Something that nobody can deny is the close relation between Fashion and Photography. So it’s not surprising that a well know specialized magazine like AMERICAN PHOTO dedicates a special issue to that topic. As David Schonauer, the Editor in Chief points out the history of fashion and photography are intertwined in a particular of art and commerce. We all know that Fashion photography (as it is on the shows and videos) it’s about t create a fiction, but as Schonauer writes .. “but like great literature, this type of fiction can give us a glimpse of the real world we might otherwise not notice”
However, knowing that close relation, usually Fashion Photography was considered as disposable, despite the great creations that were published in Magazines like those works of Lillian Bassman (photos 2 to 6), and others. That has been changin lately. Today, the demand of this type of photo has increased in the big auctions of fine art, and recently, on-line Fashion Photography galleries, like http://www.photographerslimitededitions.com/index.html will make this type of images available to a great public, even those that have never been in a gallery…
Great creators and photographers like Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier, Inez Van Lamsweerde, Vinoodh Matadin, Nigel Barker etc etc. linked usually with names as Doutzen Kroes, Catherine McNeill, Agyness Deyn (considered as the Top Models for 2008), are or will be related also to the fine arts..
Of course, as happens in literature (and in any art field, but I’m referring to Schonauers’s analogy), still will be masters and average photographers. It’s very common to see in Fashion Magazines and advertising the typical boring photographer that only takes front photos with a ring flash from a over make up model who has to carry 90% of the work (or sometimes, not even that), with a photo retouching to enhance some characteristics and erase mistakes. But among that average works, usually you will find one or several photos that will call your attention, due to their beauty and concept. On those cases, try to get the name of the photographer and save it, and be sure that when looking for the works of this person, you will never be disappointed.
AMERICAN PHOTO Fashion special issue it’s now in the stands, I would suggest you to find it. You will find more fine works there, as well as some very interesting concepts.
And also I suggest you to keep an eye on the Photo Magazines in general. Most of them have galleries and portfolios of photographers that work or have work into the fashion world. And most probably, you will see how the tendency of this rich area of Fashion Photography and Video will be, which is a very important part of Le monde de la mode.
Ultimately, I do recommend you to read.. whatever… just read… that will make you a better person, hehehe