Ernst Haas, New York in Color

Introduction to Ernst Haas

Ernst Haas (1921–1986) was a pioneering Austrian-American photographer renowned for his innovative use of colour photography. A true visual poet, Haas was one of the early adopters of Kodachrome film, transforming the medium into an expressive art form at a time when black-and-white photography dominated serious photojournalism. His career spanned from documenting post-war Europe to becoming one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. As a member of the prestigious Magnum Photos agency, he blended commercial and artistic photography, creating iconic imagery for publications like Life and Vogue. His ability to capture movement, light, and emotion in everyday life set him apart, making him a key figure in elevating colour photography to the status of fine art.

Review of New York in Color

Ernst Haas’ New York in Color is a mesmerising collection that showcases his deep fascination with the energy, chaos, and beauty of New York City. Published posthumously, this book presents an extraordinary selection of Haas’ vibrant street photography, spanning from the 1950s to the 1980s. Unlike conventional city photography that focuses on landmarks and skyline views, Haas immerses the viewer in the pulse of the streets, capturing fleeting moments, shifting lights, and the rhythm of daily life.

One of the most striking aspects of New York in Color is Haas’ masterful use of motion blur and reflections. He saw the city not just as a place, but as a dynamic visual experience. Taxi cabs streak through neon-lit streets, pedestrians dissolve into shadows, and window reflections create layered compositions that feel almost dreamlike. His colour palette, rich with deep reds, golden hues, and electric blues, evokes a sense of nostalgia while still feeling timeless.

Haas’ photographs don’t just depict New York; they interpret it. He was less concerned with documentation and more with emotion, finding poetry in the city’s chaos. This is particularly evident in his images of billboards, car headlights shimmering on wet pavement, and blurred figures rushing across crosswalks. The book captures the tension between isolation and connection, a theme that resonates deeply in a metropolis like New York.

The sequencing of images in New York in Color is also worth noting. Rather than following a rigid narrative, the book flows in a way that mirrors the unpredictable nature of the city itself. It allows viewers to feel as though they are wandering through New York, encountering its beauty in spontaneous, unexpected ways. For anyone who appreciates street photography, colour theory, or simply the magic of urban life, this book is an essential addition to their collection.

Thankfully this book is still in print and one of the few relatively affordable Ernst Haas photo books, so grab yourself a copy while you still can!

The Venice Images: A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering

Although New York in Color is focused on Haas’ work in the United States, his photographs of Venice deserve special mention. While they are not included in this book, they exemplify his signature style and are well worth seeking out. Haas had an extraordinary ability to translate the essence of a place through colour and light, and Venice, with its shimmering canals and historic architecture, provided him with an exquisite canvas.

In his Venice images, Haas captures the interplay of light on water, the grandeur of decaying buildings, and the ever-present movement of gondolas and people. The reflections on the canals create layered compositions reminiscent of his work in New York, but with a distinctly softer, more romantic feel. The richness of colour—deep ochres, misty blues, and the warm glow of street lamps—transforms the city into something almost painterly.

Though Venice and New York are vastly different, Haas’ approach remains consistent: he finds energy in stillness and movement in solidity. Whether photographing the rush of a New York taxi or the gentle sway of a Venetian gondola, his work is always about capturing fleeting, unrepeatable moments.

We have a particular fondness for Venice and this unique city was of course featured in one of the first Photographer Field Guides we published.

Final Thoughts

Ernst Haas’ ability to use colour as a storytelling tool remains unparalleled. New York in Color is a testament to his genius, offering an evocative, cinematic portrayal of one of the world’s most photographed cities. His Venice images, though separate from this collection, further showcase his ability to transform familiar places into works of art. Whether exploring Haas’ New York or Venice, one thing is certain—his photography is not just about what we see, but about what we feel.