Date of Birth: April 19, 1926
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: September 10, 2022
Biography
William Klein was a renowned American photographer and filmmaker, best known for his unconventional and innovative approach to photography. Born on April 19, 1926, in New York City, Klein initially pursued a career in painting and studied under Fernand Léger in Paris. His transition to photography came almost by accident when he began experimenting with a camera during his time in Paris. Klein’s work is characterized by its raw, gritty portrayal of urban life, most notably captured in his groundbreaking photo book “New York” (1956). His techniques often included wide-angle and telephoto lenses, motion blur, and high-contrast printing, which broke traditional photographic norms of the time. Klein expanded his creative pursuits into the realm of filmmaking, directing several influential films such as “Qui êtes-vous, Polly Maggoo?” (1966) and “Mr. Freedom” (1969). Throughout his career, Klein received numerous accolades and his work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries worldwide. Despite his avant-garde methods, Klein’s contributions to photography and film have left an indelible mark on both fields.
5 Interesting Facts about William Klein
1. William Klein won the Prix Nadar in 1957 for his book “New York.”
2. He was a fashion photographer for Vogue magazine, where he introduced new photographic techniques.
3. Klein’s film “Who Are You, Polly Maggoo?” is a satire of the fashion industry.
4. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was stationed in Germany.
5. Klein was named a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in France.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Klein
1. “Anything goes, as long as it works.”
2. “I came from the outside, the rules of photography didn’t interest me…”
3. “I was more interested in the graphic possibilities of pictures.”
4. “In my view, photography is not a visual art for the masses but an art for the individual.”
5. “If you’re not pushing boundaries, you’re not making anything new.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, William Klein’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
William Klein had two children, Pierre Klein and Liza Klein.
Relevant Links
1. [William Klein on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Klein_(photographer
4. [William Klein’s Films on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0458951/
