Sunday 20 May 2007

Elliot Erwitt

Elliot Erwitt...
Born: Paris, 1928

Lived: USA 1939 after parents emigrated from Russia
Moved to NY in 1948

Studied: Photography in LA, Film in NY

Worked: Freelanced for Life, Colliers and more...
Met and learnt from Capa and Steichen
1953 - Became a part of Magnum Photographers

Most Commonly Photographs: Dogs, Beaches, Nudes, Humorous subjects...

New York City, USA (1974)
Erwitt is well known for using dogs as his subjects, and also tends to use almost ironic humor in his shots. This image illustrates both, making it not only interesting to look at, but also a good way to understand the way that Eriwitt worked and what appealed to him.


Colorado, USA (1955)
Erwitt again uses irony and a sort of twisted humor to illustrate his photo of the boy in the car. Obviously the shot was not made at the boy, and the crack was there before, but the placement shows a sort of grim emotion. The picture really evokes a thought which Erwitt was famous for.

Acapulco, Mexico (1991)
This picture represents the subjects as a reflection as opposed to actual people. It is an interesting shot of Erwitt's favorite place to shoot - the beach. The picture is interesting and rather happy and care free, leaving the observer thinking about what the people may look like in person as opposed to being reflected in the water.


Ireland, UK (1968)
This print really displays Erwitt's knack of capturing the comical side of life. The picture gives the appearance of the dog being a part of the woman's face as they blend together. It also incorporates man's best friend, and Erwitt's favorite subject - the dog.