Ernst Haas: New York in Color, 1952-1962

by Phillip Prodger (Foreword), Alex Haas (Foreword)

The first book on master photographer Ernst Haas's work dedicated to both his classic and newly discovered New York City color photographs of the 1950s and 60s.

Ernst Haas's color works reveal the photographer's remarkable genius and remind us on every page why we love New York. When Haas moved from Vienna to New York City in 1951, he left behind a war-torn continent and a career producing black-and-white images. For Haas, the new medium of color photography was the only way to capture a city pulsing with energy and humanity. These images demonstrate Haas's tremendous virtuosity and confidence with Kodachrome film and the technical challenges of color printing. Unparalleled in their depth and richness of color, brimming with lyricism and dramatic tension, these images reveal a photographer at the height of his career.

Genres: Photography, Art, Nonfiction

208 pages, Hardcover

Published October 6, 2020

Reviews

[N.Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning collection of Haas’ colour work. Lots of images which are technically “imperfect” both deliberately and otherwise, but what remains is Haas’ unwavering mastery of colour and form. Quality of reproduction is top-notch and the amount of text is spot-on (ie there’s not a lot). Best photobook I’ve bought in a long time.

[Marcos Núñez Núñez · Rating 5 out of 5]

¿Qué puedo decir de Ernst Haas que no se haya dicho? Nada. Solo sé que es uno de los más grandes maestros de la fotografía en color y que a la fecha es uno de los más imitados. Emular sus fotos es lo mejor que se puede hacer, porque siempre algo de esa búsqueda, de ese acercamiento a su estilo termina beneficiando la propia fotografía. Por eso es un clásico, porque hasta la fecha sigue interpelando a las nuevas generaciones.
Me sorprende que con los avances tecnológicos que existen, con tanto megapixel, velocidad, enfoque automático e ISOs insospechados, muchos fotógrafos posmodernos intenten aproximarse a estilos clásicos de los años 50's. En sentido inverso, también me sorprende cómo Ernst Haas con todas las limitaciones tecnológicas que había en su tiempo logró hacer lo que ahora muchos quieren. Las paradojas que da la vida.
Este libro es una genial muestra de la obra de un fotógrafo que es mi favorito. Está para detenerse en cada fotografía, contemplar su gran logro y preguntar cómo le hizo el autor, con qué especificaciones en la cámara. No por nada dicen que es el poeta de la luz. Se lo tiene bien merecido.

[Ryan McGilloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second collection of Haas’ that I’ve read. The first, my uncle gifted me because he thought my photography trended toward Haas’ style. And he was right! These photos are both incredible and inspiring.

This book has stayed open in our living room this past week or so, and every time I sat down I’d absorb a little more. All of Haas’ decisions, technical and artistic alike create an abstract kaleidoscope of color and feeling. The way he captures NYC here is so revealing. I’ll be returning to this book for inspiration for years to come.

[Rodica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple stunning collection of color photography. My beloved New York and its people - still, in motion, vibrant and energetic either way. I didn’t know about these work, and it was a visual pleasure to discover them.

[Marco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolute must-read for anyone who is interested in photography. The work of Ernst Haas is timeless and it should be an inspiration for the amateur photographer and the professional one alike.
An absolute masterpiece.

[kerrycat · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is gorgeous, and the afterward - an ode to the city from Haas' heart and pen - is absolutely priceless.

[traveler, learner, lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

*inspiration*

[Kevin E. Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book showing the beauty of color and 20th century vibe through a dedicated photographer and lens.