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Frederik Trovatten

Photography by Frederik Trovatten

How to take photos like Vivian Maier

The infamous Nanny, Mrs. Vivian Maier. She had a love for taking pictures and mastered street photography.

Watch how to take photos like Vivian Maier

When I got into film photography, I remembered watching the documentary called Finding Vivian Maier and the beautiful camera which she used.

Two years later, I bought the camera that Vivian Maier used myself; the beautiful Rolleiflex 2.8F.

In this video, I do a breakdown on how I would take photos as if I was Vivian Maier.

A lot of things has been said about Vivian Maier.

How did she photograph?

The way Vivian Maier took her photographs was with:

  • Compassion and with no fear
  • Low angle shot from the waist
  • Entitled approach. She took the photos she wanted to take
  • She focused a lot on emotions

What camera did Vivian Maier use?

The majority of her photographs were shot on the beautiful Rolleiflex camera. A camera that I just invest in myself actually. She shot with Rolleiflex 3.5T, Rolleiflex Automat, Rolleiflex 3.5F, and Rolleiflex 2.8C. Later in her life, she also used the Leica IIIc.

Shop your own Rolleiflex on KEH.com

Which film stock did Vivian Maier use?

She mainly shot black and white film. Usually Kodak Tri-X.

Does Vivian Maier have a photo book showing her work?

Yes, It’s called Vivian Maier: A Photographer Found and it features so many beautiful street portraits and street photography.

Also, make sure to watch how Robert Frank took his photos & Joel Meyerowitz’ street photography course