In the world of photography, there are a handful of names that stand out for their unparalleled vision and ability to capture the essence of a moment. One such luminary is Jay Maisel, a legendary New York photographer whose work has left an indelible mark on the industry. Maisel’s style is distinctive and instantly recognizable, and his photographs possess a captivating quality that sets them apart. Let’s embark on a journey through the lens of Jay Maisel, exploring his style and the elements that make his photos truly unique.
Jay Maisel. By Matt Leitholt.
Jay Maisel began his photography journey in 1954 after receiving an education in painting and graphic design at Cooper Union and Yale. His illustrious career spans over six decades, during which he has captured iconic figures like jazz legend Miles Davis and the timeless beauty of Marilyn Monroe. Maisel’s photograph of Davis even graced the cover of the renowned 1959 record Kind of Blue, a masterpiece in the jazz world.
But Maisel’s accomplishments extend far beyond the realm of music. He has been recognized for his excellence by several prestigious photographic organizations, such as the International Center for Photography, the American Society of Media Photographers, and the Professional Photographers of America, among many others.
Miles Davis, Kind of Blue. By Jay Maisel.
While Maisel has captured renowned personalities throughout his career, his true brilliance lies in his ability to capture the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of daily life through the vividness of light, color, and gesture. In his book, Light, Gesture & Color, Maisel emphasizes the importance of gesture in conveying a narrative. According to him, “gesture” is the “expression that is at the very heart of everything we shoot.”
Imagine a bustling city street, teeming with life and overflowing with stories waiting to be told. Maisel stands at the heart of the commotion, his camera poised and ready. Suddenly, he spots a captivating gesture—a fleeting touch, a vibrant expression, or a playful interaction. In that split second, Maisel instinctively captures the essence of the scene, transforming it into a visual narrative that speaks volumes, and transporting viewers into the heart of the moment, making them feel as if they were right there, experiencing the story unfolding before their eyes.
Hot Cabbie, NYC. By Jay Maisel.
Groundskeeper. By Jay Maisel.
“It’s important to realize that a gesture can be about someone, one who is absolutely still, in repose, or even asleep. You can show resignation, sorrow, thought, introspection, delight, acceptance, and more.”
Since 1995, Jay Maisel has ceased taking on commercial assignments and dedicated himself to his personal photography projects. Throughout the years, he has earned a well-deserved reputation as a generous and inspiring mentor through his extensive lecturing and photography workshops conducted across the US.
Red Wall and Rope, Singapore. By Jay Maisel.
For nearly five decades, Maisel resided in the former Germania Bank, a grand mansion built in 1898 encompassing 35,000 square feet (3,250 square meters) across six floors. Having purchased it in 1966 for $102,000, he observed and photographed everyday life in the Bowery neighborhood through various windows and from the rooftop. This remarkable collection became known as Bankview.
He sold his iconic building in 2015 for an astounding $55 million. The sale of the building was regarded as an extraordinary real estate deal, with New York Magazine labeling it as “maybe the greatest real estate coup of all time.”
Bankview People No 4. By Jay Maisel.
First Snow, Elizabeth Street, NYC. By Jay Maisel.
Maisel created numerous collections throughout his career, one of which is the powerful series titled Bearing Witness. This collection comprises 58 photographs that vividly depict the horror of September 11, 2001. In the aftermath of the devastating destruction of the World Trade Center buildings, Maisel, residing in Lower Manhattan at the time, possessed perhaps the most extensive collection of photographs of the twin towers due to the view right from his residence. Overwhelmed by the tragedy, Maisel summoned the courage to venture into the area two weeks later, not knowing what to expect. The images he captured in Bearing Witness portray the profound shock and sorrow etched on people’s faces, serving as a poignant visual testament to the events of that infamous day. Maisel describes it as the most powerful accomplishment of his career.
Two Miners. By Jay Maisel.
With the luxury of time at his disposal, Maisel continues to delve into his extensive archives and plans to publish several books.
When it comes to capturing gestures and telling stories through photography, Maisel imparts valuable advice: “Never lose your curiosity and contemplate the subject before pressing the shutter. The right moment will reveal itself to you.” This philosophy underscores his belief that photography is not just about technical skills and equipment but also about connecting with the subject and the moment, allowing the story to unfold naturally.
Quotes
“Photography is an act of love.” —Jay Maisel
“If the light is great in front of you, you should turn around and see what it is doing behind you.” —Jay Maisel
“If you are out there shooting, things will happen for you. If you’re not out there, you’ll only hear about it.” —Jay Maisel
“Try to go out empty and let your images fill you up.” —Jay Maisel
“If you want to make more interesting pictures, become a more interesting person.” —Jay Maisel
Recommended books
References
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