"I don’t think photography has anything remotely to do with the brain. It has to do with eye appeal." -Horst P. Horst Horst Paul Albert Bohrmann was his given name. He adopted Horst P. Horst as his working name and went on to become an icon of American photography. Starting out Horst began by studying architecture and assisting the famous architect Le Corbusier in Paris. He became acquainted with George Hoyningen-Huene and began his career as a photographer. By 1931 he was working for French Vogue. He had mounted a well-received exhibit at … [Read more...] about On Photography: Horst P. Horst, 1906-1999
On Photography
On Photography: Margaret Bourke-White, 1904-1971
"Saturate yourself with your subject and the camera will all but take you by the hand." - Margaret Bourke-White Margaret Bourke-White was a pioneering photojournalist who was the first to document Soviet industry in the 1930s. During that time she photographed in Germany and the dust bowl of the American midwest. Her storied career Margaret Bourke-White was hired by Henry Luce, the founder of Time and Life magazines, in 1929. Her assignment was to cover business and industry for Fortune magazine. She was there photographing the vault in the … [Read more...] about On Photography: Margaret Bourke-White, 1904-1971
On Photography: Gordon Parks, 1912-2006
"I bought my first camera in Seattle, Washington. Only paid about seven dollars and fifty cents for it." -Gordon Parks Gordon Parks was in many respects a Renaissance man. He excelled at documentary photography, as a musician and as a director of significant motion pictures. Farm Security Administration (FSA) Gordon Parks taught himself photography with his $7.50 pawnshop camera. He found work at the FSA despite having no formal or professional training. He quickly developed a style. That style made him a famous, celebrated photographer of … [Read more...] about On Photography: Gordon Parks, 1912-2006
On Photography: Abelardo Morell, 1948-present
"It’s important to me to have what I photograph undergo a certain transformation — to become a thing different from what we are used to, to be another version of itself." -Abelardo Morell Abelardo Morell makes photographs that, at first look don't make any sense. There is a scene in a room that can't have that scene in it. A red bed with an ornate headboard is in front of a photo of the Brooklyn Bridge. Wait. Examine the scene more carefully. The bridge photograph isn't behind the headboard. It is in front of it. How in the world? Times … [Read more...] about On Photography: Abelardo Morell, 1948-present
On Photography: Sally Mann, 1951-present
“One of the things my career as an artist might say to young artists is: The things that are close to you are the things you can photograph the best. And unless you photograph what you love, you are not going to make good art.” – Sally Mann Sally Mann is a photographer. A fine art photographer. A documentary photographer. She has also photographed architecture, landscape and still life. She is famous for her portrayal of her own family. First work Sally Mann began her photography career at Washington and Lee University. There, she documented … [Read more...] about On Photography: Sally Mann, 1951-present
On Photography: Richard Avedon, 1923-2004
“If each photograph steals a bit of the soul, isn’t it possible that I give up pieces of mine every time I take a picture?” – Richard Avedon Richard Avedon was easily a triple-threat photographer. His fashion work redefined what fashion photographs said; his art photographs were featured in exhibitions; his commercial photographs advertised for clients like Revlon and Christian Dior. Avedon's photographic career begins Richard Avedon served in the Merchant Marine during World War II. He learned the craft of photography by making … [Read more...] about On Photography: Richard Avedon, 1923-2004
On Photography: Helmut Newton, 1920-2004 (NSFW)
(Editor's note: The provocative nature of Helmut Newton's work requires a different format from the regular "On Photography" posts. Please note that some of the photos that follow are not safe for work — NSFW.) “The term "political correctness" has always appalled me, reminding me of Orwell's "Thought Police" and fascist regimes.” ― Helmut Newton Early years Helmut Newton was born in Germany. He bought his first camera at age 12. As a teen, he interned with Geman theatrical photographer Yva, who was a fan of the unclothed female form. Newton … [Read more...] about On Photography: Helmut Newton, 1920-2004 (NSFW)
On Photography: Art Kane, 1925-1995
"Performance shots are a waste of time, they look like everyone else's. If you want to shoot a performer, then grab them, own them, you have to own people, then twist them into what you want to say about them." -Art Kane Sixty years ago, on August 12, 1958, Art Kane made the photo titled "A Great Day In Harlem" for Esquire magazine. With this image, he instantly changed careers from art director to photographer. The picture is of 57 jazz musicians posing on the stoop of 17 East 126th Street in Harlem. The photograph has become one of the most … [Read more...] about On Photography: Art Kane, 1925-1995
On Photography: Douglas Kirkland, 1934-present
"I consider myself very lucky. I'm known for photographing celebrities, but, in a nutshell, my first love is photography." - Douglas Kirkland Douglas Kirkland has done pretty much everything when it comes to photography. Celebrities, notables, movie stills, photojournalism, filmmakers, fashion, Marilyn — his over 60-year career has seen him making photographs of all of these and more. His career in photography began when he was 24 and was hired as a staff photographer for Look magazine. His fame was found early when, in 1961, he spent an … [Read more...] about On Photography: Douglas Kirkland, 1934-present
On Photography: Imogen Cunningham, 1883-1976
“Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I'm going to take tomorrow.” - Imogen Cunningham Beginnings Imogen Cunningham bought her first camera, a 4x5 view camera, from the American School of Art, mail order. The year was 1901. She was 19 years old. While at the University of Washington in Seattle she discovered the work of Gertrude Käsebier, which rekindled her interest in photography. She began to study the chemistry of photography with the help of her chemistry professor, Horace Byers. She photographed plants for the botany … [Read more...] about On Photography: Imogen Cunningham, 1883-1976
On Photography: Paul Strand, 1890-1976
"Your photography is a record of your living, for anyone who really sees.” — Paul Strand Paul Strand has been called the biggest, widest, most commanding talent in the history of American photography. He was born in the midst of one of the most exciting and innovative periods in the history of art. Painters and sculptors were claiming the turn-of-the-century by rejecting the traditional and academic. By combining what he knew as art, with his love of the camera, Strand claimed his own place in photographic history by embracing similar ideas … [Read more...] about On Photography: Paul Strand, 1890-1976
On Photography: Philippe Halsman, 1906-1979
The immortal photographers will be straightforward photographers, those who do not rely on tricks or special techniques. - Philippe Halsman His early career Latvian photographer, Philippe Halsman began working in photography in Paris. His portrait studio in Montparnasse opened in 1934. There he photographed artists — André Malraux, André Gide, Le Corbusier and Marc Chagall. He used a self-designed twin lens reflex camera. Fleeing the Nazis he emigrated with his family to the United States on an emergency visa he got thanks to the help of … [Read more...] about On Photography: Philippe Halsman, 1906-1979
On Photography: Edward Steichen, 1879-1973
“A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it.” – Edward Steichen Edward Steichen not only contributed more photographs to Alfred Stieglitz's Camera Work publication than any other he is also credited with being the first fashion photographer. It's safe to say that he was a twentieth-century V.I.P. (Very Important Photographer). Photographic beginnings Steichen started in photography in 1896. He had his first exhibition of photographs at a salon in Philadelphia in 1899. He was introduced to Alfred Stieglitz by Clarence … [Read more...] about On Photography: Edward Steichen, 1879-1973
On Photography: Alfred Stieglitz, 1864-1946
“In photography, there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality.” – Alfred Stieglitz Alfred Stieglitz is best known as the photographer who made photography accepted as a form of art. During his 5 decades-long career, he made photographs, opened and operated art galleries. His early years Alfred Stieglitz studied at the Berlin Polytechnic and then at Berlin University before emigrating to the United States. He studied physics and chemistry, then in 1883 he bought his first camera. He was entranced by the images. He … [Read more...] about On Photography: Alfred Stieglitz, 1864-1946
On Photography: Pete Turner, 1934-2017
“What have I done wrong? Nothing, I think. I am steadily surprised that there are so many photographers that reject manipulating reality as if that was wrong. Change reality! If you don’t find it, invent it!” – Pete Turner Pete Turner was, arguably, the pioneer of color photography, especially in the fields of commercial and fine art. He began his fascination with color photography at age 14 when he started making his own color prints. Of photography, Turner said in a 2006 Photo District News interview: "I love black and white photography, … [Read more...] about On Photography: Pete Turner, 1934-2017
On Photography: Gregory Heisler, 1954-present
“Photography’s one percent inspiration and 99 percent moving furniture.” -Gregory Heisler I have always thought of Gregory Heisler as a gifted photographer and a well-dressed one at that. I've enjoyed chatting with him as well as being present in the audience of several of his very engaging presentations of his work. His has been and continues to be a life lived being a photographer, educator and a genuinely nice guy. He lives a very rich life. Early days — Arnold Neuman Gregory Heisler became Arnold Neuman's assistant through … [Read more...] about On Photography: Gregory Heisler, 1954-present
On Photography: Margaret Bourke-White, 1904-1971
"The camera is a remarkable instrument. Saturate yourself with your subject and the camera will all but take you by the hand." - Margaret Bourke-White Margaret Bourke-White studied photography at the Clarence H. White School of Photography and went on to finish college in 1927. She moved to Cleveland and opened a studio with a primary interest in industrial photography. This work interested Henry Luce, publisher of Fortune magazine, who hired her in 1929. Life magazine Margaret Bourke-White photographed the construction of the Fort … [Read more...] about On Photography: Margaret Bourke-White, 1904-1971
On Photography: Linda McCartney, 1941-1998
“The real thing that makes a photographer is more than just a technical skill, more than turning on the radio. It has to do with the force of inner intention. I have always called this a visual signature...” — Linda McCartney Linda McCartney only took two classes in photography. She attended night school studying art history at the University of Arizona. Her inspirations were by photographers Dorothea Lange, Edward Weston and later Edward Steichen. Photo history was one of her passions. She created cyanotype prints as an homage to Henry Fox … [Read more...] about On Photography: Linda McCartney, 1941-1998
On Photography: Irving Penn, 1917-2009
“I can get obsessed by anything if I look at it long enough. That's the curse of being a photographer.” — Irving Penn There is absolutely no argument or debate that Irving Penn holds the distinction of being one of the great photographers of the last century. He worked for Vogue magazine for six decades with quiet, and unswerving dedication. Irving Penn was an artist who chose film as his canvas and light as his medium. Like his contemporary, Lillian Bassman, he studied with Alexey Brodovich in his Design Laboratory. Brodovitch taught how … [Read more...] about On Photography: Irving Penn, 1917-2009
On Photography: Lillian Bassman, 1917-2012
“I had a terrific commercial life, I did everything that could be photographed: children, food, liquor, cigarettes, lingerie, beauty products.” -Lillian Bassman Lillian Bassman also was a fine art photographer later in her, simply put, amazing life. Early studies Her studies began with fabric design at Textile High School in Chelsea. She modeled for Works Progress Administration's (WPA) artists during the depression. She took night classes in fashion illustration at Pratt Institute. Her career started with a showing of her work to Alexy … [Read more...] about On Photography: Lillian Bassman, 1917-2012
On Photography: Paul Caponigro, 1932 — present
“It’s one thing to make a picture of what a person looks like, it’s another thing to make a portrait of who they are.” – Paul Caponigro Paul Caponigro began his interest in photography at thirteen at the same time he was enthralled with music. He studied at the Boston University College of Music. He then decided, in 1950 to concentrate on photography attending the California School of Fine Art in a program established by Ansel Adams. His first solo exhibition was held at the George Eastman House in 1958. Since then he has had exhibits at … [Read more...] about On Photography: Paul Caponigro, 1932 — present
On Photography: Henri Cartier-Bresson, 1908-2004
“Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” — Henri Cartier-Bresson Henri Cartier-Bresson is known for understanding and capturing photographs that show the "decisive moment." Cartier-Bresson's creative life started as many of his era did, with painting. He had finished a year in Ivory Coast when he discovered the Leica camera. The Leica full-frame 35mm became his camera of choice. It was small, fairly lightweight and inconspicuous compared to cameras of the time like the Graphic and the twin lens Rolleiflex. It was 1932. That year … [Read more...] about On Photography: Henri Cartier-Bresson, 1908-2004
On Photography: Diane Arbus, 1923-1971
“I always thought of photography as a naughty thing to do — that was one of my favorite things about it, and when I first did it, I felt very perverse.” — Diane Arbus Diane Arbus was as unique a photographer as the subjects she chronicled. Her photographs of circus performers, dwarfs and giants, transgender people and nudists are stunning studies of what most consider grotesque, surreal or even ugly. Born to well-to-do parents, Diane was raised by maids and nannies. After her marriage to Allan Arbus, she became interested in photography … [Read more...] about On Photography: Diane Arbus, 1923-1971
On Photography: Alfred Eisenstaedt, 1898-1995
“I have to be as much diplomat as a photographer.” — Alfred Eisenstaedt The Associated Press hired Alfred Eisenstaedt in 1929 to work for them as a professional photographer out of their office in Germany. Before World War II, he photographed notables including fascists Adolph Hitler, Benito Mussolini and Joseph Goebbels. By 1935 he had moved to New York carrying with him his notoriety as a "photographer extraordinaire" earned early on in Europe. He was hired by Time founder Henry Luce as one of the four original Life staff photographers … [Read more...] about On Photography: Alfred Eisenstaedt, 1898-1995
On Photography: Ansel Adams, 1902-1984
“There is nothing worse than a brilliant image of a fuzzy concept.” -Ansel Adams Ansel Adams was a photographer, environmentalist and a concert-quality pianist. He is best known for his photographs of grand vistas rendered in immaculate black and white prints. Young Ansel taught himself to read music and to play the piano. The discipline he learned at the piano translated into the precision he had to develop for the workings of photography both at the camera and in the darkroom. While Adams started in the soft, pictorial style by the 1930's … [Read more...] about On Photography: Ansel Adams, 1902-1984
On Photography: Edward Weston, 1886-1958
“If I have any ‘message’ worth giving to a beginner it is that there are no shortcuts in photography.” —Edward Weston Edward Weston was a seminal photographer of the first half of the 20th century. He studied photography at the Illinois College of Photography then worked as a retoucher for The George Steckel Portrait Studio. He moved to the Louis A. Mojoiner Portrait Studio to be a photographer. His skills in lighting and posing were quickly recognized. After marrying, he opened his own portrait studio in California. He worked in the … [Read more...] about On Photography: Edward Weston, 1886-1958
