Joel Meyerowitz is a renowned American street, portrait, and landscape photographer whose career has significantly shaped the field of color photography. He began his professional journey in 1962 after being inspired by Robert Frank, quitting his job as an art director to explore the streets of New York City with a 35 mm camera. Meyerowitz was a pioneer in advocating for color photography at a time when it faced skepticism as a serious art form, and he permanently adopted color in 1972, utilizing large format cameras to create stunning images that capture the vibrancy of urban life.

Throughout his career, Meyerowitz has contributed to the art world through teaching and exhibitions. He taught photography at the Cooper Union in New York City in the early 1970s, influencing a new generation of photographers. His work has been featured in prestigious collections, including the International Center of Photography and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. His early street photographs and reflective landscapes have garnered critical acclaim, showcasing his ability to capture moments of astonishment and beauty.

Meyerowitz’s notable projects include documenting the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, where he was granted exclusive access to Ground Zero. This resulted in the powerful book “Aftermath: World Trade Center Archive,” which serves as a historical testament to the events following the tragedy. His work has been recognized with numerous accolades, including his induction into the Leica Hall of Fame in 2017, where he was celebrated for his mastery of color and composition.

As an author of several influential books, including the classic “Cape Light,” Meyerowitz continues to inspire both photographers and art enthusiasts alike. His recent retrospective, “Taking My Time,” encapsulates his journey and evolution as an artist, reflecting on the questions he has explored throughout his career. Meyerowitz’s dedication to photography and his unique vision have solidified his status as a leading figure in contemporary photography, making significant contributions to the medium’s history and future.