What Camera Gear do they use?

  Weegee: The Master of Raw Urban Storytelling Introduction Weegee (Arthur Fellig, 1899–1968) was one of the most iconic and influential street photographers of the 20th century. Known for his stark, high-contrast black-and-white images of New York City’s crime scenes, nightlife, and urban chaos, Weegee captured the raw, unfiltered essence of mid-century America. His work blended photojournalism with a unique artistic sensibility, making him a pioneer in documenting the gritty reality of city life. Weegee’s ability to arrive at the scene of an event before anyone else—earning him his nickname from the Ouija board—cemented his legend as a photographer who was always in the right place at the right time. Camera Gear Used by Weegee Cameras 4×5 Speed Graphic – Weegee’s primary camera, renowned for its durability and reliability. He used this large-format press camera for its ability to produce high-quality, detailed negatives, even in low-light conditions. Burke & James Pr...

  William Klein: The Rebel Who Redefined Street Photography Introduction William Klein (1928–2022) was an American-French photographer and filmmaker whose raw, uncompromising style revolutionized street and fashion photography. Known for his high-contrast, grainy, and often chaotic images, Klein broke the rules of traditional photography, embracing blur, distortion, and bold compositions. His work captured the energy and complexity of urban life, particularly in his iconic books like Life Is Good & Good for You in New York (1956) and his city-focused projects in Rome, Moscow, and Tokyo. Klein’s fearless approach and innovative techniques continue to inspire photographers to push the boundaries of the medium. Camera Gear Used by William Klein Cameras Leica IIIf – Borrowed from Henri Cartier-Bresson, this was Klein’s primary camera for his groundbreaking New York street photography in the mid-1950s. Leica IIIf Leica M2 – Used for its compactness and quiet operation, ideal fo...

  Edward Steichen: The Visionary Who Transformed Photography Introduction Edward Steichen (1879–1973) was a pioneering photographer, painter, and curator whose work spanned fine art, fashion, war, and documentary photography. Born in Luxembourg and raised in the United States, Steichen began his career as a painter before turning to photography, where he became a central figure in the Pictorialist movement and later a modernist innovator. His influence extended beyond his own images—he was a co-founder of the Photo-Secession, director of photography at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and creator of the iconic The Family of Man exhibition. Steichen’s ability to blend artistry with technical mastery made him one of the most versatile and impactful photographers of the 20th century. Camera Gear Used by Edward Steichen Cameras Kodak "Detective" Box Camera – Steichen’s first camera, purchased secondhand in 1895, which he used to explore the basics of photography. Kodak Detecti...

  Inge Morath: The Humanist Eye of Magnum Photography Introduction Inge Morath (1923–2002) was one of the first women to join the prestigious Magnum Photos agency, where she became renowned for her empathetic, humanistic approach to photography. Born in Austria, Morath’s career spanned five decades, capturing everything from intimate portraits of cultural icons to vibrant street scenes and poignant documentary work. Her ability to connect with her subjects and reveal their essence made her a defining figure in 20th-century photography. Camera Gear Used by Inge Morath Cameras Leica rangefinder cameras – Morath was closely associated with Leica, particularly using models compatible with 35mm film, which allowed for discreet, candid photography. 35mm film cameras – She primarily shot with 35mm cameras, as evidenced by her extensive archive of black-and-white 35mm negatives held by Magnum Photos. Lenses Leica 35mm f/1.4 (pre-aspherical) – A favored lens for its versatility and a...

  Berenice Abbott: The Architect of Modern Photography and New York’s Soul Introduction Berenice Abbott (1898–1991) was a trailblazing American photographer whose work bridged art, documentary, and science. Best known for her iconic black-and-white images of 1930s New York City, Abbott’s career spanned portraiture, urban landscapes, and scientific photography. Her meticulous approach and technical mastery made her one of the 20th century’s most influential photographers, capturing the essence of a transforming metropolis and the beauty of physical phenomena. Camera Gear Used by Berenice Abbott Cameras Century Universal 8x10 inch view camera – Used for her Changing New York project, prized for its precision and large-format detail. Korona 8x10 inch view camera – Employed during her early portraiture in Paris, offering exceptional image quality and control. Lenses Zeiss and Goerz optics – Renowned for sharpness and clarity, essential for her architectural and documentary work...

  Lisette Model: The Uncompromising Eye of Street and Portrait Photography Introduction Lisette Model (1901–1983) was one of the most radical and influential photographers of the 20th century. Known for her raw, confrontational portraits and unsentimental street photography, Model rejected beauty, elegance, and idealization in favor of truth, intensity, and presence. Born in Vienna and later working in Paris and New York, Model turned her camera toward subjects many photographers avoided: excess, aging bodies, awkwardness, arrogance, vulnerability, and power. From wealthy vacationers on the French Riviera to passersby in New York City, her photographs confront viewers with the physical and psychological reality of her subjects. Beyond her own work, Model’s influence expanded enormously through her teaching. As a longtime instructor at the New School in New York, she shaped generations of photographers — most notably Diane Arbus — instilling a philosophy that prioritized honesty, e...

Helen Levitt: The Poet of the Sidewalk Introduction Helen Levitt (1913–2009) is one of the most important and quietly radical figures in the history of street photography. Best known for her lyrical images of children and everyday life in New York City, Levitt transformed ordinary sidewalks into stages of play, performance, and fleeting beauty. Working primarily in working-class neighborhoods such as Harlem, the Lower East Side, and the Bronx, Levitt photographed children at play, chalk drawings, gestures, and interactions that revealed a world of imagination unfolding in public space. Her work is neither sentimental nor sociological; instead, it is attentive, playful, and deeply human. Though often associated with black-and-white photography, Levitt was also an early and highly sophisticated color photographer. Her influence can be traced through generations of street photographers who value spontaneity, empathy, and visual rhythm over spectacle or drama. Camera Gear Used by ...

Thomas Hoepker: The Humanist Eye of Magnum Photojournalism Introduction Thomas Hoepker (1936–2024) was one of the most respected photojournalists of the postwar era and a defining member of Magnum Photos . Known for his clarity, empathy, and narrative intelligence, Hoepker documented major social, political, and cultural shifts across more than six decades — from Cold War Europe to the United States, from civil rights to everyday life. Born in Munich, Hoepker began photographing as a teenager and joined Magnum in 1964, becoming a full member in 1966. He later served as Magnum’s president, helping shape the agency’s editorial direction. While capable of covering major world events, Hoepker was especially admired for his ability to find human-scale stories within larger historical moments. His photography is marked by calm observation rather than drama. Even in moments of crisis, Hoepker’s images retain balance and moral restraint, focusing on how individuals exist within history rathe...