February 10, 2010
“Birth and Life” of Glamour Images: Past and Future
As a prominent artistic school, Glamour Photography has been altered dramatically through the past years; knowledge of what happened to it earlier can give us the clue of what awaits glamour images in the future. Glamour photography has seen a number of downfalls and artistic revolutions before it achieved its modern condition.
Let us have a short walk through the past years of Glamour Images and then venture forth to predict some of their future.
Childhood. It is a very controversial issue of where the history of glamour photography really begins. Some derive it from so-called “French postcards” which were quite popular in the streets of Paris in the early 1900’s, some address to Victorian pioneers of this art. Some think that cultural foundation and inspiration for glamour images lies in XVI and XVIII centuries. So, to be honest, glamour photography is a really a child of uncertain origin. My personal point of view is that both modern and classic arts were equally involved in the process - 1920’s and 30’s were the real boiling point of world culture, and this genre is likely to have been born in exactly this period of time. Also, it is from the first half of 20th century that the history of classic beauty photography can be traced.
Brilliant 50’s and Beyond. 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; thank to Marylin Monroe beauty photography gained open support and recognition, as this world-famous actress appeared on Playboy’s front in 1953. Pamela Green and other famous and charming models contributed to glorifying glamour photography at its finest, winning the heart of audience worldwide.
Modern Times – Going Digital. Color wasn’t the only achievement that glamour images 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. The tidal wave of progress improved glamour images’ technical quality and drastically simplified the very process of photo production. Any amateur with a DSLR became a potential glamour photographer. In a combination with Web technologies, this was like a clamor of billions and billions of both talented people and senseless dabblers.
Are you Afraid of 3D? At long last, 3D art hits the stage, offering computer graphics as an arguable alternative to photography. Though nobody doubts it is art, 3D appears to rival not only the photography techniques but artists and models themselves. I strongly believe that no artificial computer rendering can ever excel the natural beauty and genuine work of a talented artist. If it is really a competition between old and new, I would like to remain on the side which has a beating heart, long hours of studio work and live relationship to it.
I feel optimistic about the future – oils, film and digital have found their admirers and seem immortal. 3D art undoubtedly deserves for its own niche and admirers. 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. A true artist at heart can never forget this simple truth – so you remember it as well.