The woman known for bringing us some of the best “street photography” in the history of American Photography died last month at the age of 95. With breathtaking dexterity  her photos of life on the streets in New York City captured a familiarity about the subject that made them feel like family.

Born and bread in Brooklyn, Levitt dropped out of highschool and taught herself photography.  In 1943 Levitt’s first solo exhibition opened at The Museum of Modern Art entitled “Helen Levitt: Photographs of Children,” and continued to create inspired works until the 1990s when sciatica prevented her from being able to stand for long periods of time.  The woman who claims her talent was purely luck  has left a huge hand print on the world of photography. 

Filed in: Art
Tags: Art, black and white, brooklyn, helen levitt, museum of modern art, New York City, photography, still photos, street photography