Ernst Haas
Ernst Haas, an Austrian-born photographer, revolutionized the world of photography with his pioneering work in color. His exceptional ability to transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary compositions made him a legendary figure in street photography and beyond.
Early Life and Career
Ernst Haas was born on March 2, 1921, in Vienna, Austria. His early years were spent in a city rich with cultural heritage and artistic influence, which undoubtedly shaped his creative inclinations. Initially, Haas aspired to become a doctor, a path influenced by his family’s expectations and the socio-economic stability it promised. However, the devastation of World War II profoundly impacted his life and career trajectory.
After the war, Vienna was a city marked by chaos and reconstruction. It was in this environment that Haas found solace and expression through photography. In 1946, he acquired his first camera, a Rolleiflex, and began to experiment with the medium. His first significant photographic project documented the return of Austrian prisoners of war, capturing the raw emotions and stark realities of their experiences. These images were published in the magazine Heute, garnering critical acclaim and bringing Haas into the limelight.
The success of this project caught the attention of Life magazine, which featured his work and offered him a position as a staff photographer. Haas, valuing his artistic independence, declined the offer but continued to collaborate with the magazine.
In 1949, Haas joined Magnum Photos, an esteemed cooperative founded by Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, George Rodger, and David “Chim” Seymour. This affiliation provided Haas with a platform to collaborate with some of the most influential photographers of the time. His relationships with Capa and Cartier-Bresson were particularly significant; they encouraged his exploration of color photography, a relatively uncharted territory in photojournalism during the early 1950s .
Haas’s move to the United States in 1951 marked a new chapter in his career. The vibrant and diverse urban landscape of New York City became his canvas. Embracing Kodachrome film, he started to experiment with color photography, capturing the city’s dynamic energy and transforming everyday scenes into visually striking compositions. His work during this period was characterized by a meticulous attention to color, light, and movement, distinguishing him as a pioneer in the field.
In 1953, Life magazine published Haas’s 24-page color photo essay on New York City, a groundbreaking feature that highlighted his innovative use of color and solidified his reputation as a master of the medium. This publication was significant not only for Haas’s career but also for the broader acceptance and appreciation of color photography in the art and photojournalism communities.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Haas continued to push the boundaries of color photography, creating a body of work that was both technically brilliant and artistically profound. His ability to blend the aesthetic qualities of painting with the immediacy of photography earned him numerous accolades and a prominent place in photographic history. His collaborations with major publications like Vogue, Look, and Du magazine further cemented his influence and reach.
Photographic Style and Techniques
Ernst Haas is best known for his groundbreaking use of color photography. At a time when black-and-white dominated the field, Haas’s vibrant color images stood out. He began experimenting with Kodachrome color film in the early 1950s, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in photojournalism and art photography. His work often featured:
• Selective Focus and Narrow Depth of Field: Haas used these techniques to isolate subjects and create a painterly effect.
• Blurred Motion: He captured movement in a way that conveyed emotion and dynamism, often using slow shutter speeds.
• Abstract Compositions: Haas’s images frequently resembled abstract paintings, emphasizing form and color over traditional narrative.
Career Highlights
• 1953: Life magazine published his 24-page color photo essay on New York City, a groundbreaking feature that highlighted his innovative use of color.
• 1962: The Museum of Modern Art in New York hosted a retrospective of his work, the first color photography exhibition at the institution.
• Books: Haas authored several influential books, including The Creation (1971) and In America (1975), which showcased his mastery of color and composition.
• Awards: He received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Hasselblad Award in 1986.
Photography Gear
Cameras
• Leica M3: Known for its precision and compact design, the Leica M3 was ideal for street photography, allowing Haas to shoot candidly and spontaneously.
• Rolleiflex: This medium format camera provided exceptional image quality and was perfect for Haas’s detailed, high-resolution work.
Lenses
• Summicron 50mm f/2: A versatile lens that offered sharpness and excellent low-light performance, enabling Haas to capture a range of scenes with clarity.
• Elmarit 90mm f/2.8: This telephoto lens allowed Haas to isolate subjects from a distance, creating intimate portraits without intruding on the scene.
Film
• Kodachrome: Renowned for its rich color saturation and fine grain, Kodachrome film was instrumental in Haas’s ability to produce vibrant and dynamic images.
Photography Books
“Ernst Haas: New York in Color, 1952-1962” is a captivating collection that showcases Haas’s early color photography during his time in New York City. Moving from Vienna to New York in 1951, Haas embraced the vibrant energy of the city, capturing its essence through the lens of Kodachrome film. This book highlights his remarkable talent for color photography, presenting images rich in depth, lyricism, and dramatic tension. Practicing photographers will find inspiration in Haas’s innovative use of color to convey the dynamism of urban life, demonstrating his technical prowess and artistic vision.
“Ernst Haas: The American West” offers a poignant portrayal of America’s geographic and cultural landscapes through Haas’s color-saturated images. From desert storms and neon lights to small-town parades and rural poverty, Haas’s photographs communicate a unique pictorial language filled with poetry and light. This book serves as both a national portrait and a celebration of analog color photography, making it a valuable resource for photographers interested in capturing the vast and diverse beauty of the American West. Haas’s ability to blend a journalist’s perspective with an artist’s eye offers profound insights into the storytelling potential of color photography.
“Ernst Haas: Abstract” is a visually stunning collection that showcases Haas’s most cherished and personal project. Originally conceived as an audiovisual slideshow, this book features high-quality reproductions of images captured from 1952 to 1984. While titled “Abstract,” many photographs depict recognizable surfaces and scenes, revealing Haas’s mastery of color, light, and composition. Photographers will appreciate the way Haas transforms everyday details into poetic visual narratives, encouraging a deeper exploration of the abstract elements in their surroundings. David Campany’s introductory essay provides valuable context and enhances the reader’s understanding of Haas’s artistic journey.
“In America” presents an extraordinary collection of images that capture the essence of American life and landscapes. From natural phenomena to man-made creations, Haas offers unique glimpses into “living Americana.” This book features 105 full-page color plates, each showcasing Haas’s supreme ability to depict the beauty and diversity of the American experience. Photographers will find this collection inspiring for its comprehensive portrayal of America’s vastness and the delicate interplay of land, water, and sky. Haas’s work in this volume serves as a testament to his skill as a color photographer and his deep connection to the subject matter.
Quotes
“There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are.”
“Bored with obvious reality, I find my fascination in transforming it into a subjective point of view.”
“The camera doesn’t make a bit of difference. All of them can record what you are seeing. But you have to SEE.”
“Without touching my subject I want to come to the moment when, through pure concentration of seeing, the composed picture becomes more made than taken.”
“A picture is the expression of an impression. If the beautiful were not in us, how would we ever recognize it?”
Legacy and Influence
Ernst Haas’s contributions to photography have left an indelible mark on the field. His innovative use of color and abstract compositions paved the way for future generations of photographers. Haas’s work remains influential, continuing to inspire photographers to see the world through a different lens and to explore the artistic potential of color and form.
Photographers like Saul Leiter and Joel Meyerowitz have shared Haas’s passion for color and street photography, contributing to the rich legacy of visual storytelling that Haas helped to establish.