Man Ray
“I do not photograph nature. I photograph my visions.”
Man Ray, born Emmanuel Radnitzky in 1890, was an American visual artist who spent the majority of his career in Paris. He was a significant contributor to the Dada and Surrealist movements, and his pioneering work in fine art photography has had a lasting impact on the genre. Man Ray's creative and experimental approach to photography has made him one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century.
Early Life and Career
Man Ray was born in Philadelphia to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents. His artistic talent was evident from an early age, and he studied at the Art Students League in New York before moving to Paris in 1921. There, he became part of the city's thriving avant-garde scene, working with key figures such as Marcel Duchamp and collaborating with the Dada and Surrealist movements.
Photographic Style and Techniques
Man Ray's photography is characterized by its experimental and innovative nature. He was known for pushing the boundaries of conventional photography by utilizing techniques like solarization, photograms (which he called "rayographs"), and double exposure. His work often incorporated elements of both abstraction and realism, blending the line between photography and other visual arts.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Man Ray produced a vast body of work that encompassed portraiture, fashion, and fine art photography. Some of his most iconic images include "Le Violon d'Ingres," "Noire et Blanche," and his series of "rayographs." He was also a sought-after portrait photographer, capturing images of fellow artists, writers, and celebrities such as Pablo Picasso, James Joyce, and Kiki de Montparnasse.
Photography Gear
Man Ray was known to use a variety of cameras and equipment throughout his career, including large-format cameras, medium-format cameras, and 35mm cameras.
Published Photo Books
"Man Ray: The Paris Years" This book delves into Man Ray's most prolific period, spent in Paris during the 1920s and 1930s. "The Paris Years" offers a comprehensive look at his groundbreaking work, including his pioneering techniques in Surrealist and Dadaist photography, making it an invaluable resource for those seeking inspiration in experimental and avant-garde photography.
"Man Ray Self Portrait" "Man Ray Self Portrait" is an insightful autobiography, detailing the artist's personal and professional journey. This book provides a unique perspective on the motivations and inspirations behind his innovative photographic work, making it an essential read for photographers interested in understanding the artistic process of a visionary.
"Man Ray: The Artist and His Shadows" This book explores the darker aspects of Man Ray's life and work. "The Artist and His Shadows" delves into the complexities of his relationships, his struggles with identity, and the impact of these factors on his photography. This resource offers a deeper understanding of the role that personal experiences play in shaping an artist's creative output.
"Man Ray: Masters of Photography Series" Part of the Masters of Photography Series, this book showcases a curated selection of Man Ray's most iconic images. It highlights the unique techniques he employed, such as solarization and rayographs, offering photographers inspiration and insight into the possibilities of experimental photography.
"Man Ray: In Fashion (International Ctr of Photography)" This book focuses on Man Ray's contributions to the world of fashion photography. "In Fashion" demonstrates his ability to seamlessly merge art and commerce, providing a valuable resource for photographers interested in exploring the creative possibilities within the fashion industry.
"Man Ray: Writings on Art" In "Writings on Art," Man Ray shares his thoughts and ideas about art and photography. This collection of essays and articles offers a glimpse into the mind of an innovative artist, providing inspiration and valuable insights for photographers looking to push the boundaries of their work.
Quotes
“I do not photograph nature. I photograph my visions.”
“An original is a creation motivated by desire.”
“There is no progress in art, any more than there is progress in making love.”
“To create is divine, to reproduce is human.”
“I have finally freed myself from the sticky medium of paint, and am working directly with light itself.”
Legacy and Influence
Man Ray's innovative approach to photography and his contributions to the Dada and Surrealist movements have left a lasting impact on the world of fine art photography. His experimental techniques and unique vision continue to inspire photographers today.
Other notable fine art photographers with a similar style are László Moholy-Nagy, Maurice Tabard, and Lee Miller. These photographers, like Man Ray, have been known for their experimental approaches to photography and their blending of abstraction and realism.
Man Ray's unique vision and groundbreaking work in fine art photography have secured his place among the most influential photographers of the 20th century. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists to push the boundaries of the medium and explore new creative possibilities
Sally Mann
“Photographs open doors into the past, but they also allow a look into the future.”
Sally Mann is an American photographer renowned for her captivating and often controversial images that explore themes of family, childhood, and the passage of time. With a career spanning over four decades, Mann's work has earned her a place among the most influential fine art photographers of her generation.
Early Life and Career
Born in Lexington, Virginia, in 1951, Sally Mann discovered her passion for photography at a young age. She attended the Putney School in Vermont and later pursued a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in creative writing at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. During her time at Hollins, Mann studied photography and began to develop her unique style and approach to the medium.
Photographic Style and Techniques
Mann's photographic style is characterized by her ability to capture deeply intimate and emotional moments. Her black-and-white images often possess a haunting, ethereal quality, revealing the vulnerability and fragility of her subjects. Throughout her career, she has primarily used large-format cameras and alternative photographic processes, such as wet plate collodion, which lends her images a timeless, painterly appearance.
Career Highlights
Sally Mann gained widespread recognition in the early 1990s with her series "Immediate Family," which featured candid photographs of her three children. The series sparked controversy due to the nudity and provocative poses of her young subjects. Despite the controversy, "Immediate Family" solidified Mann's reputation as a fearless and thought-provoking artist.
Mann's later work has explored themes of mortality, memory, and the Southern landscape. Her series "Deep South" (1998) and "What Remains" (2003) examine the complex history of the American South and the cycle of life and death. In 2015, she released a memoir, "Hold Still: A Memoir with Photographs," which delves into her personal life and the stories behind her most iconic images.
Photography Gear
Sally Mann's equipment choices have played a significant role in shaping her photographic style. Over the years, she has used:
Large-format cameras, such as the 8x10 Deardorff view camera
Wet plate collodion process
Black-and-white film
Published Photo Books
"Hold Still: A Memoir with Photographs" In this deeply personal memoir, Sally Mann shares her life story, intertwining it with her photographic journey. "Hold Still" offers valuable insights into the creative process and the emotional connections that drive Mann's work, making it a must-read for photographers seeking to understand the power of personal storytelling in photography.
"Remembered Light: Cy Twombly in Lexington" This book is a testament to the friendship between Sally Mann and the artist Cy Twombly. "Remembered Light" features Mann's intimate photographs of Twombly's studio, offering a unique glimpse into the creative space of a renowned artist. This book emphasizes the importance of collaboration and mutual inspiration in artistic pursuits.
"Sally Mann: The Flesh and The Spirit" This collection showcases Mann's exploration of the human body and spirituality. "The Flesh and The Spirit" highlights her unique approach to capturing the essence of her subjects, providing valuable insights and inspiration for photographers interested in the interplay between physicality and the intangible aspects of life.
"Sally Mann: Immediate Family" In this iconic collection, Sally Mann captures intimate moments of her own family, creating powerful and often controversial images. "Immediate Family" challenges traditional notions of childhood and family, inspiring photographers to push boundaries and explore deeply personal themes in their work.
"From Darkroom To Daylight" In this book, Sally Mann is among several photographers interviewed about their experiences transitioning from film to digital photography. "From Darkroom To Daylight" offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that come with embracing new technologies, making it a useful resource for photographers navigating the ever-evolving world of photography.
Quotes
“Photographs open doors into the past, but they also allow a look into the future.”
“The camera is a remarkable instrument. Saturate yourself with your subject, and the camera will all but take you by the hand and point the way.”
“Art is seldom the result of true genius; rather, it is the product of hard work and skills learned and tenaciously practiced by regular people.”
“I believe that the familiar is often taken for granted and that if it is removed from its usual context, it can become exotic.”
“What I really wanted was every kind of life, and the writer’s life seemed the most inclusive.”
Legacy and Influence
Sally Mann's intimate and thought-provoking photography has left a lasting impact on the world of fine art photography. Her willingness to explore complex and often controversial themes has inspired countless photographers to push the boundaries of their own work.
Other notable fine art photographers with a similar style are Diane Arbus, Francesca Woodman, and Nan Goldin. These artists, like Mann, have been known for their unflinching portrayal of intimate moments and their ability to capture the raw emotions and vulnerabilities of their subjects.
Throughout her career, Sally Mann has consistently challenged conventions and created deeply personal, evocative images that resonate with viewers. Her unique approach to fine art photography has earned her a place among the most influential photographers of her time and continues to inspire the next generation of artists.
Edward Weston
"To see the thing itself is essential."
Edward Weston (1886-1958) (website) was an American photographer who is considered one of the most influential fine art photographers of the 20th century. Throughout his career, Weston developed a highly personal and innovative photographic style that emphasized purity, simplicity, and a deep connection to the natural world.
Early Life and Career
Born in Highland Park, Illinois, Weston discovered his love for photography at an early age. He received his first camera at the age of 16 and began taking photographs in Chicago parks. In 1906, he moved to California and opened his first photography studio in Tropico, now a part of Glendale. Weston's early work was primarily focused on portraiture, but he gradually shifted his focus toward more artistic pursuits, inspired by the pictorialist movement of the time.
In the 1920s, Weston began to develop his signature style, characterized by sharply-focused, meticulously composed images that celebrated the beauty of natural forms. His work during this period includes iconic images of peppers, shells, and sand dunes, which are now considered masterpieces of modern photography.
Photographic Style and Techniques
Weston's photography is known for its exquisite detail, rich tonal range, and strong compositional elements. He often used large-format cameras and long exposures to capture the textures and patterns found in nature. Rejecting the soft focus and painterly techniques of the pictorialists, Weston aimed for a more direct, precise representation of his subjects, whether they were landscapes, still lifes, or nudes.
In addition to his technical mastery, Weston was deeply committed to the idea of photography as a form of personal expression. He believed that the photographer's vision and emotional connection to the subject were essential in creating a successful image, and he strove to convey a sense of intimacy and reverence for the natural world in his work.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Weston was awarded numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to the field of photography. Some of his most notable achievements include:
Founding member of the Group f/64, along with Ansel Adams and other prominent photographers, advocating for a "pure" photographic approach that celebrated the medium's unique qualities.
The first photographer to receive a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1937, which allowed him to travel throughout the United States, producing some of his most iconic images.
His work has been exhibited in prestigious institutions, such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Photography Gear
Throughout his career, Weston primarily used large-format cameras, such as the 8x10-inch view camera. These cameras allowed him to capture the incredible detail and tonal range that characterize his work. He also utilized a variety of lenses and film types to achieve his desired aesthetic.
Photography Books
"Edward Weston: A Legacy" is a comprehensive collection of Weston's photography, showcasing his mastery of various subjects, including landscapes, still life, and portraiture. This book is an excellent resource for those looking to explore Weston's versatile approach to photography and the artistic vision that defined his work.
"Edward Weston: The Last Years in Carmel" focuses on Weston's later years spent in Carmel, California, and highlights the photographer's continued exploration of the beauty and complexity of the natural world. This book offers a glimpse into Weston's evolving style and subject matter, providing inspiration for photographers interested in capturing the essence of their surroundings.
"Edward Weston: Fifty Years; The Definitive Volume of His Photographic Work" is a comprehensive retrospective of Weston's five-decade career, showcasing the breadth and depth of his artistic achievements. This book serves as a valuable resource for photographers looking to learn from Weston's techniques and unique vision, as well as to gain insight into the evolution of photographic art.
"Edward Weston Nudes: His Photographs Accompanied by Excerpts from the Daybooks and Letters" delves into Weston's exploration of the human form, featuring a collection of his nude photographs alongside personal writings. This book provides valuable insights into Weston's artistic process and the inspiration behind his captivating images.
"Daybooks of Edward Weston: Volume II, California" is a fascinating look into Weston's personal reflections, thoughts, and experiences as a photographer. This volume, focused on his time spent in California, offers readers a deeper understanding of Weston's artistic journey and the inspiration behind his work.
"Edward Weston on Photography" is a collection of Weston's writings on photography, offering a wealth of knowledge on his artistic philosophy, techniques, and approach to the medium. This book is an invaluable resource for photographers looking to learn from one of the masters of the craft.
Quotes
"To see the thing itself is essential."
"The camera should be used for a recording of life, for rendering the very substance and quintessence of the thing itself, whether it be polished steel or palpitating flesh."
"Anything that excites me for any reason, I will photograph; not searching for unusual subject matter, but making the commonplace unusual."
"Photography to me is not a means of expressing my ideas and thoughts, but of interpreting the things I see."*
"My own eyes are no more than scouts on a preliminary search, for the camera's eye may entirely change my idea."
Legacy and Influence
Edward Weston's innovative approach to photography has left a lasting impact on the medium, inspiring generations of photographers to explore new ways of seeing and capturing the world around them. His dedication to purity, simplicity, and the inherent beauty of his subjects has become a touchstone for fine art photography.
Other notable fine art photographers with similar style are: Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, Paul Strand, and Brett Weston (Edward Weston's son). These photographers, like Weston, have focused on capturing the essence of their subjects through precise technique, sharp focus, and a strong sense of composition.
In conclusion, Edward Weston's career and artistic contributions to the world of photography have left an indelible mark on the medium. His pursuit of a pure, direct approach to capturing the world around him, along with his insistence on the importance of the photographer's personal vision, continue to inspire and influence contemporary fine art photographers today.
Andreas Gursky
“I only pursue one goal: the encyclopedia of life.”
Andreas Gursky, a German photographer born in Leipzig in 1955, is widely regarded as one of the leading figures in contemporary fine art photography. Best known for his large-scale, highly detailed, and visually captivating photographs, Gursky's work explores the interconnectedness of global systems and the human impact on the natural world. His photographs often present a unique perspective on everyday spaces and objects, transforming them into visually stunning works of art.
Early Life and Career
Andreas Gursky grew up in Düsseldorf, where his family had a commercial photography business. He was exposed to the world of photography from a young age and went on to study at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf under prominent photographers Bernd and Hilla Becher, who were known for their systematic approach to documenting industrial architecture.
After completing his studies in 1987, Gursky embarked on a successful career in fine art photography. His early works focused on landscapes, cityscapes, and various architectural structures, which he captured using a large-format camera. As his career progressed, Gursky began to experiment with digital manipulation, creating composite images that allowed him to present a more comprehensive and detailed view of his subjects.
Photographic Style and Techniques
Gursky's photographic style is characterized by its grand scale, meticulous attention to detail, and bold use of color. His images often depict vast landscapes, urban environments, or intricate patterns that reveal the complexity and interconnectedness of the world around us. In many of his photographs, Gursky employs a high vantage point, allowing viewers to take in the entirety of a scene and encouraging them to contemplate their own place within the larger context.
Gursky's use of digital technology has also played a significant role in shaping his photographic style. By combining multiple images or digitally altering elements within a single photograph, he creates works that are both hyperrealistic and meticulously composed. This approach allows Gursky to highlight the underlying patterns and structures within his subjects, presenting viewers with an enhanced perception of the world.
Career Highlights
Andreas Gursky has had numerous exhibitions around the world, including solo shows at prominent institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Tate Modern in London, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. His work has garnered widespread critical acclaim and has been featured in various prestigious art collections.
In 2011, Gursky's photograph "Rhein II" sold for $4.3 million, setting a new record for the most expensive photograph ever sold at auction. This event further solidified his reputation as one of the most influential fine art photographers of his generation.
Photography Gear
Andreas Gursky is known for using large-format cameras, such as the Linhof Technorama 617 and the Arca-Swiss 4x5, to capture highly detailed images. Some of the equipment and techniques Gursky has used include:
Large-format cameras (Linhof Technorama 617 and Arca-Swiss 4x5)
Digital image manipulation and editing software (Adobe Photoshop)
High-resolution digital prints
Published Photo Books
"Andreas Gursky: Works 80-08": This book covers Andreas Gursky's impressive career, featuring large-format works from 1980 to 2008. For photographers, it provides inspiration to push the boundaries of scale and experiment with new perspectives, while offering an in-depth look at the evolution of Gursky's technique and themes.
"ANDREAS GURSKY": This monograph highlights Gursky's unique approach to photography, showcasing his signature large-scale images that merge multiple perspectives. Owning this book can encourage photographers to explore innovative techniques and develop their skills in capturing vast, intricate scenes.
"Andreas Gursky: Photographs from 1984 to the Present": This volume presents a selection of Gursky's photographs spanning over two decades, reflecting his distinctive style and evolving artistic vision. For practicing photographers, this book serves as a valuable resource to study Gursky's methods and gain inspiration for their own large-scale works.
"Andreas Gursky": This comprehensive monograph provides an overview of Gursky's career, showcasing his monumental images that explore the relationships between people, technology, and the environment. Photographers can learn from Gursky's innovative approach to composition and perspective, finding inspiration for their own projects.
"Andreas Gursky: Bangkok": In this book, Gursky focuses on the city of Bangkok, capturing its vibrancy and complexity through his signature large-scale images. Photographers can gain insight into Gursky's methods of documenting urban environments and find inspiration for their own cityscape photography.
"Andreas Gursky Fotografien 1994-1998": This volume covers Gursky's work from 1994 to 1998, revealing his continued exploration of globalism, architecture, and the human experience. For photographers, it offers an opportunity to study Gursky's innovative techniques and gain inspiration for creating impactful, large-scale images.
"Andreas Gursky: Architecture": This book focuses on Gursky's architectural photography, offering a unique perspective on his approach to capturing built environments. Photographers interested in architectural photography can learn from Gursky's mastery of scale, perspective, and composition, and apply these techniques to their own work.
Quotes
“I’m not interested in an unusual angle; they can be fascinating, but that’s not what I’m about.”
“I generally let things develop by intuition. For me, it’s the only method that works.”
“I only pursue one goal: the encyclopedia of life.”
“I have always been interested in exploring how to make the invisible visible.”
“Photography is and always will be about the relationship between light and shadows.”
Legacy and Influence
Andreas Gursky's innovative approach to photography and his unique visual style have had a significant impact on the world of fine art photography. His use of digital technology and large-scale prints has pushed the boundaries of the medium, inspiring a new generation of photographers to explore similar techniques.
Other notable fine art photographers with similar style are: Edward Burtynsky, Thomas Struth, Candida Höfer, and Jeff Wall. These artists, like Gursky, often use large-format cameras and digital manipulation to create visually striking and highly detailed images that address themes such as urbanization, globalization, and the environment.
Throughout his career, Andreas Gursky has consistently challenged conventional notions of photography and contributed to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the medium's artistic potential. His influential body of work continues to inspire photographers and captivate viewers around the world.
Cindy Sherman
"I'm really just using the mirror to summon something I don't even know until I see it."
Cindy Sherman is a highly acclaimed fine art photographer known for her provocative and thought-provoking self-portraits. Born in 1954 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, she has been transforming herself into different characters and personas through her photographs for over four decades. Sherman's work explores themes such as identity, gender, and the role of women in society, making her one of the most significant and influential fine art photographers of our time.
Early Life and Career
Cindy Sherman initially studied painting at the State University of New York at Buffalo but became disillusioned with the medium. She turned to photography, which allowed her to create images that portrayed different narratives and characters. In the late 1970s, she started to work on her groundbreaking series, "Untitled Film Stills," which consists of black-and-white self-portraits inspired by classic Hollywood films and B-movies. This series brought her to the forefront of the contemporary art scene and established her reputation as a trailblazing fine art photographer.
Photographic Style and Techniques
Cindy Sherman's work is characterized by her use of self-portraiture to create fictional characters and explore themes such as identity, representation, and the construction of femininity. She meticulously constructs her photographs, controlling every aspect of the image, including makeup, costumes, lighting, and settings. Through her elaborate and often satirical transformations, Sherman encourages viewers to question societal norms and expectations, particularly those imposed on women.
Career Highlights
"Untitled Film Stills" (1977-1980): A series of 69 black-and-white photographs in which Sherman portrays various female characters inspired by film noir, European art-house films, and American B-movies.
"Centerfolds" (1981): A series commissioned by Artforum magazine that explores female stereotypes and the male gaze, inspired by the centerfold format of adult magazines.
"History Portraits" (1988-1990): A series of photographs in which Sherman reinterprets famous historical and mythological paintings, often using prosthetics and heavy makeup to distort her appearance.
"Clowns" (2003-2004): A series of colorful, large-format photographs in which Sherman portrays a variety of clown characters, exploring the boundary between humor and terror.
"Society Portraits" (2008): A series of photographs that critique the vanity and superficiality of high society, featuring Sherman as wealthy socialites and celebrities.
Photography Gear
Cindy Sherman is known to use medium format cameras for her work, including the Hasselblad 503CW and the Mamiya RZ67. She has also used digital cameras, such as the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III, for some of her more recent projects.
Photography Books
"Cind"Cindy Sherman: The Complete Untitled Film Stills": This comprehensive collection of Cindy Sherman's iconic Untitled Film Stills series showcases her groundbreaking exploration of identity and representation. For photographers, this book provides inspiration to experiment with self-portraiture and develop a deeper understanding of narrative and character.
"Cindy Sherman": This monograph offers an extensive overview of Sherman's career, featuring her most famous and provocative works. It serves as an invaluable resource for photographers seeking to broaden their knowledge of contemporary photography and challenge traditional notions of self-portraiture.
"Cindy Sherman: A Play of Selves": In this book, Sherman presents a series of self-portraits that explore the performative nature of identity. The collection encourages photographers to consider the relationship between performance and photography, inviting them to play with the boundaries of their own artistic practice.
"Robert Longo: Men in the Cities, Cindy Sherman: Retrospective": This dual retrospective highlights the work of both Cindy Sherman and Robert Longo, offering insights into their individual artistic processes and evolution. Owning this book allows photographers to study the development of two influential artists, inspiring them to reflect on their own creative journeys.
"Cindy Sherman: Working Girl": Focusing on Sherman's early work, this book delves into her exploration of female stereotypes and gender roles. For photographers, the book serves as a valuable resource to examine the beginnings of an influential artist's career and consider the societal impact of their own work.
"Cindy Sherman: Retrospective": This retrospective offers a comprehensive look at Sherman's extensive body of work, tracing her career from its beginnings to her most recent projects. Photographers can benefit from studying the evolution of Sherman's ideas and techniques, gaining inspiration for their own creative exploration of identity and representation.
Quotes
"I'm really just using the mirror to summon something I don't even know until I see it."
"I can't appreciate the old masters, or emulate them, without adding the cynicism I feel about the way women were and are treated."
"I think people are more apt to believe photographs, especially if it's something fantastic."
"I like making images that from a distance seem kind of seductive, colorful, luscious and engaging, and then you realize what you're looking at is something totally opposite."
"I try to isolate something basic in the person that maybe is a caricature of themselves, or something that they're known for, and then exaggerate it."
Legacy and Influence
Cindy Sherman's work has had a significant impact on contemporary art and photography. Her innovative approach to self-portraiture and her exploration of identity, gender, and representation have inspired countless artists and photographers to challenge conventional norms and push the boundaries of their own work. Some other notable photographers with similar styles are Francesca Woodman, Gillian Wearing, and Nikki S. Lee.
Sherman's influence extends beyond the realm of photography, as her work has been referenced in various other artistic disciplines, such as film, literature, and fashion. By consistently challenging societal expectations and preconceived notions of femininity, Cindy Sherman's art continues to resonate with new generations of artists and photographers, solidifying her status as an icon in the world of fine art photography.