Culture

Photographers Pay Tribute to Bill Cunningham on Instagram

Street shooters turn to social media to share their memories; here are our favorites.

June 27, 2016

Bill Cunningham will be missed by many in the fashion industry, but his absence will be felt most throughout the streets of New York, particularly by the many photographers who stalk the city daily. After Cunningham passed away last Saturday, social media filled with fond recollections, tributes, and pictures of the man at work. Here are some of our favorites from fellow photographers.

Aymann Ismail

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Everyone sharing their #BillCunningham sightings is further proof that he was the hardest working photographer ever. #RIPbill

A post shared by Aymann Ismail (@aymanndotcom) on Jun 26, 2016 at 2:07pm PDT

Anthony Danielle

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I was lucky enough to get this photograph of #BillCunningham on the street in 2012. thanks for all the inspiration, Bill - #GOAT

A post shared by Anthony Danielle (@takinyerphoto) on Jun 27, 2016 at 10:37am PDT

Tamu McPherson

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RIP Bill Cunningham @workforbillc. Thank you for the inspiration and the kind words of encouragement. You are inimitable. #billcunningham 📸 by @citizencouture

A post shared by All The Pretty Birds (@tamumcpherson) on Jun 25, 2016 at 2:35pm PDT

Tommy Ton

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This was the last photo I took of Bill Cunningham this past January. I was so marvelled that after all these years he was still determined to get the shot in the pouring rain while all of the other photographers were taking refuge. I didn't think at the time it would be the last time I would get to see Bill in action but I knew I was in awe because after all these years, he was still in love with his passion. Bill Cunningham will forever be a true hero and inspiration to all of us. His gentle spirit and enthusiasm will forever be missed. RIP Bill 😇💙

A post shared by Tommy Ton (@tommyton) on Jun 25, 2016 at 3:50pm PDT

Daniel Albanese

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I'm very sad to hear about the passing of the legendary Bill Cunningham. For a long time he's been one of my idols, and I'm going to miss seeing him at work on the streets of New York. While he always had an infectious smile on, he was also a ferocious photographer who wasn't afraid to nudge someone out of his shot. This photo was taken at the 2016 Easter Parade, the last time I saw the master at work. #BillCunningham #fashion #streetphotography #nyc

A post shared by TheDustyRebel (@dustyrebel) on Jun 25, 2016 at 6:15pm PDT

Scott Heins

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Caught the legend at work back in March and I'll probably never realize just how lucky I was. RIP #billcunningham #nyc

A post shared by scottheins (@scottheins) on Jun 25, 2016 at 3:34pm PDT

Harlan Erskine

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#RIP Bill Cunningham - your blue vested photo explorations of street fashion will be missed. #Repost ・・・ #BillCunningham sighting #inthewild @centralparknyc heading uptown. #📷 #🚴🏼 @workforbillc

A post shared by Harlan Erskine (@harlanerskine) on Jun 25, 2016 at 3:07pm PDT

Tim Regas

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The NYTimes article on the life of #BillCunningham details a rich life as a #streetstyle photographer, fashion enthusiast and citizen of NY. My favorite Bill Cunningham story was when I was shooting runway at NYFW. Mr. Cunningham was photographing the front row just as the lights dimmed for the start of the show. With nowhere to go, he sat in an empty front row seat. As a security guy--obviously new--ran to pull him out of the seat, the whole photographers' pit yelled: Do.Not.Touch.That.Man. The security guy froze, Bill Cunningham gave the slightest of smiles, the lights came up and then the show started...

A post shared by Tim Regas (@wheresmydriver) on Jun 25, 2016 at 4:02pm PDT

Julienne Schaer

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Legendary street-style fashion photographer Bill Cunningham. "Bill's here" as we'd say to one another, "who's he shooting? I better get them too!" #billcunningham #legendary #photographer #society #fashion #streetstyle #livinglandmark #nytimesphotographer @nytimes I'm gonna miss seeing him on my jobs.

A post shared by Julienne Schaer (@julienneschaer) on Jun 25, 2016 at 3:31pm PDT

Adam Ryder

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The last time I saw Bill Cunningham, back in March, a rare gem of a person.

A post shared by Adam Ryder (@eternalcities) on Jun 27, 2016 at 12:54pm PDT