We recently discussed the work of Lee Friedlander at the Miami Street Photography Club. I really like Friedlander’s photographs specially his use of reflections on windows .This post has some of my favorite Lee Friedlander’s shots.
“I only wanted Uncle Vernon standing by his own car (a Hudson) on a clear day, I got him and the car. I also got a bit of Aunt Mary’s laundry and Beau Jack, the dog, peeing on the fence, and a row of potted tuberous begonias on the porch and 78 trees and a million pebbles in the driveway and more. It’s a generous medium, photography.” – Lee Friedlander
Lee Friedlander
Lee Friedlander
Lee Friedlander
Lee Friedlander
Born in 1934, Friedlander was known for taking pictures of the social landscape. He also took pictures of many other things from nudes to monuments. But the three things that sort of define his style for most of his career are:
1-Reflections: Friedlander loved to take pictures of people reflecting in the windows of street stores or viewed through the window. He loved the play of images superimposing each other.
Lee Friedlander
Lee Friedlander
Lee Friedlander
2-Frames: He also frequently shot using the car’s windows as a frame within the frame. He also used windshields and rear view mirrors for the same purpose.
Lee Friedlander
Lee Friedlander
3-Shadows of himself: this was almost his signature. He loved to include a shadow of himself into the image and make it part of the story. Sometimes he would include a full reflection of himself in the image.
Lee Friedlander
Lee Friedlander
Lee Friedlander
“…a mysterious intersection of chance and attention that goes well beyond the existential surrealism of the “decisive moment”. -Lee Friedlander
My favorite Friedlander quote is: “You don’t have to go looking for pictures. The material is generous. You go out and the pictures are staring at you”.
I agree. That’s why I go out for a walk.
JJR
Out For A Walk - Street Photography Blog 
Reblogged this on Streetphotography's Weblog and commented:
Brilliant
Thanks!
Great Photographs!!
Fascinating!! A great street photographer. This post is really interesting and well thought out and gives me such ideas!!! I like how he made a “signature” as you say of including his shadow..it’s an interesting idea thanks mate!!
I just bought his restrospective put together by the MET in NYC, and it’s amazing. Friedlander made copious photo books he himself edited and proofed. If you can get this book, it will change how you see streetphotography. I love Gilden, Winogrand, Meyerowitz etc…but Friedlander….he’s got it man in spades. He has changed my eye and I”m only 1/4 into this book!
I’ve just discovered your site and find the posts really interesting and thought-provoking. I particularly liked the one where you state that you leave your pictures in colour, i also prefer my street shots in colour although i usually convert them to black and white ( in order to conform, sad to say). Now I feel liberated!
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One of my fav photographers and one of the most prolific ones as well.. This is just the tip of the iceberg of his work.. He has so much more There is a book called “Sticks and Stones Architectural America” its new work that harkens back to is old work but is still very inspired and breaking new ground.. Keep up the good posts.