Weegee, born Arthur Fellig in 1899, was a renowned American photographer and photojournalist known for his stark black-and-white images of crime scenes and urban life in New York City during the 1930s and 1940s. He gained fame for his ability to arrive at crime scenes before the police, capturing raw and often shocking moments that depicted the darker side of city life. His work was characterized by dramatic lighting and a candid style, which helped to establish him as a pioneer in the field of documentary photography. Weegee's photographs often appeared in publications like Life and New York Post, and he published several books, including Naked City, which showcased his unique perspective on urban America.