Touchstone: Vivian Maier

Vivian Maier: Self-reflection

I'd be lying if I told you that people watching wasn't my favorite pastime. I love seeing what people wear, how they interact with others, and even listening to to the things they say.  I people watch while shopping, driving, and my favorite - while I'm sitting around in the airport. It's fascinating to see how different everyone is!

I recently discovered a photographer who was an expert "people-watcher." Vivian Maier, an amateur street photographer, captured all manner of urban living.  Maier lived in France, New York, and Chicago.



In 1956, at age 30, Maier moved from New York to Chicago where she nannied for almost 40 years.  On her days off, she canvassed the city and captured more than 100,000 photographs of city life, architecture, and anyone who caught her eye.

Her photographs remained a secret until they were unearthed by Chicago historian, John Maloof, in 2007.  Her work has been featured in newspapers, magazines, and exhibits across the world since they were found and continue to receive critical acclaim.  For more of her beautiful images, check out: Vivian Maier: Street Photographer.