Research - The Photo Book

As a photographer I have images that I feel are iconic, something that I find interesting and something that sticks in my mind. This is one of them images. I remember seeing it and just loving the focus on the subject but also the way that the mirrors in the background give you a sense of what the subjects is seeing and also what is going on behind the photographer. I like that it is in black and white as it makes the image simple and the use of colour isn't overpowering the image.   

Richard Avedon-

The photographer himself is a hero and an icon throughout the photography industry due to his images and his creativity, but this image especially. The grace and beauty of the slim model in front of 2 large elephants is breath takings. The image oozes class and sophistication and really rather a brave thing to do. The models elegant elongated pose really makes the image. I feel bad for the elephants that are tied down as the look distressed this is why I like the elephants more in the Rankin version below. 

This iconic image has also been recreated in the documentary by Rankin called the ‘7 images that changed fashion’. I think that he has really done a good job in capturing the image and showing a resemblance to the original, however he has still giving it his own style and touch to the image. I like this because he has still had a creative input even if it’s just a little. 

It’s also interesting that he has chosen to make the image colour rather than black and white like the original?!?  

Rineke Dijkstra- 

This photographer is someone who I was considering writing my dissertation on as I find the images created really interesting.  What attracts me to this image is the model and the location, she’s almost mermaid like and the lighting really freezes her in the frame and lights her well, creating a dark background. The model and her look, you kind of expect it to be on a picturesque beach were this is the total opposite. 

Man Ray-

Such a beautiful image. The way that the droplets have formed on the face and stayed there (makes me think it’s not water) but also the eye lashes of the model show great attention to detail. I like that it’s really cropped in to the face so you can see the eyes clearly and all the detail that they hold. The catch lights are really strong and light the eye up and give it depth and soul to the image.