Irving Penn

I've been writing this post for a while now, trying to articulate why I love Irving Penn so much. Nothing I can think of does him much justice. So, in the spirit of his photographs, why not keep it simple and to the point:
“A good photograph is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective.”

R.I.P., Irving Penn.

51 comments:

sanne said...

The first one is Richard Avedon, but still. Irving was truly amazing!

TobyOliverDean said...

yup!

nicc said...

Monochromatic photos always leave me with a bigger impression of the photograph.
I like the feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you see something that truly hits your subconcious. Excellent choices Tavi.

Jem said...

penn was freaking amazing! but just thought i'd let you know that the first picture is actually a richard avedon photograph.

Urban Fashionisto said...

I like the one with the two kids leaning on the table. It has a comic sense to it.
JAYYTHEFLIISTAR.BLOGPSOT.COM

Lauren Rosemary said...

Yeah, love Penn, but gotta give props to Avedon. Saw his exhibit in the San Francisco MOMA. Awesome.

Brooke said...

this need not be articulated

Anonymous said...

i really like the little mexican children one

50two said...

avedon, penn and hiro had so much more than what alot of the big photographers do today. its all become so saturated and in-your-face

Katy said...

True dat. And beautiful photographs, including the first one which is, indeed, Avedon.

Zany Style said...

those pictures are very inspiring.

~tati~

Tavi said...

POOP, I've had that picture saved for months and thought it was Penn! *feels stupid and pretentious*

Anonymous said...

These are lovely. Can't choose a favorite. Thanks for the inspiring post, Tavi!

Check out my blog?
samichami.blogspot.com

Faux Naif said...

so, so beautiful. i love the simplicity and the elegance of his pictures, their stark contrasts and their subversive natures. absolutely gorgeous.

Isabel said...

Thanks be to Irving Penn, for capturing Kate Moss' hot body on film.

Nikita said...

Haha don't feel stupid and pretentious, there is a similar aesthetic. Beautiful collection of portraits that really capture the souls. He will be missed for sure.

Justin said...

It's so sad that he died this morning. May he rest in peace.

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful collection of photographs, they all balance each other out.

Chloe said...

I love Irving Penn, especially that last shot with the Balenciaga dress. Just insane.

Here are three are my absolute favorites by him:

1. Truman Capote

2. Diane Von Furstenberg

3. Pablo Picasso

The Picasso one especially- there is just so much expression in those gentle, old eyes.

Unknown said...

irving was the best - love him...

www.spotmag.blogspot.com

xoxo

Anonymous said...

Amazing pictures. Fantastic

Polly x

Signe said...

love the first one!

isabella said...

so beautiful

bella
xxxx
http://alltheprettyvisitors.blogspot.com/

Emilie said...

Amazing pictures.

Visual Culture said...

ill stuf ..d you know f.woodman or i.ionesco ?

Daisy said...

Very fantastic !

. said...

*sigh* :(

LIGHTHEADED STREET SALON said...

great tribute

Karin said...

oh my... tavi!! i love your blog! hate saying "love" about things but it and YOU are amazing!!! i´m from sweden and love (again) irving penn<3<3<3 xxx

Anonymous said...

kate moss is SO beautiful! whenever i wonder why models get paid the big bucks, i just do a quick google on kate and then i totally get it.

http://ellestocked.wordpress.com/

sofiasophie said...

I like his work because he shots with "tenderness"....

LiPs said...

Ok then.

MM x

add-industry said...

When i first sow his pictures i didn't know that he was famous photographer but i know exactly that he is one of my favorite photographers...

andrea said...

capturing beauty a million ways....

Chloe Tweeny said...

The pic with the children is amazing!

Rosalind said...

He was truly one of the greats.
Him, Cecil Beaton and Richard Avedon werethree of the most exraordinary photographers!
I love the glamour, but also the intimacy in his photos.
Each one alnost seems like a scene from a play or stage.
I think photographers such as these are so inspiring, thats one of the reasons I love photography so much.
Personal favourite here is the last one. Stunning. Great choice!
Just wondering, but did you ever get the email (or comment) about the outfits I designed inspired by your style? I'd be interested in your opinion of them, if you have time.

http://clothescamerasandcoffee.blogspot.com/

fashion & beauty now said...

Irving Forever ;)

TonicLime said...

WOw thank you for sharing. Im learning so much from your blog!

http://www.brendiva-brendiva.blogspot.com/

Style, She Wrote said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
RedPoppy said...

Beautiful tribute

http://www.redpoppyfashion.blogspot.com

Isabelle said...

I love that article about the star-wars fashion in that really ancient vogue from like 1990.

Style, She Wrote said...

Love the last one of Mrs. Penn. They did some really great work together.

RIP PENN

http://www.styleshewrote.com

Wickeed_ said...

Hey Tavi you should join stardoll.com if your not already it's a fashiond website. You have your own doll design her make-up house clothes. It's the best!!
If you want to visit my suite my account name is meforeva
Love the blog!!

Unknown said...

I thought you would appreciate this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mjonrqYtyY

and this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAAFMKWHfAY

No seriously, watch the second one especially.

Anonymous said...

Oh, beautiful. The moment i heard about his passing I had to look at his images to be reminded of his beautiful work.

Leah said...

I love the last one! The texture is amazing. And the quote. Great! Tavi you are effective :)

(always)alanna said...

amazinggg!
p.s. theres an irving penn exhibit going down in cali soon if you're interested
xx

Daniel said...

LORD. what a genius.

yvette said...

FYI - The third picture features Assaro mudmen from PNG.

Evelyn Rose said...

He was absolutely amazing. True genius. X

http://www.blogspot.com/evelynrosew

Lesley said...

oh Irving. such an eye he had.