Research Richard Avedon and Mario Testino
Today I have researched two photographers for my major project.
First I have researched Richard Avedon, who is born in New York (1923) and was One of the leading photographers in the mid-20th century, famous for his portraits and fashion photography. At a young age Avedon was interested in portrait photography. He studied photography in the US and became a professional in 1945 when he started to work for Haper's Bazaar. In 1992, he became the first employee photographer of The New Yorker. He is known for his strong black and white contrasts in an austere sophistication way. He created this by using a stark, white background and confrontational pose. Avedon was influenced by Brodovitch who taught him that commercial and editorial work should never be approached as tedious.
In 1945 he setup his own photography studio and started to work as a freelance. In that same year two of his photos were exhibited at Harpers Bazaars Junior Bazaar, which marked his long-term career in fashion photography and achieved great success. In his early career was the rise of street photography and the invention of the 35mm camera. He used elements such as spontaneity and candid shot but left street photography to other photographers. (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2021)
First I have researched Richard Avedon, who is born in New York (1923) and was One of the leading photographers in the mid-20th century, famous for his portraits and fashion photography. At a young age Avedon was interested in portrait photography. He studied photography in the US and became a professional in 1945 when he started to work for Haper's Bazaar. In 1992, he became the first employee photographer of The New Yorker. He is known for his strong black and white contrasts in an austere sophistication way. He created this by using a stark, white background and confrontational pose. Avedon was influenced by Brodovitch who taught him that commercial and editorial work should never be approached as tedious.
In 1945 he setup his own photography studio and started to work as a freelance. In that same year two of his photos were exhibited at Harpers Bazaars Junior Bazaar, which marked his long-term career in fashion photography and achieved great success. In his early career was the rise of street photography and the invention of the 35mm camera. He used elements such as spontaneity and candid shot but left street photography to other photographers. (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2021)
Avedon was a portrait photographer and his subjects ranged broadly. He shot Hollywood Legends like Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin and Audrey Hepburn. He was also photographer of, and friend to, artists like Pablo Picasso, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Frank LIoyd Wright, his work was often a tribute to them. Avedon inherited his love for realism from popular literature sources such as Beckett, Proust and Chekhov and artistic influencers such as Goya.
He tried to put everyone at ease so that he could take intimate and lasting photos. Throughout his career Avedon has maintained a unique style all his own. (Avedon, n.d)
Even though I am not going to edit my photos, this research was useful. I looked at the tones, textures, background and poses.
The first photo the model stands out because of the white background. It reminds me of high end fashion because of the pose, rectangle shapes of the arms, and the look of the model.
The second photo you see the shape good because it has a blurred background, this would be a great idea for my last photo where I present my accessories and dress.
The last picture I like the reflection of the sunglasses. Through the tones in her neck the face stands out. The grey background match with the model, a low contrast. I like the close up and this is something I want to consider for my photos.
I really like the photos of Mario Testino, and I notice that color photos appeal to me more
Avedon, R., n.d. Richard Avedon Biography, Life & Quotes. [online] The Art Story. Available at: <https://www.theartstory.org/artist/avedon-richard/life-and-legacy/> [Accessed 12 May 2021].
All-about-photo.com. n.d. Mario Testino Photographer | All About Photo. [online] Available at: <https://www.all-about-photo.com/photographers/photographer/153/mario-testino> [Accessed 12 May 2021].
Artsy.net. n.d. Mario Testino - 59 Artworks, Bio & Shows on Artsy. [online] Available at: <https://www.artsy.net/artist/mario-testino> [Accessed 12 May 2021].
Encyclopedia Britannica. 2021. Mario Testino | Biography & Facts. [online] Available at: <https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mario-Testino> [Accessed 12 May 2021].
The Tech. 2012. A glimpse into the world of fashion | The Tech. [online] Available at: <https://thetech.com/2012/11/09/testino-v132-n52> [Accessed 12 May 2021].
the Guardian. 2012. Mario Testino interview: the man who makes models super. [online] Available at: <https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2012/oct/21/mario-testino-interview-fashion-photography> [Accessed 12 May 2021].
Even though I am not going to edit my photos, this research was useful. I looked at the tones, textures, background and poses.
The first photo the model stands out because of the white background. It reminds me of high end fashion because of the pose, rectangle shapes of the arms, and the look of the model.
The second photo you see the shape good because it has a blurred background, this would be a great idea for my last photo where I present my accessories and dress.
The last picture I like the reflection of the sunglasses. Through the tones in her neck the face stands out. The grey background match with the model, a low contrast. I like the close up and this is something I want to consider for my photos.
His style was bright and sharp which wasn't famous in the late nineties. His work also helped mute the supermodel trend and he shoot photos of less known models such as Kate Moss.
In 1995, Testino, together with his regular assistant stylist Karin Roitfield, helped Gucci creative director Tom Ford reintroduce the multi-billion dollar Italian luxury goods that was lagging. He gained universal exposure when he shoot images for Diana, princess of Wales for the Vanity cover in 1997. His work became Diana's last official photoshoot when she died later that year. He worked with many famous celebrities such as the British royal family, Catherine Middleton and Prince William and Princess Charlotte (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2021).
Testino also launched work as a creative director, museum founder, guest editor and art collector. In 2007, at the request of his clients to provide full creative direction services, he formed MARIOTESTINO+ which today is a growing team of individuals who support Testino to realise the breadth of his creative output (All about photo, n.d). Mario Testino is a fashion photographer who not only records fashion but also defines it. Testino's style is sometimes referred to as "exuberant realism", and its purpose is to capture his subject at the moment of participation or expression, rather than nothingness and smoothness (Artsy, n.d)
In 1995, Testino, together with his regular assistant stylist Karin Roitfield, helped Gucci creative director Tom Ford reintroduce the multi-billion dollar Italian luxury goods that was lagging. He gained universal exposure when he shoot images for Diana, princess of Wales for the Vanity cover in 1997. His work became Diana's last official photoshoot when she died later that year. He worked with many famous celebrities such as the British royal family, Catherine Middleton and Prince William and Princess Charlotte (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2021).
Testino also launched work as a creative director, museum founder, guest editor and art collector. In 2007, at the request of his clients to provide full creative direction services, he formed MARIOTESTINO+ which today is a growing team of individuals who support Testino to realise the breadth of his creative output (All about photo, n.d). Mario Testino is a fashion photographer who not only records fashion but also defines it. Testino's style is sometimes referred to as "exuberant realism", and its purpose is to capture his subject at the moment of participation or expression, rather than nothingness and smoothness (Artsy, n.d)
"I never notice a difference between photographing a man and a woman; for me, it's just somebody," says Testino. "I've never wanted to call myself any sexuality, because I hate the idea of taking freedom away from you, and I think we all can be everything. I understand that at moments you have to define it, but my sexuality has been so wide and open, and that's what's influenced my way of working. I think it's given me freedom, my sexuality." (Testino, 2012)
I really like the photos of Mario Testino, and I notice that color photos appeal to me more
The first photo reminds me of high end fashion with glamour. I like the pose of the model and the picture stands out much more than the second photo. The reflection of the light and the wind in her hair make the photo much more powerful.
The second photo I like the pose and how the picture is taken from below. This makes the model look longer. Even though you can see the background, it is not disturbing and the focus remains on the model.
The last photo I like how the background reflects the colours what the model is wearing and how the picture is edit. The look of the model is strong, confident and powerful. You can't see the accessories wel so I would change that.
Reference
Encyclopedia Britannica. 2021. Richard Avedon | American photographer. [online] Available at: <https://www.britannica.com/biography/Richard-Avedon> [Accessed 12 May 2021].Avedon, R., n.d. Richard Avedon Biography, Life & Quotes. [online] The Art Story. Available at: <https://www.theartstory.org/artist/avedon-richard/life-and-legacy/> [Accessed 12 May 2021].
All-about-photo.com. n.d. Mario Testino Photographer | All About Photo. [online] Available at: <https://www.all-about-photo.com/photographers/photographer/153/mario-testino> [Accessed 12 May 2021].
Artsy.net. n.d. Mario Testino - 59 Artworks, Bio & Shows on Artsy. [online] Available at: <https://www.artsy.net/artist/mario-testino> [Accessed 12 May 2021].
Encyclopedia Britannica. 2021. Mario Testino | Biography & Facts. [online] Available at: <https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mario-Testino> [Accessed 12 May 2021].
The Tech. 2012. A glimpse into the world of fashion | The Tech. [online] Available at: <https://thetech.com/2012/11/09/testino-v132-n52> [Accessed 12 May 2021].
the Guardian. 2012. Mario Testino interview: the man who makes models super. [online] Available at: <https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2012/oct/21/mario-testino-interview-fashion-photography> [Accessed 12 May 2021].
Good analysis of these artists - have a look at a contemporary photographer, like Steven Meisel here: https://www.designscene.net/2020/10/zara-fw20-steven-meisel.html
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