The 5: Fashion Photographers (slightly nsfw)
The 5: Photographers Who Changed Fashion
Photographers can change the world without saying a word, and most people will never even know their names. And if you think that fashion has nothing to do with you, think again. These five photographers not only changed style, but they changed our images of beauty, sexuality, and desire, without our ever knowing it. Here are our 5 Fashion Photographers who changed it all.
1. Steven Meisel.
The preeminent fashion photographer of the last 30 years. Unlike other photographers, Meisel shoots solely fashion. Along with Gianni Versace, Meisel was one of the main creators of the 90s supermodel. He is, by far, the most influential photographer of our time. He’s also reclusive, cares nothing for celebrity, and doesn’t even have a website. Nor does he need one. His power was so great that merely considering a new model, could turn her into an overnight success. You’ve probably never heard his name before, but do a google image search with his name and be blown away by his extraordinary work.
2. Richard Avedon.
Along with Irving Penn, Avedon practically invented modern fashion photography, and stayed relevant and influential until his death in 2004. He used outside influences to help create his own unique style, that even today others try (but fail) to replicate. He saw celebrities in ways no one else saw – looking beyond the superficial. He would show us something ugly, and it was beautiful. A portrait by Avedon trumped any ego and you saw public figures in a way they would never have allowed themselves to be seen before.
3. Helmut Newton.
Once quoted as saying, “I’m just a dirty old man with a camera.” Newton portrayed his subjects as raw, sexual creatures – women naked, leather-bound, straps and saddles, heels and fishnets. The dark and dirty side of life. Rather than showing insecurity and vulnerability, Netwon’s women were strong, powerful, and sexy. What makes Newton’s work so captivating is what you aren’t seeing – the ‘what just off camera’.
4. Norman Parkinson.
Probably the 20th century’s best known British photographer, after David Bailey. Norman broke away from the stiff, rigid practices of the time and allowed the model and subject to have fun. His style was beautiful and refined, yet had a sense of ease and lightheartedness not seen before.
5.Horst P. Horst.
Horst created one of the most iconic photographs of the 20th century– the Mainbocher Corset– which appeared in the September 15, 1939 Vogue. His influence was not only in fashion, but in Hollywood. He was a meticulous artist, who approached his photographs like a painting, creating subjects with light. In photography, you can change everything just by the way you use light, and he did.
