Saul Leiter

Born in Pittsburgh to an Orthodox Jewish family, Saul Leiter's father was a prominent Talmudic scholar, and young Saul was initially expected to follow in his footsteps. Clearly, this did not happen. After studying at a theological seminary in Cleveland, Leiter pulled a fast one and moved to New York City at 23, pursuing art instead of divinity, much to his father's chagrin.

Leiter found his true calling in photography, particularly street photography, where he utilized reflections, unusual framing, and a masterful use of color when color photography was still a nascent art form. His work, though critically acclaimed, largely remained out of the public eye until later in his life, proving that sometimes even genius needs a good publicist.

His distinctive style helped define the New York School, and his photographs now hang in major museums worldwide, solidifying his place as a master of modern photography. While he eschewed religious life, his commitment to his art suggests a different kind of devotion, perhaps finding his own form of spiritual pursuit through the lens.