As soon as you walk into the Lee Friedlander exhibit at the SF MOMA, the exhibit hits you with a jolt of color. A bright yellow wall acts as the gateway to the world as Friedlander sees it, a world full of playful images. Taken from the 1950s to the present, Friedlander presents images of life as it is, no airbrushing or glamorizing needed. Most of the photos are from his personal collection, giving this exhibit a welcoming, homey feel.

White walls adorned with black and white photos don’t seem too impressive at first glance, but on closer inspection the images begin to pop. Friedlander presents dozens of collections ranging from nature to portraits. His collection “Sticks and Stones: Architectural America” showcases only architectural elements, rather than entire structures. He makes an ordinary side of a building or a stop sign seem angular and interesting. His eye for detail focuses in on ordinary objects and gives them cover-girl-like status.

Friedlander’s portraits won’t make any magazine covers, but they will make an impression on visitors. Friedlander’s “New York Fashion Week” collection from 2006 focuses on what happens backstage as the models and hair and makeup artists work frantically. Rather than glorifying his subjects he shows them as they are, a refreshing look at fashion that magazines rarely want us to see. Friedlander’s “Nudes” collection is a far cry away from the pages of Playboy. His nudes are not provocative. Instead, he shows women as they are in poses that are not-so-sexually appealing.

This is a perfect exhibit to begin a dinner date, or to pass the time on a Sunday. The images will give you plenty to talk about—and the last room in the exhibit with seating and art books is a great, cozy place to discuss the work at length. Friedlander’s exhibit will be at the MOMA through May 18.