scale, perspective, depth ... & the Eiffel Tower

Richard Avedon (1959)

I had posted this photograph (above) previously and explained that this was a matter of Genius x 2. Two of my favorite artists -- Richard Avedon, the photographer and the subject, Marc Chagall, the painter. Here are two more shots that make use of the Eiffel Tower and create depth by use of a person in the background.

Walde Huth

Frank Horvat (1974)

Jacques Henri Lartigue

I have always said that Lartigue's work was that as seen through a child's eyes and indeed that is what much of it was.  He was born into a wealthy family in France and he photographed what was around him starting at age seven -- he documented daily life and quite often, society ladies. It wasn't, however, until later in life that his childhood photographs were given recognition.  Quite by accident, he was ultimately introduced to John Szarkowski, curator of the Museum of Modern Art who produced an exhibition of his work.  As an adult, Lartigue shot fashion and just about anyone he met.  To read more on Jacques Henri Lartigue, click here and here and here.

Richard Avedon as photographed by Jacques Henri Lartigue / 1966

“Art is everywhere, except it has to pass through a creative mind.”

--Louise Nevelson

Photograph of artist, Louise Nevelson by Richard Avedon

Portrait of artist, Louise Nevelson by Cecil Beaton

Valentine's Day Fashions

Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott

Deborah Turbeville

Guy Bourdin

Ellen von Unwerth (of Eva Mendez)

Ellen von Unwerth (for Russian Vogue)

Helmet Newton

Miles Aldridge

Nick Knight

Steven Meisel (Tribute to Alexander McQueen for Vogue 2011)

Richard Avedon (Versace ad featuring Kelly LeBrock, circa 1980s)

The Christmas Season ...

Irving Penn

Guy Bourdin

Richard Avedon

Richard Avedon

When I was in art school attempting fashion photography (since I was convinced I would be a fashion photographer, so much for convictions), I was told repeatedly, "but, you have to show the clothes".

I insisted that I had seen plenty of images where mood was evoked and very little of the actual garment was visible. Plus, I was much more concerned with the model as object (think: Helmut Newton) than I was in anyone actually wanting to wear the rags and strange choices I used for my fashion photographs. You could say I was "creative" in that being a student forces you to become very innovative with wardrobe and props.

It took me some time to become less defiant and to really understand what it meant to be a fashion photographer. Richard Avedon's fashion work epitomizes that statement I wanted to reject -- how really showing the garment is essential. And because his interpretations weren't always literal, that was his genius. How better to display what's for sale than to make it editorial, environmental, or a sculptural piece of fine art?

The Masters

These are but three of the masters. Helmut Newton (with Alice Springs, his wife, to the right), Irving Penn, and Richard Avedon (with Sophia Loren).

Since I am a fiend for self portraits, I will continue to post them and if you'd like to share your finds or your own, please email me.