San Francisco, 2006

Caitlin Burke

In Homage To...

Elliot Erwitt

Elliot Erwitt was born in Paris, but became an American as his Russian parents emigrated in 1939. He studied photography in Los Angeles and worked as a photographic assistant in the US Army before going to study film in New York.

Roy Stryker gave him a job with his Standard Oil photo project in 1950, and he also met Capa and Steichen. He freelanced for Life, Colliers and other magazines and some of his pictures were included in 'The Family of Man', Steichens huge 1956 show.

He joined Magnum in 1953, becoming a full member the next year, becoming well known as a photojournalist although he felt some of his best work didn't get published.

Some years later a number of Magnum photographers did some commercial and advertising work. Erwitt discovered a talent for this and became a very successful adverting photographer. He has also worked extensively in film and TV, making a number of highly succesful features, documentaries and commercials.

Erwitt's photography has often reflected his sense of humour. He has published a number of books including one of his pictures of dogs and another of his work on beaches. He has a real talent for scenes that amuse.

Notable Photographers at About