On Wednesday November 29th, the world of documentary photography lost one of it's most gifted artists. Magnum photographer Leonard Freed succumbed to a bitter fight with cancer in upstate New York. During his final hours his loving wife, Brigette and daughter, Susanna were at his side. Even though he may not be with us any more there is no doubt that his life's work will continue to inspire viewers for many years to come.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, to working-class Jewish parents of Eastern European descent, Freed first wanted to become a painter. However, he began taking photographs...