Irving Penn

 Who is Irving Penn? A man with exemplary vision. Irving Penn is one of the most well known photographers in the history of photography. Recognized by Vogue for more than 60 years, Penn creativity and masterful thinking allowed him to hold this spot and to continue breaking ground within the world of photography. Before pursuing photography, Penn started off as a painter. He traveled around some, and at some point ended up in Mexico where he realized painting wasn't for him. From there, Penn went to New York and was able to get hired as an associate to Alexander Liberman who was the new Vogue Director. It was Liberman who saw talent in Penn's eyes and encouraged him to start taking photographs. From there on, modern photography has become what it is and it all happened because of the collaboration between Liberman and Penn.

Irving Penn finds more comfort in photography when he is in a studio compared to environmental photographies. Working with Vogue, Penn was able to Travel all around  the world and something that was common in the shoots he did was the natural light and converting any space into a studio. Example of places he converted was garages, barns, and tents. The tent itself traveled with him and was convenient because he was able to set it up in any location. 

Over time, Penn didn't like the work environment he was in and restrictions and limitations that was placed onto his creativity. He ended up closing down one studio and continuing his work on his Long Island farm. It was then that Penn was able to explore, become innovative, and flourish in the light that he was also meant to. 

Penn is known for the many images he produced whether in fashion, still life, portraits, nudes, documentary, and mixed media. Some of his well known photographs was portraits of celebrities. Working with Vogue, he was able to meet many people and capture them in a way that told you enough about each person but also made you want more from the photographer himself.

How Irving Penn and Issey Miyake Redefined the Fashion Photograph

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