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)

Jill Greenberg

I just read of the remarkable discovery of a new species of monkey and it prompted me to think of Jill Greenberg's series on monkey portraits.  Here is the CNN article on the new species of monkey and here is a glimpse of some of the monkey portraits as was featured in Jill Greenberg's 2006 exhibit at Clamp Art.

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

Jeanloup Sieff

It has been said that versatility is not always such a great thing in that it implies, "jack of all trades; master of none". The contradiction to that statement is nowhere more evident than that of Jeanloup Sieff's work. He worked for the Magnum Agency and was known as a photographer of fashion, portraits, dance, nudes, landscapes, reportage, erotica, and of course, derrieres, for which he devoted an entire book. He was a master of all these realms. Click here to see his official website.

Andrew Eccles and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

I am thrilled to say that in exactly one month, I will be seeing the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater perform.  Since it is currently on my mind, I am sharing some photographs of the dance company shot by Andrew Eccles.  Interesting reads are this very brief bio on Eccles and this interview from 2010 in which he talks about his having assisted Annie Leibovitz.  Hope you enjoy! 

I've added tags such as "conceptual" and "portraiture" because Eccles shoots more than just dance.  Check out his website to see more of his work.