William Klein

William Klein is an American-born French photographer and filmmaker who has been a major influence in the world of photography since the 1950s. Born in New York City in 1928, Klein studied at the City College of New York before moving to Paris in 1948. It was there that he began his career as a photographer, working for Vogue magazine and other publications.

Klein's work is known for its bold, experimental style, often featuring unusual angles and perspectives. He has also been credited with pioneering the use of wide-angle lenses and flash photography. His photographs have been featured in numerous books and exhibitions around the world, including a retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Klein's work has also extended into filmmaking, with his most notable works being Who Are You, Polly Maggoo? (1966) and Mr. Freedom (1969). He has also directed several documentaries about cities such as Rome and Tokyo. In addition to his photography and filmmaking, Klein has also written several books on art and photography.

Throughout his career, Klein has received numerous awards for his work including the Grand Prix National de la Photographie from the French Ministry of Culture in 1988 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Center of Photography in 2004. He continues to be an influential figure in contemporary photography today.