All the photo shoots I’ve worked on have had the same atmosphere in common: hectic, rushed, and desperate to be the cutting edge. The place is so tense, you could slice through it with a knife. So while wondering through the Horst exhibition at the V&A, seeing the effortless lighting and how the models in each photo look so serene and relaxed, I started to wonder how photo shoots have evolved.
Horst was one of the leading figures in fashion photography, since he joined Vogue in 1931, up there with the greats including Patrick DeMarchalier. His strength was in his lightning, set up to create a 3D effect that was well rounded composition around the subject of his photos. The effect made his models, ranging from royalty to Hollywood sirens like Rita Hayworth, look like pristine sculptures, so centered and relaxed long enough to take the shot.
Going in, I was a little disappointed at the initial layout of the exhibition. The trouble with photographs is that it’s hard to hold a public eye on something so small. However, as the exhibition shifted to show his further career I was pleasantly surprised to find larger, bolder prints. Today Vogue still owes much of it’s roots down to the gorgeous glossy covers he provided.
Offering some interesting insight into the history of fashion photography, a must see for photographers. The exhibit runs from 6th Sep until 4th January next year.
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