Irving Penn (finally)

Irving Penn (6/16/1917 - 10/7/09) was a photographer well-known for his clear, simple portraiture. He is mainly known as a fashion photographer who once worked for Vogue, but he also did Things like still-life cigarette butts, and traveled all over the world, shooting people like New Guinea natives and the like. His photographs are well-known for being naturally, yet surprisingly well lit, having a grey or white backdrop (he was one of the first photographers to use this), and often having figures in tight spaces or corners, which strangely enough, brought out drama and emotion and drew peoples' gazes to the face and expression.

this man's stance looks almost defensive, from the angle of the camera, it looks like he is turning away and hiding his face behind his coat and hat, but the light will not let him. Above all, this photograph shows fear of exposure or recognition.

This is a good example of Irving's Fashion photography, with the woman's laid-back stance implying sensuality. Of course someone would want to buy those clothes because a pretty lady is wearing them! this is a pretty good example of a white backdrop.

The subject of this picture, while at first appearing grief-stricken, brings to my mind the emotion of nervousness. with one hand he scratches his arm, while with the other he rubs his temple and holds his glasses in his hand. Also, his frown looks really stretched out, not a frown of sadness, but a frown of anticipation.

gee, i must really like old men with glasses. this one portrays a tiring old man who looks to be at the end of his days, as his eyes slowly close, the shadow envelops him. What i admire so much about this is that despite the impending end, he justs sits there contentedly and accepts his fate.

This is hardly what one would call vogue. this is a good example of a grey backdrop. These butchers look like a father-son pair, the elder to the right affectionately puts his arm on his presumed son's shoulder as his son sheathes the knife after a job well done.