Herb Ritts

Synopsis

Herb Ritts: L.A. Style traces the life and career of the iconic photographer through a compelling selection of renowned, as well as previously unpublished, photographs and two insightful essays. Herb Ritts (1952-2002) was a Los Angeles-based photographer who established an international reputation for distinctive images of fashion models, nudes, and celebrity portraits. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ritts was sought out by leading fashion designers such as Armani, Gianfranco Ferrè, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Valentino, and Versace, as well as magazine editors from GQ, Interview, Rolling Stone, and Vanity Fair, among others, to lend glamour to their products and layouts. Largely self-taught, Ritts developed his own style, one that often made use of the California light and landscape and helped to separate his work from his New York-based peers. From the late 1970s until his untimely death from AIDS in 2002, Ritts's ability to create photographs that successfully bridged the gap between art and commerce was not only a testament to the power of his imagination and technical skill, but also marked the synergistic union between art, popular culture, and business that followed in the wake of the Pop Art movement of the 1960s and 1970s.

An exhibition of the same name will be on view at the Getty Center from April 3 through August 12, 2012; at the Cincinnati Art Museum from October 6 through December 30, 2012; and at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Florida, from February 23 through May 19, 2013.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to Herb Ritts

In this chapter, the author introduces the reader to the life and work of Herb Ritts, a renowned photographer known for his iconic images that blended fashion, celebrity, and art. Ritts' career began in the 1980s and continued for over two decades until his untimely death in 2002. Through his artistic vision, Ritts challenged the traditional notions of beauty and captured the essence of his subjects in a way that became instantly recognizable.

Real Example: The chapter begins with a brief overview of Ritts' early life, upbringing, and education. It then delves into his early struggles to make a name for himself as a photographer in Los Angeles. One real-life example of Ritts' early work is his black and white portrait of actor Richard Gere, taken in 1978. The image captures Gere in a moment of serene contemplation, highlighting his chiseled features and evoking a sense of timeless beauty.

Chapter 2: The Development of Ritts' Style

In this chapter, the author explores the evolution of Ritts' style and the influences that shaped his unique artistic vision. Ritts' work was heavily influenced by classical sculpture, fashion, and cinema, which he combined with his love for natural light and the human form. As his reputation grew, Ritts' signature style, characterized by bold contrasts, dramatic lighting, and strong poses, became instantly recognizable.

Real Example: One of Ritts' early fashion shoots for the Italian brand Versace is a prime example of his evolving style. In this shoot, Ritts incorporates Greek and Roman-inspired elements, such as marble statues and columns, with modern fashion to create striking images that still feel timeless.

Chapter 3: Fashion Photography

This chapter focuses on Ritts' extensive career in fashion photography, which helped solidify his status as a legend in the industry. Ritts' collaborations with top fashion magazines and designers, such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Calvin Klein, allowed him to push the boundaries and create unconventional and innovative fashion imagery.

Real Example: One of Ritts' most famous fashion images is the 1990 Versace campaign featuring models Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, and Linda Evangelista. The iconic image, known as "Freedom," showcases the models in strong, powerful poses against a simple white background, showcasing Ritts' ability to capture beauty and strength in its purest form.

Chapter 4: Celebrity Portraits

In this chapter, the author delves into Ritts' extensive portfolio of celebrity portraits. Ritts had a special talent for making his subjects feel at ease in front of the camera, resulting in intimate and revealing portraits of some of the most famous faces in entertainment, including Madonna, Cindy Crawford, and Michael Jackson.

Real Example: Ritts' photograph of musician David Bowie, taken in 1989, showcases his ability to capture the essence of his subjects. The image shows Bowie in a relaxed and contemplative pose, with his eyes closed, and perfectly captures his enigmatic persona.

Chapter 5: The Legacy of Herb Ritts

In the final chapter, the author reflects on Ritts' legacy and the impact he continues to have on the world of photography. Despite his untimely death, Ritts' work continues to inspire and influence a new generation of photographers, and his images continue to be celebrated and recognized worldwide.

Real Example: Ritts' photograph of actor and activist Elizabeth Taylor, taken in 1986, serves as a testament to his timeless legacy. The intimate and personal portrait captures the iconic beauty of Taylor, and its simplicity and raw emotion continue to resonate with viewers to this day.

In conclusion, Herb Ritts' life and work will always be remembered as a testament to the power of artistic vision and the ability to capture beauty in all its forms. Each chapter of this book offers a glimpse into the diverse and groundbreaking career of this legendary photographer, showcasing his immense talent and his enduring impact on the world of photography.