Elliott Erwitt was born on July 26, 1928, in Paris, France. When he was just ten years old, his family moved to the United States, where he would spend the rest of his childhood. It was during this time that Erwitt first developed an interest in photography, a passion that would shape his future career.
After finishing high school, Erwitt attended Los Angeles City College, where he studied photography. He quickly realized that he had a natural talent for the craft and decided to pursue it further. He later moved to New York City, where he continued his studies in photography and filmmaking at the prestigious New School for Social Research.
In 1951, Erwitt was drafted into the US Army. During his time in the military, he was assigned various photographic duties, which allowed him to hone his skills and develop his unique style. It was during this time that he discovered his love for capturing candid moments and documenting the world around him.
After completing his military service, Erwitt began working as a freelance photographer for magazines such as Collier's, Look, and Holiday. His unique style, characterized by its absurdist tone and fascination with dogs, quickly caught the attention of the photography world. In 1953, he joined Magnum Photos, an independent photographic collective, where he would further establish himself as a prominent figure in advertising and documentary photography.
Over the course of his career, Erwitt has photographed a wide range of subjects, from everyday life to influential figures. His work often explores the humor and irony of the human experience, capturing moments that are both poignant and humorous.
One of the most distinctive features of Erwitt's photography is his fascination with dogs. Throughout his career, he has captured countless images of these loyal companions, often in unexpected and comedic situations. His ability to capture the unique personalities of dogs has made him a beloved figure in the world of animal photography.
Erwitt has been married several times throughout his life. From 1953 to 1960, he was married to Lucienne Van Kan, with whom he had four children. He later married Diana Dann from 1968 to 1975, and Susan Ringo from 1977 to 1984. His fourth marriage was to Pia Frankenberg from 1995 to 2010, with whom he had two children.
Throughout his career, Erwitt has had the opportunity to photograph numerous influential figures, including Marilyn Monroe and Barack Obama. His unique perspective and ability to capture the essence of his subjects have made him a sought-after photographer for celebrities and public figures alike.
As a French-born American photographer, Elliott Erwitt has made a lasting impact on the world of photography. His unique style and distinctive voice have earned him a reputation as one of the most creative and influential photographers of his generation.
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