The legendary photographer
Leigh Wiener, August 25, 1929 – May 11, 1993, was a renowned American photographer and photojournalist whose career spanned five decades. He was born in New York City and his passion for photography was shaped early on by family friend and renowned street photographer Arthur Fellig, better known as “Weegee.”
Wiener is known for his ability to create intimate and iconic portraits of personalities from politics, entertainment, sports, and science. He photographed every US president from Truman to Reagan, Hollywood legends such as Marilyn Monroe and Marlon Brando, musicians such as Miles Davis and Frank Sinatra, Mahalia Jackson, Johnny Cash, as well as poets and scientists. His pictures have appeared in major publications such as the Los Angeles Times, Life, Time, Fortune, and Sports Illustrated.
He was an innovator in his technique, often developing his own camera and lens combinations to achieve the desired effects. Wiener saw himself as a “psychologist” behind the camera, seeking to reveal the personality of the people he photographed rather than simply creating a likeness.
Early career
Im Alter von 14 Jahren verkaufte Wiener sein erstes kommerzielles Foto an die Collier's Weekly. Nach seinem Studium an der UCLA, wo er Politikwissenschaften studierte, arbeitete er als Nachrichtenreporter für die Los Angeles Times. Seine Zeit dort wurde durch seinen Militärdienst in Europa als Armeefotograf für Stars and Stripes unterbrochen.
Own company
In 1958, he founded his own company.
Political photography
He extensively documented John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign in 1960 and accompanied him on his travels.
"Talk About Pictures“
Wiener war Mitbegründer und Co-Moderator der Emmy-prämierten Fernsehsendung "Talk About Pictures" auf KNBC, wo er über Fotografie sprach und Gäste aus der Branche begrüßte.
My special thanks go to Devik Wiener,
Leigh Wieners' son, for sharing and making these unique historical documents available.
www.leighwiener.com