George Hurrell
Who he was: A celebrated portrait photographer of Hollywood’s Golden Age (1930s–1950s), Hurrell is known for his glamorous black-and-white images of film stars.
Connection to butterfly lighting
Hurrell mastered the use of butterfly lighting to sculpt faces with soft, even illumination. By placing a high key light directly in front of his subjects, he highlighted their cheekbones, smoothed imperfections, and created an elegant, polished look. This technique became synonymous with the Hollywood aesthetic, showcasing stars like Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford in their best light.
Caravaggio
Who he was: An Italian Baroque painter (1571–1610) famed for his revolutionary use of dramatic lighting and realism.
Connection to chiaroscuro lighting
Caravaggio’s work exemplifies chiaroscuro, using stark contrasts of light and dark to add drama and emotional intensity. In paintings like The Calling of Saint Matthew and Judith Beheading Holofernes, he directed light to illuminate key elements of the scene, drawing the viewer’s eye to the focal point while surrounding areas fade into shadow.
Rembrandt van Rijn
Who he was: A Dutch painter (1606–1669) whose portraits and self-portraits are celebrated for their emotional depth and technical brilliance.
Connection to chiaroscuro lighting
Rembrandt’s use of chiaroscuro is subtle yet impactful, often combining soft transitions between light and shadow with dramatic contrasts. His works, such as The Night Watch and Self-Portrait with Two Circles, create a sense of realism and intimacy, influencing portraiture and lighting techniques across centuries.
Artist Reference research
- Annie Leibovitz: Known for her dramatic use of soft lighting and shadows in portraiture.
- Richard Avedon: Famous for minimalist lighting in studio portraits, highlighting facial expressions and details.
- Irving Penn: Renowned for his use of controlled lighting to emphasize form, texture, and elegance.
- Gregory Crewdson: Uses cinematic lighting setups to create complex, mood-driven narratives.
- David LaChapelle: Known for vibrant and surreal compositions, utilizing bold lighting techniques for impact.
Further detail on my favourite artist, David LaChapelle
David LaChapelle
David LaChapelle is a renowned photographer and director known for his bold, surreal, and hyper-stylized imagery. His work often combines elements of fine art, pop culture, and social commentary, resulting in vibrant and thought-provoking compositions. LaChapelle’s photography is iconic for its extravagant use of colour, dramatic lighting, and creatively staged sets. He frequently collaborates with celebrities, creating editorial pieces that blur the line between fantasy and reality.
- LaChapelle’s work often addresses themes like materialism, celebrity culture, religion, and human vulnerability. His images tell intricate stories through their elaborate setups and symbolic elements.
- Staging and Detail:
Every element in LaChapelle’s photographs is carefully planned and executed. He uses custom-built sets, costumes, and props to bring his visions to life. - Colors: His work is saturated with intense, often unnatural colors that make his images pop.
- Lighting: He uses bold lighting setups to create a sense of drama and dimension, often blending hard and soft light for contrast.
- Surrealism: Props, costumes, and sets are often exaggerated or surreal, adding layers of meaning to his work.
LaChapelle`s Work
