William Klein (photographer)
William Klein (April 19, 1928 – September 5, 2022) was an American-born French photographer and filmmaker noted for his ironic approach to both media and his extensive use of unconventional photographic techniques in the context of photojournalism and fashion photography.
Klein initially trained as a painter, studying with Fernand Léger. However, he soon became interested in photography, applying his abstract painting sensibility to the medium. He is best known for his raw, grainy, and often blurred street photography, capturing the energy and chaos of modern urban life, particularly in cities like New York, Rome, Moscow, and Tokyo.
His groundbreaking book, Life is Good & Good for You in New York (1956), significantly influenced the development of street photography by challenging conventional notions of composition and subject matter. Klein often used wide-angle lenses, motion blur, and high contrast to create dynamic and disorienting images that reflected the overwhelming nature of the urban environment.
Beyond street photography, Klein was a highly influential fashion photographer, working for Vogue for many years. He brought his street photography aesthetic to the world of fashion, injecting a sense of realism and spontaneity into highly stylized shoots. He also directed numerous feature films, documentaries, and television commercials, often exploring themes of consumerism, spectacle, and the media.
Klein's work has been widely exhibited and published, and he is considered one of the most important and innovative photographers of the 20th century. His distinctive style and experimental approach continue to inspire photographers and filmmakers today.
Key aspects of his work include:
- Street Photography: Documenting the pulse and energy of urban life with a raw and unflinching eye.
- Unconventional Techniques: Employing wide-angle lenses, motion blur, high contrast, and unconventional framing.
- Fashion Photography: Bringing a street photography sensibility to the world of fashion, challenging traditional aesthetics.
- Filmmaking: Directing feature films, documentaries, and commercials that explore social and political themes.