Inspirational Quotes by Elliott Erwitt (French-American Photographer)

Elliott Erwitt (1928–2023,) born Elio Romano Erwitz, was a French-born American photographer and filmmaker, celebrated for his witty black-and-white images that captured irony and humor in everyday life. A longtime member of Magnum Photos, he became one of the most recognizable documentary photographers of the twentieth century.

Born in Paris, Erwitt was the son of Russian émigrés. His family moved to Milan during his childhood, then emigrated to the United States in 1939. Settling first in New York and later Los Angeles, Erwitt studied photography and filmmaking at Los Angeles City College and the New School for Social Research. He supported himself with wedding photography and darkroom work before serving in the U.S. Army 1951–53, where he undertook photographic duties in France and Germany.

After returning to New York, Erwitt met Edward Steichen, Robert Capa, and Roy Stryker, who hired him to document Pittsburgh for the Standard Oil Company. His freelance career flourished with assignments for Life, Look, Holiday, and Collier’s. In 1953, Capa invited him to join Magnum Photos, where Erwitt became known for his humanistic sensibility and ironic eye. His work documented major events such as Richard Nixon’s 1959 visit to Moscow, the funeral of John F. Kennedy (1963,) and Barack Obama’s inauguration (2009.)

Erwitt published numerous books, including Son of Bitch (1974,) To the Dogs (1992,) Dog Dogs (1998,) and Elliott Erwitt’s Dogs (2008,) reflecting his affection for photographing dogs. He also created the satirical alter ego “André S. Solidor,” showcased in The Art of André S. Solidor (2009.) His filmmaking included documentaries in the 1970s and comedy films for HBO in the 1980s.

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