I was always forced to blush and look away from a discussion about fashion photographers. I knew the names, saw them everywhere, but wasn’t quite able to make the difference or tell which was what.
By starting out this mini-series, I’m hoping to get things brighten up, at least a little bit so when it comes to fashion photographers, we won’t have to change the subject ever again. Or at least about some of them…I hope you’ll find this useful, I’m counting on you to tell me if I’m hoping right.
Today we’re dealing with Mario Testino. A Peruvian born photographer, he was first set out to study economics, law and international relations but he moved on to London to begin photography training.
It’s in London that he began shooting stars, literally (he’s been behind the camera for many celebrities – from Madonna, Sienna Miller, Angelina Jolie to Prince William or Queen Rania of Jordan). His work touched some of the best known fashion and beauty houses (from Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino to Shiseido or Gucci) and was exhibited all over the world (from Tokyo to New York).
Mario Testino’s work granted him the title of Doctor Emeritus of the University of Arts London, and in 2005 received a Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Award.
“A balloon flying into the sky is equal to freedom. It can fly anywhere and everywhere with no concerns.” – Mario Testino
Seems that the people love being photographed by Mario Testino – that’s the reason for his subjects relaxation in the pictures he takes. As a result, his work seems almost unreal, kinda like the time stopped for a photo-moment.
(via artpartner and mariotestino.us)
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I have to say that I don’t really rate Mario Testino that much. Kudos is deserved for the Hugo Boss campaign which I love but other than that I don’t think he’s that strong in terms of technique. Yes he’s shot lots of famous celebrities, Diana, yadda yadda yadda but he’s not a photographers’ photographer. He doesn’t inspire very much and I get the feeling that technically he’s not very adept.
Thanks!
Hugh O’Malley Fashion Photographer London.
PS have a look at my blog here.
Oooh I just re-read that. I sound really bitchy, don’t I…
That’s OK. Technique and all the technical photography stuff doesn’t matter-he’s the one with the big jobs and a big name.
I wouldn’t go so far as to say technique and technical ability don’t matter. He wouldn’t have gotten on the first rung of the ladder without them. But yes having a ‘big name’ does seem to count for a lot in the industry.
hola bueno soy de Perú estudie fotografia y creo que para que llueva contratos con el arte de la fotografia hay que ser nombre veo las fotos de testino y veo un estilo sobrio pero eso es lo que las marcas quieren reflejar es por eso que lo contratan y la fotografia es suerte y relaciones yo tengo un stock tb algo grande pero lo mio es mas viajes lugares gente ya colgare las fotos le mando un saludo a todos.
Testino’s show! A beautiful man! A great photografy! Perfetc. Brazilian people L You.
C. Linn.
To Hugh: rather bitchy comments there, a hint of jealousy I wonder? Typical british attitude to slate sucessful people. I looked at your photos Hugh, and they are not too original either. Very here and now, if not copying Testino with high key white back drops. Very dodgy photoshop as you copy HR Giger. Testino’s success is that he is good with people and it shows, the images are intimate and great pictures come from trust. However, there is only one, and that is David LaChapelle. No one can do what he is doing, he is in a league of his own! which is inspiring, unlike your work.
Beth: You are leaving bitchy comments. Doesn’t exactly leave you on the high moral ground now. I’m not British either before you slate a whole nation. And a high key white back drop is hardly Testino’s signature is it? Every Photographer uses it from time to time. Thanks for checking out my work though. Every visit, including yours helps to bring traffic to my site. Why don’t you check out my blog while you’re at it.
If you read my blog you will see that I was referencing Giger in the images – he was a direct inspiration and the fact that you were aware of it means I’m doing something right.
The work you mentioned has been published in magazines and was in an exhibition too. So you may not like it but a lot of other people do.
x
Lots of people have created work like David Lachappelle too. They were creating work like his before him and they will do so after. No-one exists in a bubble.
YOU ARE WRONG!
I just think that despite u slating Testino ur work really has nothing new to say, or hasn’t been executed technically A* either. That’s all I am saying. Hugh I am sorry that your portfolio was regected by Glamor magazine, meantime spend less time slating someone who achieved their goal and focus on your own practice. Starting with ur technical skills, coz u know what? U talk about Testino not being techical, but ur work sucks. Not a bitchy comment. Just opinion, same as you.
Mario?!!?? it’s you really, isn’t it? Fancy calling yourself ‘Beth’! Nice try, old bean. Listen Mario, try to get over my initial comment. You know I’m a far superior photographer to you so try not to be sore.
With practice, perhaps you too can be as good as me. I mean, some of your work so far is OK.
In the meantime, let’s let bygones be bygones and I hope we can kiss and make up. xxxxxxxh
LOLS!
Can anyone tell me the name of the male model with white sweater and white coat? Saw him interviewed on tv last week. Very handsome and manly since I don’t like to look at these androgyny too skinny young boys. That’s a man! :)
Hi Adriana,
Pretty sure it’s David Gandy. He’s from Essex in London, not too far from where I live. Here’s a link to his facebook page.
Hugh, thank you! :)
I’m an art director. I’ve worked with him. Incredibly charming. Charm gets you only so far. He’s incredibly talented and super technical. He a master of lighting. Lookup all his assistants that have gone on to their own careers and they all have HIS lighting in common.
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