Glamour Photography is a relatively young artistic genre, yet it already boasts impressive and rich historic legacy, possesses its own legendary characters and turning points. 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 Pictures to nowadays, and then take a sneak peek at the possible future.
Early Years. Nobody really knows from where to begin the history of glamour photography genre. There are people who believe it can be traced back to “French postcard” that flooded Paris back in 1930’s, whereas many prefer to think it originated from Victorian photography. A few people consider that beauty photography can be traced as far back as Baroque and Renaissance art. So, to be honest, glamour photography is a really a child of uncertain origin. 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 twentieth century that the history of classic glamour images 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; Marilyn Monroe brought even more recognition to beauty photography by her famous appearance on Playboy’s cover in 1953. 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. Glamour pictures not only acquired color as years went by – they also became more frivolous, imaginative and sometimes provocative. Dita von Teese and Hope Talmons gained young and ambitious competitors like Heidie Van Horne, Lucy Pinder, Bernie Dexter and others. At the same time, film surrendered positions to digital photography. Technical progress improved the visual quality of glamour images and made the process of shooting dead simple. Everyone with a DSLR camera could become another beauty photographer. Due to rapid development of Internet technologies, a swarm of “people with cameras” emerged, awaiting recognition.
3D – Death, Downfall, Decay? Finally, nowadays we face a new era, when 3D rendering easily re-creates that very glamour that we are so striving to deliver. Though nobody doubts it is art, 3D appears to rival not only the photography techniques but artists and models themselves. However, it is my firm belief that no computer-rendered beauty can ever substitute for genuine model, real lighting and sincere artistry. In this fight of old and new I remain with the side of inspiration, live relationship and hard studio work.
Never-the-less, I gaze in the future with a smile – after all, no art has ever been forgotten; oils and film have an army of admirers, as do many other genres. Artistic 3D may join these ranks, and so may whatever comes next. We don’t owe all the masterpieces to technology – we owe them to artists, their inspiration and their unique vision. A true artist at heart can never forget this simple truth – so you remember it as well.
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