At the end of the last school year, my photography teacher assigned our class a renowned photographer to study and emulate during the summer break: Saul Leiter.
On the surface, you might think Leiter’s photography and cars have little to do with each other. However, a closer look at his work and approach reveals a more nuanced, open-to-interpretation connection.
In fact, Leiter’s work falls into two main categories. Early in his career, he focused on intimate black-and-white images, and even nudes. Leiter next moved on to what he’s best known for, and what inspired me most: saturated, highly atmospheric color photography. Whether it was photos taken through fences, through windows streaming with water, or covered in snow, Saul Leiter enjoyed using physical filters between himself and the subject.
With this knowledge and the same mindset, I patiently waited for Risenation French Chapter VI to do my homework.
This was the second time I’d photographed the event, and once again, the Château de Laverdines proved just as effective at adding charm to the occasion.
Of course, I didn’t plan on only capturing Leiter-style photos during the two days I attended; that would have been a waste.
The weather during the event was exactly what I had hoped for: a beautiful blue sky with a few clouds that occasionally gave way to drizzle, which cleared in less than 10 minutes. Capturing rain trails on windows was one of three photos requested for the series.
I often found myself looking for unusual angles, whether by positioning low and shooting from beneath obstacles, or through a barrier or even a spoiler.
Above are my three selected Leiter-inspired photos.
For any photographer friends reading this: draw inspiration from Saul Leiter and push your search for unique angles as far as you can. Even if that means you look a little strange lying under a bench to photograph a car…
