Elliott Erwitt

Elliott Erwitt ( born July 26, 1928 in Paris, France), is an American photographer and was temporarily President and Vice President of the photo agency Magnum Photos.

Life

Erwitt grew up in Milan and Paris and emigrated in 1939 with his family to the United States. He studied at Los Angeles City College and worked during the Second World War in a photo lab.

1948 Erwitt moved to New York City to study at the New York School for Social Research film. This year, he met the famous photographer Edward Steichen and Robert Capa. Erwitt first worked at Standard Oil Company of New York and Pittsburgh.

Until 1953, Erwitt began working for Magnum. A year later, he was already a full member of the Agency. 1966 Erwitt became president of Magnum and retained the position for three years until 1969.

He portrayed many celebrities such as Marlene Dietrich, Jacqueline Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, as well as Fidel Castro and Che Guevara.

From 1970 he made his first of several films and received in 1973 a grant from the American Film Institute. He served again in 1974 and 1980 as Vice President of Magnum.

Elliott Erwitt has become primarily known for his enigmatic, mischievous subjects in black and white. As an avowed dog fan in this case the four-legged play a special role in his photographic work.

Erwitt is married to the German filmmaker and writer Pia Frankenberg.

Quotes

"The ' essence of what happens ' - that's what matters. "

"The ' essence of the action ' - that's what matters. "