This story is a bit outside our wheelhouse, but it’s worth noting the high praise flowing toward the late Bill Cunningham following his death this weekend at age 87.
The New York Times street fashion photographer is being remembered for his full devotion to his subject and impeccable journalistic standards. Few people in life are so devoted to their work that they eschew money, benefits(like healthcare) and the perqs that come with a job covering elite classes of people.
Cunningham shot on the streets of New York almost every day, wore a simple daily uniform, (even though he covered fashion), rode a bike to get around, slept on a cot – and until he was forced to take a staff position at the Times to get access to healthcare coverage – refused for years to go on anyone’s payroll for fear of losing his journalistic independence. Setting aside what that all says about his journalistic ethics – it made him a one of a kind character.
