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17-Year-Old Stanley Kubrick’s Photos Of 1940s New York Prove That He Was Born To Be Behind The Lens

Updated: Apr 15


Self Portrait, aged 17.

Before becoming the renowned director behind masterpieces like "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "The Shining," Stanley Kubrick was just a teenager in New York, eager to find work. Even at the age of 17, when he first laid hands on a camera, his innate talent shone through.


Displayed here is a selection of his photographs capturing the essence of New York from 1945 to 1950, a period during which he worked for Look magazine. It was during this time that Stanley gained valuable insights into the art of photography: "I believe that capturing spontaneous action aesthetically, rather than meticulously staging a scene, is the most authentic and expressive use of the medium."



Through his photos, Stanley adeptly wove narratives, garnering acclaim and eventually transitioning into the realm of motion pictures, solidifying his place in cinematic history.


For aspiring street photographers, Stanley offers a valuable piece of advice: "Brainstorm story ideas, capture them through your lens, and submit them to magazines. I was fortunate to realize this early on in my career."



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