Lillian Bassman

Photographer to Harpers Bazaar around the 1940's and 50's, producing some of the most poignant black and white photography in fashion. With stark tonal contrasts within her images and plenty of hand manipulation, they almost look like fashion illustrations. Here are two images from a series that I liked the most (although different to her most famous images).

The elgance in these images has been heightened with her developing methods. I cant be sure as I have not been able to research her methods, but it look like in these images she may possibly have used solarisation. In her other more memorable images (as above) she may have overexposed the paper to the light and also painted the developer on, aswell as alot of extra dodging and burning. Her images could be considered more art than photography. Either way she designed a whole new aesthetic for fashion photography during and after the war.

Coco Before Chanel

Following the viewing of this magnificent film, I feel it an absolute must to express just how great this film is and urge you to see it. If you have a strong interest in fashion design/photography then this film is going to make a big impression. The cinematography within the film is utterly alluring. Coco's story will capture you, her personality and wit will have you giggling, and it will give you such a surge of inspiration you'll want to go out and immediately start cutting up your clothes.

Fun at 55

Heres a few images from a recent shoot I did with my housemate Lex. Its really just a bit of fun but I was hoping to capture some natural light portraits of her and get back into doing the type of photography I've missed since going to uni!

Inspirations were classic b&w photography from David Bailey and Sally Mann.

Burberry Campaign

This is definitely my new favourite Autumn campaign and by far the best portrait I've seen of Emma Watson..

Shot by Mario Testino the campaign proceeds the many previous Burberry advertisements with sublimity. The campaign continues to demonstrate true British style, with the classic mac- a staple for everybody, and an example of the great tailoring and sophisticated style expected from such a reputable brand.

Annie Leibovitz

Here are just a few of some of my favourite Celebrity/Fashion portraits by Leibovitz. In every one of her celebrity based, female focused pieces she brings out a real beauty in the subject. She makes every one of her female subjects look like goddesses, with flattering lighting anf extravagant outfits.

Leibovitz started her career at Rolling Stone magazine and then went on to join Vanity Fairmagazine. Her photography made a transition from grainy, raw black and white images of rock personalities to sophisticated polished images of commercial celebrity. Leibovitz is a contraversial photographer. She likes to challenge the structure of what makes a good portrait whilst sometimes offending others. Her recent shoot with Miley Cyrus, proved to be less than popular, shot against a grey background, clutching at a sheet she is seen as sexual and vulnerable; not good for a child TV star's image. Liebovitz was accused of taking advantage of a young girl to project her own personal style and preferance to that of the star.