Saul Leiter, a pioneer in the world of colour photography, is renowned for transforming ordinary street scenes into painterly, almost abstract works of art. Critics celebrate his work for its use of reflections, soft focus, muted tones, and painterly qualities. If you want to infuse your photography with Leiter’s distinctive style, this blog post offers tips to help you get started and take photos like Saul Leiter.
Who Was Saul Leiter?
Saul Leiter (1923-2013) was an influential American photographer and painter who helped shape the world of colour photography. His career spanned several decades, and he was a key figure in the New York School of Photography—a vibrant mid-20th-century movement alongside legends like Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, and Robert Frank.
Though his work flew under the radar for many years, today Saul Leiter is celebrated for his unique eye and talent for revealing unexpected beauty in everyday urban scenes (see my photo in Figure 1).
What Type of Photography Did Saul Leiter Shoot?
In short, Leiter’s photographic style stands out for its abstract compositions (see my photo in Figure 2). Creative use of reflections (see my photo in Figure 3). And also it’s painterly approach to colour. As a key figure in the New York School of Photography, Leiter captured everyday urban life in New York City with a unique eye, revealing beauty in the most ordinary moments.
As an early pioneer of colour photography, Leiter’s background as a painter shines through in his sophisticated use of hues. Without a doubt, his intimate, candid shots and knack for capturing spontaneous moments have left a lasting legacy, encouraging photographers everywhere to embrace colour and abstraction as powerful artistic tools.
Essential Tips to Take Photos Like Saul Leiter
Ready to create photos that capture the magic of Saul Leiter’s style? Then start by embracing these essential tips:
1. Embrace Colours
Use Muted and Pastel Tones: Leiter’s photos aren’t about bold, flashy hues—they’re about subtle, gentle tones that create a calm, dreamy vibe. So, look for scenes filled with faded paint, weathered signs, or old buildings with pastel shades. These softer colours will help your photos feel timeless and poetic (see my photo in Figure 4).
Experiment with Film or Film-Like Filters: Want that classic Leiter look? Then try shooting with film—or use digital filters that mimic vintage film like Kodachrome or Agfacolor, which were favourites in the 1950s and beyond.
Adjust White Balance: Don’t forget to play with your camera’s white balance, too! Tweaking it warmer (see my photo in Figure 5) or cooler (see my photo in Figure 6) can enhance those delicate, muted tones and bring your images closer to Leiter’s signature style.
2. Seek Out Reflections and Layers
Photograph Through Windows: Another of Leiter’s signature moves was capturing scenes through windows and glass, using reflections to add mystery and depth. Therefore, look for chances to photograph through shop windows, glass doors, or rainy panes (see my photo in Figure 7). Consequently, these reflections create layered, almost dreamlike images that draw viewers in.
Use Mirrors and Other Reflective Surfaces: Don’t stop at windows—try mirrors, puddles, or any shiny surface that can bounce light and images back at you. In addition, study angles to discover surprising and abstract compositions (see my photo in Figure 8).
Play with Composition: Think about how reflections can overlap with objects in your frame—this layering adds richness and guides the eye deeper into the scene. Using reflections in the foreground to frame your main subject is a powerful way to create visual interest and complexity, just like Leiter did.
3. Focus on Abstract Composition
Tight Cropping and Unusual Angles: Saul Leiter also loved breaking the rules—using tight crops and unusual angles to turn everyday scenes into abstract works of art. So, don’t be afraid to cut off parts of your subject or frame your shot to add mystery and intrigue.
Play with Light and Shadow: Keep an eye on how light and shadow play across your scene. Use these contrasts to create bold shapes and patterns that make your photos pop (see my photo in Figure 9).
Shoot Through Objects: Try shooting through fences, glass, or leaves. These foreground elements act like natural filters, adding layers and depth while partially obscuring your subject for a more abstract feel.
Embrace Minimalism: And remember—less can be more. Thus, embrace minimalism by leaving plenty of negative space around your subject (see my photo in Figure 10). Isolating your subject against a simple background can turn ordinary shapes and colours into stunning, abstract compositions.
4. Capture the Everyday
Find Beauty in the Mundane: Leiter had a remarkable gift for seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary (see my photo in Figure 11). To capture this yourself, focus on everyday scenes—people strolling down the street, a street vendor at work, or parked cars quietly lining the curb. When framed thoughtfully, these simple moments can become captivating stories.
Look at textures and patterns too: peeling paint, cobblestone streets, or objects arranged in a shop window, all offer unexpected visual interest.
Focus on Quiet Moments: Instead of dramatic or action-packed scenes, seek out quiet, thoughtful moments (e.g., when individuals engage in self-reflection). These can be more evocative and reveal the poetry of everyday life (see my photos in Figures 12 & 13).
5. Create Mood and Atmosphere
Shoot in Different Weather Conditions: Leiter wasn’t afraid to shoot in less-than-perfect weather—rain, snow, and fog all became tools to add atmosphere and texture to his photos. So, next time the weather’s gloomy, see it as your creative advantage and capture those unique, moody scenes.
Use Soft Focus and Blur: Try adding a soft focus or gentle blur to your shots to give them a dreamy, painterly feel (see my photo in Figure 14). Whether you do this in-camera or during editing, keep it subtle—just enough to enhance the mood without overpowering the image.
6. Practice Patience and Observation
Take Your Time: Saul Leiter’s photography shows the magic that comes from patience and careful observation. Thus, take your time—slow down, really see your surroundings, and wait for that perfect moment to click the shutter.
Be Discreet: Often, the most emotive shots are those taken when people don’t even realise you’re there. So, be discreet. Blend into the background and capture genuine, unposed moments that reveal real life in all its beauty.
7. Integrate Painterly Techniques
Think Like a Painter: Leiter’s background in painting also influenced how he captured images. Therefore, see your photo like a painter—pay attention to the balance, arrangement, and harmony of colours and shapes within your frame (see my photo in Figure 15).
Use Negative Space: Don’t shy away from empty spaces. Use negative space thoughtfully to create a visual balance, making your subject stand out.
Summary: How to Take Photos Like Saul Leiter
- Think Like a Painter: Use colour thoughtfully to create mood and atmosphere, not just to document.
- Embrace Abstraction: Frame your shots with reflections, shadows, or objects that partially obscure the scene.
- Shoot Through Surfaces: Capture images through rain-streaked windows, foggy glass, or mirrors for texture and mystery.
- Focus on Everyday Moments: Find beauty in ordinary urban scenes and quiet, fleeting moments.
- Use Negative Space: Let empty or shadowed areas add balance and emotion to your compositions.
- Play with Soft Focus: Don’t be afraid to soften your images to create a dreamy, painterly effect.
- Capture Spontaneity: Be ready to snap candid, unposed moments that reveal genuine human life.
Conclusion
Capturing photos in Saul Leiter’s style is about more than copying his techniques—it’s about shifting your mindset to see the beauty hidden in everyday life. It means embracing abstraction, playing with colour and reflections, and creating poetic and impressionistic images.
Moreover, by experimenting with these ideas, you can add a fresh, timeless quality to your photography, similar to Leiter’s work. So grab your camera, explore your world with new eyes, and most of all, have fun creating!
More Photos That Capture the Beauty of Everyday Life, Like Saul Leiter
Finally, here are more of my photos that capture the simple, everyday beauty of urban life—shots inspired by Saul Leiter’s unique vision.
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