A new documentary about legendary American photographer Steve Schapiro reveals an extraordinary occupational hazard: the renowned artist lost the use of his left eye after taking countless photographs throughout his illustrious career. The film "Steve Schapiro: Being Everywhere" shows the photographer wearing sunglasses throughout most interviews, a detail he felt compelled to explain to viewers.
"The reason is not that I'm pretentious in any way," Schapiro explains in the documentary, which was filmed shortly before his death in 2022. "It's that basically all my life, I've shot my pictures with this eye [pointing to his right], and this other eye, my left eye, is now having trouble staying open." The photographer clarified that he had completely lost control over his left eye, adding, "So basically that's why we have the dark glasses, I just want to explain that. Didn't [want you to] think I was trying to be a big shot."
Schapiro passed away from pancreatic cancer at age 87, but the documentary captures him as articulate, sharp-minded, and deeply proud of his work. Speaking in his distinctive thick New York accent, he guides audiences through the highlights of what can only be described as an incredible photographic career. His lens captured virtually every significant American celebrity and cultural figure imaginable, creating an unparalleled visual record of American culture.
Throughout his career, Schapiro documented pivotal moments in American history and culture. He spent considerable time following Robert Kennedy on the presidential campaign trail in 1968, embedded himself among Civil Rights movement leaders in Alabama during the height of the struggle for equality, and chronicled the eccentric world of Andy Warhol's superstars in New York City. His work provided intimate glimpses into these transformative periods of American society.
Beyond photojournalism, Schapiro established himself as one of Hollywood's most sought-after movie set photographers, working on countless film productions. The documentary offers fascinating behind-the-scenes stories that will captivate not only photography enthusiasts but anyone interested in pop culture and cinema history. His anecdotes about Marlon Brando's behavior on "The Godfather" set and revelations about how Robert De Niro never broke character during "Taxi Driver" filming—even improvising some of the movie's most memorable lines—provide thrilling insights into legendary productions.
"If you name a subject, I can probably come up with it," Schapiro confidently states while browsing through his vast photographic archives. His collection spans an incredible range of subjects, from skateboarding culture to travels in India, from intimate portraits of Barbra Streisand to countless other diverse topics that reflect the breadth of American experience.
The documentary effectively showcases Schapiro's impressive portfolio, much of which was originally published in Life magazine, while his infectious personality brings viewers along for the journey through both the triumphs and challenges of a life dedicated to photography. His work represents a visual chronicle of American culture spanning several decades, capturing moments both grand and intimate with equal skill and passion.
"Steve Schapiro: Being Everywhere" opened in theaters on Friday, November 14, offering audiences a comprehensive look at one of America's most prolific photographers and the personal cost of his dedication to his craft. The film serves as both a celebration of his artistic legacy and a poignant reminder of how completely he devoted himself to documenting the world around him.
