Joel Meyerowitz

Street Smarts: Joel Meyerowitz

Anything we do with passion, obsession, or desire teaches us not only about the medium we're using but about ourselves. Few embody that truth more fully than Joel Meyerowitz — a photographer whose inspiring work ethic and achievements have shaped generations of street photographers.

Meyerowitz began his journey in 1962, after witnessing Robert Frank shoot on the streets. So inspired, he quit his job, picked up a camera, and dove headfirst into the genre — one he’d go on to redefine. Over time, Meyerowitz became as influential as legends like Frank and Cartier-Bresson, if not more so.

He’s published over 40 books that not only showcase his work but share lessons about street photography and those who paved the way. Among them is Bystander, often referred to as the “Bible of Street Photography,” and How I Make Photographs, a practical guide full of insights into his creative process. Over his 60-year career, his photographs have appeared in 350 exhibitions globally, spanning countless subgenres. Even now, in his 80s, he continues to create — focusing currently on still life.

Meyerowitz also played a crucial role in validating color photography as a serious artistic medium. Coming from a background in painting and art direction, it seemed natural to him to capture the world in color. At the time, however, most high-art photographers dismissed color film as suitable only for weddings and ads. To challenge this view, he conducted side-by-side experiments using two Leica cameras — one with Kodachrome color film, the other with black-and-white Tri-X — capturing the same street scenes. The results convinced him that color images could tell deeper, richer stories, offering more emotional and contextual information than black and white.

He believes in capturing the energy of the streets by embracing them completely — what he calls “owning the streets.” For Meyerowitz, everything and everyone in public is fair game to be photographed. He encourages photographers to face fear and shyness with smiles and positive energy, trusting that honest work comes from honestly reflecting the world around you. By immersing yourself, following your instincts, and being patient, you allow the camera to take you on an adventure — one that leads to meaningful, timeless images.

This mindset carried him through one of his most significant projects: documenting Ground Zero after 9/11. Despite photography being banned at the site, Meyerowitz found a way in through city connections and became the only photographer allowed to capture the aftermath. His work became a visual record of a moment that affected the entire world.

He also practices what he preaches through quieter, more personal projects — such as Redheads (1990), a celebration of red-haired individuals, and his ongoing still-life images made from found objects. Meyerowitz’s flexibility, instinct, and lifelong curiosity have produced a career full of inspiration. For photographers of any genre, there’s an endless well of insight to draw from in his body of work.