ADVERTISEMENT

Before Stanley Kubrick directed arguably some of the best movies ever made like "2001: Space Odyssey" or "The Shining," he was a simple teenager in New York looking for a job. But even then, when the 17-year-old got his hands on a photo camera, he couldn't hide the talent within.

Bored Panda has gathered a collection of his photos of New York from 1945 to 1950, when he was working in the Look magazine. During that time Stanley got many insights into what makes a photograph work: "I think aesthetically recording spontaneous action, rather than carefully posing a picture, is the most valid and expressive use of photography."

He quickly made a name for himself by telling stories through photos, which eventually led him to moving pictures and his place in the filmmakers' hall of fame.

Oh, and if you're into street photography as well, let Stanley himself give you a tip: "Think up ideas for stories, go out and shoot them, and then send them into the magazines. I was lucky; I figured that out when I was young."

(h/t: vintage everyday)

#1

Walking The Streets Of New York, 1946

Walking The Streets Of New York, 1946

Stanley Kubrick Report

Add photo comments
POST
John L
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It seems clear to me, that by seventeen, Mr. Kubrick was fully aware of the important things in life. ;D

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
RELATED:
    #2

    Student At Columbia University, 1948

    Student At Columbia University, 1948

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    PyroarRanger
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow! Amazing! The picture and girl is amazing! Also I would probably fall on the first step.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #3

    Girl With A Lipstick, 1940

    Girl With A Lipstick, 1940

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #5

    Couple, 1940

    Couple, 1940

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #6

    High Wire Act, 1948

    High Wire Act, 1948

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Tillie Martinussen
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great shot! He really had an eye for angles! Wow! Done with only the equipment ready by then. Wow!

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #7

    Shoe Shine Boy, 1940

    Shoe Shine Boy, 1940

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #8

    Dogs In A Convertible, 1949

    Dogs In A Convertible, 1949

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #10

    People On Escalators In A Subway Station, 1940

    People On Escalators In A Subway Station, 1940

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    BobbyK
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually did this same series for my photo class in 1970. The escalator is the Lexington Ave.-53rd St E/F train

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #11

    Young Girl At Palisades Amusement Park, 1946

    Young Girl At Palisades Amusement Park, 1946

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Jacqui Wilson
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd love to know if these people are still around and are aware that they're now being looked at by complete strangers in a completely different world to the one they were depicted in.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #12

    Laboratory At Columbia University, 1948

    Laboratory At Columbia University, 1948

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #13

    Couple Playing Footsies On A Subway, 1946

    Couple Playing Footsies On A Subway, 1946

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    John L
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "If you think that feels good, I may just rub another leg when we get home." hint, hint.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #14

    Shoe Shine Boy, 1940

    Shoe Shine Boy, 1940

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    John L
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mickey's getting a head start with the "New York Hustle". He's got a good future ahead. :D

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #15

    Betsy Von Furstenberg, 1949

    Betsy Von Furstenberg, 1949

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Roisin Carey
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He really captured her. I'm wondering what she's reading and imagining her personality.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #16

    Girl With Dolls, 1947

    Girl With Dolls, 1947

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #17

    Students Drawing A Nude Model In An Art Class, 1948, Columbia University

    Students Drawing A Nude Model In An Art Class, 1948, Columbia University

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Flora Polvado
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Drawing a nude, one of the least sexy things you could ever do. It can be amazingly difficult

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #18

    Circus Side Show Performer, 1948

    Circus Side Show Performer, 1948

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    John L
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To those with assets worth putting on display. Gravity may be the weakest known force in the universe, but it is constant, and never quits tugging down on them. Just a thought to consider. ;D

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #19

    Shoe Shine Boys (On Fence), 1947

    Shoe Shine Boys (On Fence), 1947

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #21

    Showgirls At The Copacabana Club, 1948

    Showgirls At The Copacabana Club, 1948

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #22

    Shoe Shine Boy, Portrait Of Mickey, 1947

    Shoe Shine Boy, Portrait Of Mickey, 1947

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    John L
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He uses Mickey an awful lot in his photographs. I wonder if he and Mickey continue along the same path in life?

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #23

    Men Sleeping In A Subway Car, 1946

    Men Sleeping In A Subway Car, 1946

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #24

    Police Athletic League Boxing, 1946

    Police Athletic League Boxing, 1946

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Ed Loftus
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even staged, the idea is amazing and largely successful. The light brick, black ropes, and overall composition are amazing . He knew what he wanted and clearly got it.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #25

    Passengers In A Subway Car, 1940s

    Passengers In A Subway Car, 1940s

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Tillie Martinussen
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He had quite the eye for everyday hustle and bustle of life. Awesome. Used photography to new stuff early in, not just portraits and "pretty stuff", but reality! Coooool

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #31

    Shoe Shine Boys (Vendor), 1947

    Shoe Shine Boys (Vendor), 1947

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    John L
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Trickle Down at work. Mickey and another of his fellow shoe shiners, spends some of their profits with another self-employed businessman.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #32

    Girls, 1940

    Girls, 1940

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #34

    Man Carrying Flowers On A Crowded Subway, 1946

    Man Carrying Flowers On A Crowded Subway, 1946

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Edson Resendiz
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The little girl is the main subject on this pocture, nit the man carrying flowers

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #35

    Passengers Reading In A Subway Car, 1946

    Passengers Reading In A Subway Car, 1946

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Pepper Ana
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why isn't there a gentleman giving up his seat for the ladies? Isn't this the era for that?

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #36

    Waiting At The Dentist’s Office

    Waiting At The Dentist’s Office

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Tread Head
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of the most feared people in the professional world is without a doubt the dentist. It's one thing that never seems to change. :D

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #38

    Shoe Shine Boy, 1940

    Shoe Shine Boy, 1940

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #39

    Film Crew, 1947

    Film Crew, 1947

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #40

    Guy Lombardo On A Dock, 1947-1948

    Guy Lombardo On A Dock, 1947-1948

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #41

    Woman Watching Model Being Painted For The Billboard, 1947

    Woman Watching Model Being Painted For The Billboard, 1947

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    John L
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For some reason, allergies always affect the nose first. You wait until you think nobody is watching and....................DAMN, caught again! :(

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #42

    Woman Waiting On A Subway Platform, 1940s

    Woman Waiting On A Subway Platform, 1940s

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #44

    Man Studying In A Library, 1948, Columbia University

    Man Studying In A Library, 1948, Columbia University

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #46

    Men With German Shepherd On A Dock, 1949

    Men With German Shepherd On A Dock, 1949

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #47

    Woman Waiting On A Subway Platform, 1946

    Woman Waiting On A Subway Platform, 1946

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #49

    Johnny Grant, 1946

    Johnny Grant, 1946

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    John L
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even in radio broadcasting, he was always around lots of flesh, and even in his later years. :D

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #50

    General Dwight D. Eisenhower At Columbia University, 1948

    General Dwight D. Eisenhower At Columbia University, 1948

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #51

    Passengers In A Subway Car, 1946

    Passengers In A Subway Car, 1946

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #52

    Passengers In A Subway Car, 1946

    Passengers In A Subway Car, 1946

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #53

    Girl With A Mirror, 1940

    Girl With A Mirror, 1940

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #54

    Audience Waiting In Line To Get Into A Recording Of "grand Slam"

    Audience Waiting In Line To Get Into A Recording Of "grand Slam"

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #55

    Mens Fashion Show, 1948

    Mens Fashion Show, 1948

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #56

    Woman Knitting On A Subway, 1946

    Woman Knitting On A Subway, 1946

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #59

    Circus Woman With Rollerskating Monkey, 1948

    Circus Woman With Rollerskating Monkey, 1948

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    John L
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Times really do change. You'll never see something like this today. Now, the lady will be the monkey's assistant. :D

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #60

    Boxer Walter Cartier, 1948

    Boxer Walter Cartier, 1948

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    John L
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This boxer, turned actor, later became Mr Kubrick's star in his very first movie. Fortunately he cleaned up a little better than in this picture. :D

    #61

    Man Exiting Train, 1948

    Man Exiting Train, 1948

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #62

    Rocky Graziano Talking To A Policeman On A Street

    Rocky Graziano Talking To A Policeman On A Street

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #63

    Passengers In A Subway Car, 1946

    Passengers In A Subway Car, 1946

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #64

    People Browsing Through Magazine Racks At A Busy Sidewalk Newsstand, 1947

    People Browsing Through Magazine Racks At A Busy Sidewalk Newsstand, 1947

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #65

    Walter Cartier Drinking A Beverage, 1948

    Walter Cartier Drinking A Beverage, 1948

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #66

    Passengers In A Subway Car, 1946

    Passengers In A Subway Car, 1946

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #67

    Rocky Graziano With Two Men By A Sign For The Middleweight Championship Fight Between Tony Zale And Marcel Cerdan

    Rocky Graziano With Two Men By A Sign For The Middleweight Championship Fight Between Tony Zale And Marcel Cerdan

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #68

    Women Walking Near The Train, 1948

    Women Walking Near The Train, 1948

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #69

    Passengers In A Subway Car, 1946

    Passengers In A Subway Car, 1946

    Stanley Kubrick Report

    #70

    Man Carrying Flowers On A Crowded Subway, 1946

    Man Carrying Flowers On A Crowded Subway, 1946

    Stanley Kubrick Report