GUY BOURDIN

(1928-1991)

Bourdins Career
Bourdin was first introduced to photography during his
service in the Air Force were he received his initial
photographic training, working as an aerial photographer.
On his return he worked in jobs such as a camera lens
salesman to support himself all whilst continuing with his
hobby of painting and taking photographs. During this time
he exhibited some of his drawings and also sought out the
mentorship of American Ex-patriot and Surrealist
photographer Man Ray. After many failed attempts, Bourdin
succeeded in gaining the confidence of Man Ray, who later
wrote the catalogue for Bourdins first exhibition in 1952. He
went to Paris in 1950 and by 1955 his first fashion shots
were published in an issue of Vogue Paris.An editor
ofVoguemagazine introduced Bourdin to shoe designer
Charles Jourdan, who became his patron, and Bourdin shot
Jourdan's ad campaigns between 1967 and 1981 on a road
trip around Britain.His quirky compositions of placing half
of a mannequin's legs into it's surroundings gained him lots

Style, composition and influences

Evidently the roots of his influences come from surrealism
specifically the work of Man Ray due to his expertise and advice
he had been a figure to look up to during his learning process.
Although most fashion photography has a main focus on clothes,
Bourdins work is a fresh alternative that contradicts the typical
poses and backgrounds by experimenting with the unknown in
mainstream fashion marketing. He created his own sets, or when
not shooting in his studio, in undistinguished bedrooms, on the
beach, in nature, or in urban landscapes. Even the unusual
dramas that unfold in these seemingly everyday scenes allows
peoples imagination to wonder. His photographs are often very
sensual, provocative and the ability to shock alongside using
bright colours and colour coordination, which is often a running
theme in his series. This grabs the attention of his viewers and
distinguishes him from the others in his field of work.

RICHARD MOSSE

Career
Born in Ireland, Moss is a contemporary photographer who has
worked in many different countries throughout his career. He
now lives in New York and Berlin. His photography focuses
more on war torn regions, capturing the beauty of the
peaceful landscapes within areas so affected by conflict. He
has been to places such asIran, Pakistan, Haiti and the former
Yugoslavia but is best known for the Infra series taken in
Congo.

INFRA 2010/11

These pictures from infra were taken in eastern Congo

where there were conflicts of the ongoing war between
rebel factions and the Congolese national army in the
Democratic Republic of Congo. To capture these vibrant
images, Mosse used Kodak Aerochrome - a type of film
thatregisters chlorophyll in live vegetation. The result is the
lush rainforest covered in a surreal landscape of pinks and
reds.
This technique is incredibly original and without this type of
film, would otherwise suggest that the images have been
altered and coloured. Rcichard Mosses work is inspiring
because it forces me to think in more depth when
composing and capturing pictures so that they are unique.

MARTIN PARR

Career

Martin Parr is a British documentary photographer that captures the

satirical situations in everyday life, including the different social
classes and the wealth of the western world. And explores society
through photographs by capturing stills societys attitudes and
beliefs.
Born in Surrey, Parr had wanted to be a documentary photographer
from fourteen years old and has been studying photography ever
since. In 1984, he switched to color photography. HisThe Last
Resortphotos of New Brighton were published in 1986, which is one
of his most famous works. He has done many different types of
series exploring society, has published over 80 books of his own
work and edited another 30 and won many awards for his work.
Parr is not afraid of criticism and chooses to take his photos with
contradictory humour which results in photos that are original,
entertaining and understandable. He has no boundaries due to his
love of photography which is what makes his work so unique.