Photographer: Arthur Elgort - 4me4you
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4me4you features "The Master of Spontaneity in Fashion Photography".

Arthur Elgort
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4me4you features Arthur Elgort: "The Master of Spontaneity in Fashion Photography"..

PROCESS

Arthur Elgort's photography brought a unique blend of spontaneity and joy, allowing the energy of the moment to shine through his images. Known for his “snapshot” style, his photographs feel unforced, almost like personal snapshots, yet they simultaneously document the cultural landscape of an era. As one of the pioneers of showing models in natural, unposed environments, often with little makeup and in outdoor settings, Elgort produced iconic images of supermodels like Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell for top magazines and campaigns.

Arthur Elgort

Arthur Elgort

Arthur Elgort

Arthur Elgort

  • Born and raised in New York City, Elgort initially trained as a painter, but the solitary nature of painting led him to explore photography, where he could engage with people. His early work photographing ballet dancers, with their fluid grace, shaped his improvisational approach. In 1971, he made his breakthrough when British Vogue published his photos of a model playing with a dog, capturing a sense of freedom and movement that was a departure from the more rigid style of the time. Elgort revolutionised fashion photography by liberating his models from static poses, allowing them to move freely, which resulted in lively, dynamic images. He often achieved this through his “moving with the model” technique, engaging with his subjects and shooting continuously to break down barriers, creating a dance-like interaction that infused the images with life.

Arthur Elgort

Arthur Elgort

  • Elgort’s longtime friend and Vogue editor Grace Coddington describes his method: “He just keeps talking and shooting until the models’ defences drop, and they feel free to leap over walls.” His attention to the natural, spontaneous gestures of his subjects made his work stand out, filled with warmth, humour, and humanity. Over his 40-plus years at Vogue, Elgort has created some of the most iconic fashion photography featuring supermodels like Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and Claudia Schiffer. His images have also appeared in Rolling Stone, Glamour, and GQ, leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion.

Arthur Elgort: Revolutionising Fashion Photography

  • Born on June 8, 1940, in New York City, Arthur Elgort is one of the most influential photographers in fashion history. Over five decades, his candid and dynamic style has graced the pages of Vogue and many other prestigious magazines, redefining fashion photography with his relaxed, natural approach.
Arthur Elgort

Arthur Elgort

Early Life and Career

  • Elgort’s journey into photography began when he realized that painting was too solitary for his extroverted personality. He shifted to photography, where his talent quickly emerged. His 1971 debut in British Vogue established his signature style, which stood out for its spontaneity and casual elegance.
Arthur Elgort

Arthur Elgort

Iconic Works

  • Vogue Covers: Elgort’s covers and editorial spreads for Vogue are some of his most celebrated works, often featuring supermodels like Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, and Naomi Campbell in outdoor, vibrant settings.
  • Ballet Series: His love of dance is reflected in his work with ballet dancers, captured in his book Ballet, where he highlights both the grace and dedication of the dancers, blending art with movement.
  • Advertising Campaigns: Elgort has shot campaigns for top fashion houses, including Chanel, Valentino, and Yves Saint Laurent, blending high fashion with an accessible, natural elegance.
Arthur Elgort

Arthur Elgort

A Signature Style of Candid Motion

  • Elgort’s photography became known for using natural light and capturing models in real-world settings, in motion, and unposed. This technique broke away from the stiff, controlled compositions that dominated the fashion industry. By photographing his subjects in a more relatable and dynamic way, Elgort’s images brought a fresh sense of life to the fashion world.
Arthur Elgort

Arthur Elgort

Beyond Photography

  • Elgort’s contributions extend beyond the world of fashion. He has published several books, including Personal Fashion Picture (1983), Arthur Elgort’s Models Manual (1993), and Camera Crazy (2004), all of which offer insight into his creative process. His versatility also led him to film, with his documentary Colorado Cowboy: The Bruce Ford Story winning Best Cinematography at the Sundance Film Festival in 1994.
Arthur Elgort

Arthur Elgort

Arthur Elgort

A Lasting Legacy

  • Arthur Elgort’s influence on fashion photography is immense, with his spontaneous, candid approach continuing to inspire future generations of photographers. His work is featured in permanent collections such as New York’s International Centre of Photography and London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. His legacy, both in fashion and fine art, remains vibrant, capturing the elegance and energy of his subjects with a timeless charm.
  • Arthur Elgort’s images document not only the evolution of fashion but also the beauty of life in motion, making his work essential to the visual culture of our time.

WEBSITE: Arthur Elgort

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