Ep 2. Weegee the Famous

"I Am Rebel" season 1 episode 2, titled "Weegee the Famous," focuses on the life and work of Arthur Fellig, a photographer who became famous for his gritty and often controversial images of New York City in the 1930s and 1940s.

Born in Austria-Hungary in 1899, Fellig immigrated to the United States as a child and eventually settled in New York City. He worked as a freelance photographer, using a police radio to stay ahead of breaking news and capture images of crime scenes and accidents. Fellig, who adopted the nickname "Weegee" (a play on the Ouija board), had a knack for being in the right place at the right time, and his images were often published in newspapers and magazines.

But Weegee's style was not always appreciated. His images were often graphic and raw, showing the seedy underbelly of New York City life. He also had a tendency to manipulate his images, adding dramatic effects and darkening shadows to create a more dramatic image. These practices were controversial, and some accused him of being more of a manipulator than a true photographer.

The episode explores Weegee's life and work in depth. It features interviews with experts in photography and journalism, as well as with people who knew Weegee personally. The episode also includes examples of Weegee's work, which provides a glimpse into the gritty and often violent world of New York City during the first half of the 20th century.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to Weegee as a character - a hard-drinking, chain-smoking loner who lived out of his car and often worked alone. He was known for his brash personality and willingness to take risks to get the perfect shot. But Weegee was also a compassionate man who cared about the people he photographed. He often gave his subjects money or food, and he even helped a young boy who was being abused by his parents.

Overall, "Weegee the Famous" is an intriguing look at one of New York City's most infamous and controversial photographers. It sheds light on his life and work, and explores the impact he had on the world of photography and photojournalism. Anyone with an interest in photography or New York City history will find this episode fascinating and informative.