Joel Meyerowitz's Enduring Influence on Photography

## A Lifetime of Photography Joel Meyerowitz, a 88-year-old New Yorker, has spent over 60 years using his camera to connect with the world and remain present in the moment. As one of the most defining figures in street photography, Meyerowitz has established a remarkable career, influencing generations of photographers. ## From Street Photography to Large-Format Landscapes Meyerowitz's fascination with people and their behavior is evident in his early street photography, which often featured a sense of humor. He recognized that the world is crazy, and people do the most ridiculous things. With a camera, he had a license to see and witness these absurdities, constantly entertaining himself with human behavior. In 1965, Meyerowitz started carrying two cameras, one loaded with color film and one with black & white, often taking pictures of the same subjects with both to allow direct comparisons later. ## Breaking from the Past As Meyerowitz became more skilled in his craft, he felt the need to move beyond his initial approach to street photography. He wanted to capture more than just a "decisive moment" and decided to expand his focus to include all aspects of the street without hierarchy. By stepping back and using a wider lens, Meyerowitz increased the depth of field and began to see more of the interactions and the mix of elements such as light, space, time, depth, color, action, and individuals. This new approach led to the creation of "field photographs," which are characterized by a rich and complex composition. ## Experimentation and Innovation Meyerowitz's fascination with both small-town life and the play of light on architecture led him to experiment with large-format photography. He shot on 80 ASA film at f/90 with exposures lasting a minute or more, capturing saturated sunsets and atmospheric landscapes. He refers to these images as "entre chien et loup," or "between the dog and the wolf," a French expression for the oncoming twilight. This relatively stately approach fulfilled his aim of breaking from his past and creating a new style. ## Legacy and Influence Meyerowitz's influence extends beyond his own work. He has photographed meaningful objects in the studios of fine artists such as Paul Cézanne and Giorgio Morandi, continuing his dialogue with past masters. His online masterclass, part of the Masters of Photography series, has helped photographers to "up their game" and develop their own photographic identities. A new book based on the series, How I Make Photographs, continues his quest to demystify the medium and help others to develop their own photographic identities. ## A Passion for Photography Meyerowitz remains passionate about photography, stating that it is a medium that is always proposing a new way of looking at the world. He believes that photography is a means to chart one's own personal evolution and that it is part of the joy of photography. With a career spanning over 60 years, Meyerowitz continues to inspire and influence generations of photographers, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of photography.