Born in New York City in 1926, William Klein moved to Paris in 1948 to study painting under Fernand Léger. He eventually transitioned into photography and filmmaking, establishing a career that bridged the gap between fine art and commercial fashion photography.

Klein is best known for his gritty, candid street photography, often utilizing wide-angle lenses and high-contrast black-and-white film to capture the energy of urban environments. His work frequently challenged traditional photographic techniques, incorporating motion blur and graphic design elements.

Throughout his career, Klein produced numerous documentary films and directed feature-length projects, maintaining a significant presence in the international art scene until his death in 2022. His legacy continues to be studied for its profound impact on the aesthetics of 20th-century visual culture.