Quick Take

The original, instant classic which set the world afire. The first book to introduce the phenomenon that is the life story and work of Vivian Maier.A good street photographer must be possessed of many talents: an eye for detail, light, and composition; impeccable timing; a populist or humanitarian outlook; and a tireless ability to constantly shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot and never miss a moment. It is hard enough to find thesequalities in trained photographers with the benefit of schooling and mentors and a community of fellow artists and aficionados supporting and rewarding their efforts. It is incredibly rare to find it in someone with no formal training and no network of peers.Yet Vivian Maier is all of these things, a professional nanny, who from the 1950s until the 1990s took over 100,000 photographs worldwide-from France to New York City to Chicago and dozens of other countries-and yet showed the results to no one. The photos are amazing both for the breadth of the work and for the high quality of the humorous, moving, beautiful, and raw images of all facets of city life in America's post-war golden age.It wasn't until local historian John Maloof purchased a box of Maier's negatives from a Chicago auction house and began collecting and championing her marvelous work just a few years ago that any of it saw the light of day. Presented here for the first time in print, Vivian Maier: Street Photographer collects the best of her incredible, unseen body of work.Please note that all blank pages in the book were chosen as part of the design by the publisher.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Vivian Maier: Street Photographer

Introduction

Vivian Maier: Street Photographer is a book that has captivated readers worldwide, showcasing the incredible talent and artistry of an unknown street photographer. The book features the best of Vivian Maier's unseen body of work, offering a glimpse into her remarkable life and her ability to capture the essence of city life in America's post-war golden age. In this article, we will explore the book's content, the author's background, and readers' reactions to provide a comprehensive review of this captivating book.

About Vivian Maier

Vivian Maier was an American street photographer who spent over 40 years working as a nanny in Chicago, Illinois. Despite her lack of formal training and network of peers, Maier took over 100,000 photographs worldwide, showcasing her exceptional eye for detail, composition, and her ability to capture the human experience. Maier's photographs were unknown until historian John Maloof discovered her work in a box of negatives at an auction. Since then, Maier's work has gained critical acclaim and has been exhibited in various galleries and museums around the world.

Analysis of Views

Incredible Talent: Readers are amazed by Vivian Maier's talent as a street photographer. They admire her ability to capture the ebb and flow of life, the humor, moving, beautiful, and raw images of city life. Maier's photographs are described as both remarkable and breathtaking, showcasing her skill in capturing moments that would otherwise be missed.
Unremarkable Life: Despite her incredible talent, Maier's life was marked by anonymity and obscurity. Readers find it remarkable that she was able to create such stunning work without seeking fame or recognition. The fact that she kept her photographs hidden from the world adds to the intrigue and mystery surrounding her life and work.
Visual Storytelling: Maier's photographs are not just about capturing moments; they tell stories. Readers appreciate how she uses light, composition, and perspective to convey emotions and convey a sense of place. Her images evoke a sense of nostalgia and transport readers back in time to a different era.
Humanistic Approach: Maier's photographs have a humanistic approach that resonates with readers. She captures people from all walks of life, including children, the poor, and the marginalized. Her images challenge stereotypes and offer a nuanced perspective on society.
Inspiration: Vivian Maier's work serves as an inspiration for aspiring photographers. Readers appreciate how she captured life without seeking fame or recognition, proving that true talent can emerge from unexpected places. Her story encourages readers to pursue their passions without worrying about external validation.

Reasons for Recommendation

Exceptional Photography: The quality of Vivian Maier's photographs is a major reason for recommending this book. Readers are blown away by the breadth of her work and the high quality of her images. They appreciate how she was able to capture the essence of city life with such skill and sensitivity.
Intriguing Story: The story behind Vivian Maier's work is equally captivating. Readers are fascinated by the fact that her photographs remained unknown for so long and how John Maloof discovered them by chance. The mystery surrounding her life and work adds to the intrigue and makes the book a page-turner.
Inspirational Message: Vivian Maier's story serves as an inspiration for readers who value authenticity and creativity. Her ability to create stunning photographs without seeking fame or recognition is a powerful message for those who pursue their passions with dedication and integrity. The book offers a reminder that true talent can emerge from unexpected places, regardless of external validation.

Conclusion

Vivian Maier: Street Photographer is a book that has captured the hearts and minds of readers worldwide. Through her exceptional photography and intriguing story, Vivian Maier has left an indelible mark on the world of street photography. Her ability to capture the essence of city life with such skill and sensitivity has inspired countless photographers and readers alike. Whether you are a photography enthusiast or simply appreciate great storytelling, this book is a must-read that will leave you in awe of Vivian Maier's talent and legacy.