Louis Faurer
“I have an intense desire to record life as I see it, as I feel it.”
Louis Faurer (1916 - 2001) was an American photographer known for his candid street photography, capturing the essence of urban life in New York City and Philadelphia during the mid-20th century. His work provides a window into the daily lives of city dwellers, often focusing on individuals in moments of solitude or contemplation.
Early Life and Career
Born on August 28, 1916, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Polish immigrant parents, Faurer displayed an early interest in the arts. He attended the School of Commercial Art and Lettering in Philadelphia, where he studied advertising design. In 1937, he purchased his first camera, a used 35mm Kodak Vollenda, marking the beginning of his photographic journey.
During World War II, Faurer worked as a civilian photographer for the U.S. Army Signal Corps in Philadelphia. After the war, he relocated to New York City, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant art scene. There, he formed a close association with fellow photographer Robert Frank, sharing a darkroom and studio space. Faurer also admired Walker Evans, who introduced him to Alexander Liberman at Vogue, facilitating his entry into fashion photography.
Photographic Style and Techniques
Faurer’s street photography is characterized by its focus on the human condition within the urban environment. He often captured candid moments of individuals, highlighting themes of isolation and introspection amidst bustling city life. His compositions frequently employed high contrast, deep shadows, and reflections, drawing inspiration from the film noir aesthetic. Techniques such as tight cropping and the use of natural lighting were hallmarks of his work, adding depth and complexity to his images.
He once stated, “I have an intense desire to record life as I see it, as I feel it.”
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Faurer contributed to several prominent fashion magazines, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Mademoiselle, and Glamour. Despite his success in fashion photography, he remained dedicated to his personal projects, capturing the essence of street life. His work was featured in notable exhibitions such as Edward Steichen’s “In and Out of Focus” (1948) and “The Family of Man” (1955) at the Museum of Modern Art.
In the mid-1960s, Faurer explored filmmaking, using handheld 16mm cameras to document street scenes, extending his photographic vision into motion pictures. Between 1969 and 1974, he lived and worked in Paris, further broadening his artistic horizons.
Photography Gear
Some of the gear he used includes:
• Kodak Vollenda 35mm Camera: His first camera, acquired in 1937, which initiated his journey into photography.
• Leica Rangefinder Cameras: Known for their compact size and quiet operation, these cameras were ideal for candid street photography, allowing Faurer to capture spontaneous moments discreetly.
• Arriflex 16mm Camera: Used during his exploration into filmmaking in the 1960s, enabling him to capture dynamic street scenes with ease.
• Beaulieu 16mm Camera: Another camera employed for his film projects, valued for its portability and versatility in capturing candid moments.
Books
Louis Faurer’s work is encapsulated in the monograph titled “Louis Faurer”(Amazon), published by Steidl in collaboration with the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson in 2016.
This publication presents a comprehensive collection of Faurer’s street photography from the 1940s and 1950s, focusing on the streets of New York City. The book includes approximately 100 images that showcase his ability to capture candid moments of urban life, emphasizing themes of solitude and introspection within the bustling city environment. Faurer’s use of natural light, reflections, and high-contrast compositions is evident throughout the collection, offering insights into his techniques and artistic vision.
For practicing photographers, this monograph serves as a valuable resource by illustrating how Faurer employed various photographic techniques to convey emotion and narrative. His work demonstrates the effective use of natural lighting and reflections to create mood and atmosphere, as well as the importance of capturing candid moments to tell compelling stories. Additionally, the book provides context through essays and interviews, shedding light on Faurer’s approach and the historical backdrop of his work.
Quotes
• “Original art emanates in the mind… and lessens society’s confusion from self-indulgence, avarice, and greed to trust, hope, and love.”
• “I have an intense desire to record life as I see it, as I feel it.”
Legacy and Influence
Louis Faurer’s work remains a significant contribution to American postwar street photography. His photographs from New York and Philadelphia serve as historical records of mid-20th-century urban life. Though he did not achieve widespread recognition during his most active years, his work gained broader attention in the 1990s. Faurer is now regarded as a key figure in 20th-century American photography, particularly for his focus on personal, often overlooked moments in public settings.
