Erich Salomon facts for kids
Erich Salomon (born April 28, 1886 – died July 7, 1944) was a famous German Jewish news photographer. He was known for taking pictures of important people in politics and law. He also used clever and new ways to get his photos.
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Life and Photography
Erich Salomon was born in Berlin, Germany. His family was wealthy, and his father was a banker. Erich studied different subjects like law and engineering before World War I. He served in the war and was captured by the French army.
Starting Photography
After the war, Salomon worked for a large publishing company. He started taking photos in 1927, when he was 41 years old. He used a special camera called an Ermanox. This camera could take clear pictures even in low light. He was very clever and sometimes hid his camera in his bowler hat. He would cut a small hole in the hat for the lens. This way, he could take pictures without people noticing. For example, he once photographed a trial in a Berlin court using this trick.
Becoming a Famous Photojournalist
Starting in 1928, Salomon worked as a photographer for a newspaper called Berliner Illustrirte Zeitung. He spoke many languages and was very good at hiding his camera. Because of this, he became very well-known across Europe.
One famous story is from 1928. When the Kellogg-Briand Pact was being signed, Salomon simply walked into the room. He sat in an empty chair meant for a delegate from Poland. From there, he took several important photos of the event.
Salomon also photographed people arriving at Ellis Island in the United States. At that time, Ellis Island was a place where many migrants entered the country. He is also one of only two known people to have photographed a session of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Later Life and Legacy
When Adolf Hitler came to power in Nazi Germany, Salomon and his family had to leave their home. They moved to the Netherlands and he continued his photography there. He was even invited to move to the United States by Life magazine, but he chose to stay in the Netherlands.
Sadly, Germany invaded the Netherlands in 1940. Erich Salomon and his family were taken to different camps. He died in Auschwitz on July 7, 1944, during World War II.
Erich Salomon is remembered for his amazing work. The Dr. Erich Salomon Award is a special award given to photojournalists today. In 1978, he was also added to the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum.
Photos by Salomon
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Kellogg–Briand Pact (1928)
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Hague Reparation Conference (1930)
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Marlene Dietrich (1930)
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Aristide Briand (1931)
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Wedding of Juliana of the Netherlands (1937)
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U.S. Supreme Court (1937)
See also
In Spanish: Erich Salomon para niños
