One of the old masters of fashion photography, Horst P. Horst worked for Vogue for 60 years, which included 87 covers for the magazine, and was one of the most significant fashion and portrait photographers of the twentieth century. A true artist with an incredible compositional sense, his photography ranging from incredibly romantic, defining glamour and capturing the innate elegance of the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s, to surrealist, from the poised, sophisticated portraits of the leading figures in the arts, movies and society of his time, to his groundbreaking detail shots he did later in his career. The last photo is Horst’s most iconic fashion image, a model seen from behind, wearing a partially tied, back-laced corset made by Detolle. To think how photographers used to do everything with so few devices, inventing techniques and playing with decor, light and shadow and simply putting their talent to work, is more than surreal for the times we live in.
I find myself viewing these photos and thinking: they don’t take photos like that anymore!
That top one is one of my all-time favourite photo shoots. I’m off pinning!
It’s a funny coincidence, but I was thinking of him this morning after looking at some of the editorial photos that inspired more recent ones – faces behind leafy or flowery layer. Apart from what you said what I also admire is how their work always remained of high quality, from the very start to the very finish of their careers. These days famous photographers (I mean a certain one, but no names…) skip the quality part as if they simply know that the name will get them a fat cheque anyway…
Absolutely stunning pictures. I think it’s really sad how nowadays we strive for absolute perfection when taking photos, the right lighting, the perfect colour balance, nothing out of place etc when it is the little imperfections that really make a photo more interesting and endearing.
Oh these are absolutely stunning. What works of art.
I really admire his work. Beautiful images. I’ve always wondered how photographs look so much better then (with little technology, as you say), than the photo shoots they make today.
xxx
I’ve always admired Horst’s work, thank you for bringing him back to my attention, and for your wonderful blog, I’m so enjoying exploring it!
Thank you, Heidi. 🙂
I adore Horst. Thank you for the reminder, Ada. The ultimate in stylish photography. I hope your new year has begun splendidly!
xo
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