Vivian Maier was an American street photographer born in 1926 in New York City. She worked as a nanny for several families, which allowed her to explore urban environments, capturing candid moments of everyday life. Maier took thousands of photographs, primarily in Chicago and New York, but remained largely unknown during her lifetime. After her death in 2009, her work was discovered in a storage unit, leading to posthumous recognition. Maier's unique perspective and skillful use of light and composition have since garnered her acclaim, making her one of the most celebrated photographers of the 20th century.