Helen Levitt was a street photographer that perfected a lyricism of pure, stage-like expression of the everyday lives of the people she happened to chance upon. Never searching for the perfect photo, merely receptive to it, she wandered the streets of not only New York City but Mexico City as well, ever vigilant for the poignant moment expressed by a child’s interrupted play or the longing face of a person caught in a moment of vulnerability.
This photo, taken in 1941 during Levitt’s adventure in Mexico City, illustrates her spirit as a photographer. Levitt was famed for being a master at capturing elusive moments, moments of raw life unfolding all at once. I especially admire the depth this photo takes: all the dogs orient towards the sidewalk, which itself continues on endlessly into the picture.
Some links to further musings:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Levitt#Later_Life_and_Death
http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-helen-levitt1-2009apr01-story.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/30/arts/design/30levitt.html
https://www.moma.org/artists/3520
http://erickimphotography.com/blog/the-ultimate-beginners-guide-for-street-photography/
And finally, there is a wonderful collection of Levitt’s photos from Mexico City contained in a single book:
Helen Levitt: Mexico City, Essay by James Oles, Doubletake.