Entry 8: Philippe Halsman

Photograph of Marta Toren Media: Gelatin Silver Print  Size: 14" x 11"  Circa: 1951   Audrey Hepburn Philippe Halsman was Latvian born photographer that is known for his portraits of famous people.  What I like about his photographs is how he seems to catch his subjects in their natural environment.  In the first photograph I like how he captured the intense stare of the woman.  Also with her arms crossed she seems to be hiding something.   The second photograph is my favorite. I like his point of view and the set up of the chess pieces.  It makes me feel like I am a chess piece in the game and watching one of the players contemplate his next move. I think the knight facing the man's face seems to be offering some type of advice that I think is a nice touch. What really drew me to this photo is how the king is obscuring part of the man's face and how hard the man is focusing on the king.  For more pictures: http://photoslaves.com/philippe-halsman/?nggpage=3

Entry 7: Arnold Newman

Francis Bacon

1975

Alexander Calder,Woodbury, CT, 

1957

Eugene Smith, New York, NY, 

1977

Arnold Newman is an American photographer known for setting up his portraits in an environment.  What I found particularly striking was how he made his heads seem like they were floating.  In the first two photos I thought is was done really well when put into context with the environment.  The first photo the way the falls on Francis Bacon's face gives this photo an eerie quality like the viewer is looking up at his/her's assailant.  The uncovered florescent light bulb also adds to the murderous intent of this photo's feeling by making it seem like the environment is a hidden room or secret lair.

In the photo of Alexander Calder I think he captured his brooding expression well. I like how his head seems to be floating similar to the mobiles in the background.  In the photo of Eugene Smith I like how simple and close the portrait is. I like how it gives me a somber peaceful feeling. He is staring directly at the viewer but isn't intimidating or brooding.

For more Portraits http://www.arnoldnewmanarchive.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=9