The art of Beauty Photography has come a long way from its very appearance to what we can see today. Like any other genre of photography, it witnessed some dramatic changes, withstood many cultural revolutions to finally emerge in its present state.
I would like to take you on a journey from the birthplace of Glamour Photographs to nowadays, and then take a sneak peek at the possible future.
Childhood. As to the starting point of the history of glamour images - nobody is certain. Some seek the roots in Paris of 1930’s, where so-called “french postcards” were sold in abundance - others deem Victorian photography and its gurus to be responsible. There are even people who seek the roots of glamour images in Renaissance and Baroque. Franskly speaking, the birth of glamour photography cannot be discovered with any degree of certainty. What I think is that the most likely period in which glamour photography was born is 1920’s and 1930’s, which were quite a vibrant time in terms of arts and culture. Also, it is from the first half of 20th century that the history of classic glamour pictures can be traced.
Glorious 50’s and Onwards. After World War II, glamour images reached the apex of their glory, closely followed by controversy and outrage. Shining star of Betty Grable was in zenith ever since pre-WWII time; in 1953 Marilyn Monroe emerged on Playboy’s cover and led glamour photography from darkness of controversy and public outrage into the light of recognition. There were also Pamela Green and others helping to bring this young art to its feet and conquer the world-wide audience.
Dawn of Digital Era. Color wasn’t the only achievement that glamour pictures acquired - they turned into something more creative and provocative. Hope Talmons and Dita Von Teese gave way to Heidie Van Horne, Bernie Dexter, Lucy Pinder and others. As it happened, film gave way to digital photography. It improved technical side of the process and altogether simplified it beyond measure. An amateur in possession of DSLR could potentially become a glamour artist. Combined with World Wide Web, a real army of both gifted artists and usual dabblers emerged in the online world.
Are you Afraid of 3D? Finally, nowadays we face a new era, when 3D rendering easily re-creates that very glamour that we are so striving to deliver. This new form of art attempts to challenge the canons of glamour pictures. However, it is my firm belief that no computer-rendered beauty can ever substitute for genuine model, real lighting and sincere artistry. If this is a struggle of old and modern, my side is with the former.
I feel optimistic about the future – oils, film and digital have found their admirers and seem immortal. Artistic 3D may join these ranks, and so may whatever comes next. It is not technology that is behind each glamour picture – it’s the soul, the inspiration and the dedication: that of photographer and the model. No real photographer ever forgets this - and I’m sure that neither will you.