I was recently introduced to the beautiful street photography of Vivian Maier, accompanied with her interesting story. What is most unique about Vivian Maier is not simply her eye for catching great images, but more so the fact that Vivian Maier wasn’t even a professional photographer – she took photographs as a hobby and never even showed anyone.

Vivian Maier’s work gained notice when her negatives were bought at a furniture and antiques action in Chicago. The man who bought her negatives, John Maloof had the negatives developed and immediately saw that Maier had a talent. He even went out in the city with her camera to try to capture the same shots she had and realized that it was difficult.

Unfortunately, Maier passed away last spring, a little too soon to receive the credit she deserves in person. Her work will still be admired nonetheless. I enjoy visiting the webpage Maloof created in Maier’s honor.  http://vivianmaier.blogspot.com/ Every time I view one of her photos, I discover something I hadn’t noticed before. I also enjoy her work because she captures the essence of the 1950s with men in trench coats and fedoras, and women in fur coats and 50s-era headpieces.  My appreciativeness for her work is renewed every time I become absorbed in one of her pictures and am transported through time. Although Maier may be gone, her work will live to carry her name proudly.