Leonard Freed

Leonard Freed was an American documentary photographer and photojournalist best known for his work exploring social and political themes, particularly related to civil rights, Jewish identity, and law enforcement. He became a member of the renowned Magnum Photos agency in 1972.

He gained wide recognition for his powerful photo essays, especially his seminal book “Black in White America”(1968), which documented African American life during the Civil Rights Movement. Another major project, “Police Work” (1980), provided an intimate look at the daily lives of New York City police officers.

 Freed’s photography is marked by empathy, strong storytelling, and a deep commitment to capturing the human condition.