Philippe Halsman
Philippe Halsman (1906-1979) was an innovative and highly influential portrait photographer, known for his ability to capture the true essence of his subjects. In a career that spanned over four decades, Halsman worked with some of the most iconic figures of his time, including Salvador Dalí, Marilyn Monroe, and Winston Churchill. His inventive techniques and unique approach to portrait photography have left a lasting impact on the field.
Early Life and Career
Born in Riga, Latvia, in 1906, Philippe Halsman showed an early interest in photography. He moved to Paris in 1928, where he began his professional career as a portrait photographer. Over the next decade, Halsman honed his skills and developed a reputation for his unique style and creative approach.
In 1940, Halsman fled to the United States to escape World War II, eventually settling in New York City. It was here that he established his studio and began collaborating with prominent artists and celebrities, including Salvador Dalí. Together, they produced some of Halsman's most memorable and enduring images, such as "Dalí Atomicus."
Photographic Style and Techniques
Philippe Halsman's photographic style is characterized by his ability to reveal the inner lives of his subjects, often through unconventional methods. His portraits are deeply psychological, capturing not just the physical appearance of his subjects but their essence as well.
Halsman was a pioneer of "jumpology," a technique in which he asked his subjects to jump while being photographed. This method allowed Halsman to capture a sense of spontaneity and reveal a different side of his subjects that might not have been apparent in more traditional poses.
Other notable portrait photographers with similar styles are Annie Leibovitz and Yousuf Karsh.
Career Highlights
Over the course of his career, Philippe Halsman photographed a wide range of notable figures, including Salvador Dalí, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Winston Churchill.
Halsman's work was featured on the cover of LIFE magazine a record 101 times.
In 1951, Halsman was awarded the first of his two Guggenheim Fellowships, allowing him to explore the art and science of photography further.
Halsman's collaboration with Salvador Dalí, particularly the iconic "Dalí Atomicus," remains one of the most enduring and influential images in the history of photography.
Photography Gear
Throughout his career, Philippe Halsman used a variety of photography gear, including:
Twin-lens reflex (TLR) cameras: Known for their excellent image quality, TLR cameras were a popular choice among portrait photographers of Halsman's era. Brands like Rolleiflex and Mamiya were among the top choices for professionals.
Large format cameras: For studio work, Halsman often used large format cameras, which provided superior image quality and detail. Brands such as Linhof and Graflex were popular choices for professional photographers.
Various lenses: Halsman used a range of lenses, including wide-angle, normal, and telephoto, depending on the desired effect and composition of the portrait.
Studio lighting: In order to create the perfect lighting conditions, Halsman relied on a variety of studio lights, reflectors, and diffusers.
Photography Books
"Philippe Halsman: A Photographer's Life" by Henry Leutwyler offers a unique photo-biography of renowned Life magazine photographer Philippe Halsman, who had a total of 101 Life covers to his name. Leutwyler, a New York-based photographer, documents Halsman's professional and private life by photographing his possessions, revealing the personality behind the iconic images.
"Philippe Halsman's Jump Book" captures illustrious sitters as they jump while being photographed, with Halsman reflecting on both the jumpers and non-jumpers. This book provides insights into Halsman's creative process and the unique concept of "jumpology."
"Philippe Halsman: Astonish Me!" is a massive retrospective volume that profiles Philippe Halsman's work, including his early career, experiments with portraiture, his series of stunning images of Marilyn Monroe, over 100 covers for Life magazine, and his 30-year collaboration with Salvador Dali.
"Halsman Postcard Box" contains 25 imaginative and iconic 4 1/4 x 6 in. postcards featuring the renowned portrait photographer Philippe Halsman's work, presented in an imprinted box.
"Dali's Mustache" is a cult classic and collector's item resulting from the artistic collaboration between surrealist Salvador Dalí and Philippe Halsman. Subtitled "A Photographic Interview," the book pairs short questions presented to Dalí with corresponding black-and-white photographs by Halsman, showcasing their shared absurd and hilarious creativity.
Quotes
"Every face I see seems to hide and sometimes, fleetingly, to reveal the mystery of another human being...Capturing this revelation became the goal and passion of my life."
"A true portrait should, today and a hundred years from today, be the testimony of how this person looked and what kind of human being he or she was."
"I never wanted to be a theoretician, but a good craftsman who knew his job."
"If you want to see what someone is truly like, ask them to jump."
"The immortal photographers will be straightforward photographers, those who do not rely on tricks or special techniques."
Legacy and Influence
Philippe Halsman's unique approach to portrait photography, combined with his innovative techniques and ability to reveal the essence of his subjects, has left a lasting impact on the field. His work continues to inspire generations of photographers, and his images remain some of the most iconic and memorable in the history of photography.
Other notable portrait photographers worth checking out are Richard Avedon, Diane Arbus, and Irving Penn.
Halsman's influence can be seen not only in the work of these photographers but also in contemporary portrait photography as a whole. His innovative techniques, like jumpology, have been adopted and adapted by photographers worldwide, as they continue to seek new ways to capture the essence of their subjects.
In conclusion, Philippe Halsman's enduring legacy lies in his ability to reveal the inner lives of his subjects and to create iconic and memorable images. As an innovator and a master of his craft, Halsman has left an indelible mark on the world of photography, influencing countless photographers and shaping the field for generations to come.
Dalí Atomicus is a remarkable photograph that blends art, science, and the surreal in a captivating and unforgettable way. Taken by Philippe Halsman using his unique “Jumpology” technique, this iconic image features the legendary Salvador Dalí suspended in mid-air …