~This is the seventh post in a series running through the month of June 2009 in which I attempt to post once a day for the month.~
Irving Penn was a photographer who shot during most of last century. He created the style that is now ever-present in Vogue and Vanity Fair, the Clinique ads that everyone knows, and has been emulated by I’m sure countless photographers.
I have photographic aspirations. Not huge ones. Just making photos that are a little better than average. Maybe even a good one or two. The problem with those kinds of aspirations, or any aspirations I suppose, is that you start learning things. And once you start learning things, you start thinking that you’re doing it WRONG.
Which can really mess with your desire to keep doing new things. It’s hard floundering around, knowing you’re not really doing it right, but not knowing how to do it right. Which got me thinking – what if I just try to copy someone I like? Like Irving Penn? He’s not my favorite photographer, but he did very good work, and a lot of still lifes, and that’s really what I want to do here anyway. Phood Photography. Still cheesecake with curd…
To that end, I present my first attempt to recreate Irving Penn’s famous “Salad Ingredients” pictured above. There are many problems with my photo, not the least of which are the angle of the light, the props themselves, and my fine-ass reflection in the spoons. I’m there are many more – if you find them, let me know.* Making lots of mistakes, and seeing them, is the only way I’m going to get any better…
Stay tuned for part two.
Cheers.
