Joel Meyerowitz is a pioneering American street photographer and color photography advocate who has significantly influenced the field of photography since the 1960s. Born in New York City in 1938, Meyerowitz began his career as an art director but quickly transitioned to photography after a pivotal encounter with Robert Frank in 1962. This experience inspired him to take to the streets with his camera, capturing the vibrant energy and fleeting moments of urban life.

Throughout his career, Meyerowitz has been at the forefront of major shifts in photography. He was among the first to successfully transition from black-and-white to color photography in the 1960s and 1970s, a time when color was still largely dismissed by the art world. His work helped legitimize color photography as a serious artistic medium, paving the way for future generations of photographers. Meyerowitz’s street photography is characterized by its spontaneity, use of light, and ability to capture the essence of human interaction within urban landscapes.

His 1985 photograph from Tehuantepec, Mexico, exemplifies his style: a visually rich scene capturing daily life with multiple points of interest, showcasing Webb’s mastery of color and composition in a bustling Mexican street setting.

One of Meyerowitz’s notable works is “The Red Interior, Provincetown 1977.” This photograph exemplifies his mastery of color and composition. The interplay of light and shadow, along with the careful framing of architectural elements, demonstrates Meyerowitz’s ability to transform ordinary spaces into visually striking and emotionally resonant scenes. This piece is part of his broader exploration of light and color in Provincetown, Massachusetts, which culminated in his acclaimed book “Cape Light.”

Meyerowitz’s body of work extends beyond street photography and includes several influential photobooks, such as “Cape Light” (1979) and “Aftermath” (2006), a powerful documentation of Ground Zero following the September 11 attacks. His photographs have been exhibited in major museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

His 1985 photograph from Tehuantepec, Mexico, exemplifies his style: a visually rich scene capturing daily life with multiple points of interest, showcasing Webb’s mastery of color and composition in a bustling Mexican street setting.