mid-twentieth-century street photography. Instead, he embraced a painterly approach characterised by soft focus, layered compositions, and the subtle interplay of colour, reflection, and abstraction. His work, primarily captured in the streets of New York’s East Village, transformed ordinary urban moments into poetic visual experiences, establishing him as a pioneer who elevated colour photography from a commercial tool to a legitimate artistic medium.

The profound influence of Leiter’s aesthetic can be observed in the deliberate use of reflections, windows, and atmospheric elements that obscure and reveal subjects simultaneously. Rather than pursuing the decisive moment favoured by many contemporaries, Leiter sought quiet, contemplative fragments of city life. His images often feature muted tones, unexpected framing, and a harmonious balance between foreground and background, creating a dreamlike quality that invites viewers to linger. This rejection of aggressive realism in favour of beauty found in the mundane has reshaped how subsequent generations approach street photography, encouraging a more introspective and lyrical perspective.

In my own practice of street photography, Leiter’s work has served as a foundational source of inspiration, fundamentally altering my visual language. His ability to harness colour not merely as decoration but as an emotional and compositional force prompted me to move beyond conventional sharpness and contrast. I began experimenting with similar techniques—shooting through rain-streaked glass, utilising shadows and silhouettes, and allowing ambient light to diffuse forms—resulting in images that prioritise mood and texture over literal representation. This shift has enriched my portfolio with a more nuanced, painterly sensibility.