Late photographer Helmut Newton's unerring skill at capturing the erotic allure of strong, striking women was legendary. This is a compelling collection of his test Polaroids, taken to prepare for his formal shoots, and, with their candid spontaneity, offer a fascinating insight into the photographer's art.

Polaroids occupy a special place in the hearts of many photo enthusiasts who remember a time when "instant photography" meant one-of-a-kind prints that developed within minutes of clicking the shutter. What was once a crucial tool for photographers to test their shots before shooting on film has now become obsolete in the face of digital photography.

Luckily for us, legendary photographer Helmut Newton saved his test Polaroids, allowing a privileged and rare chance to see the tests from a selection of his greatest shoots over a period of decades, including many from the TASCHEN titles SUMO, A Gun for Hire, and Work. Selected by his widow, June Newton, from over 300 photos featured at the 2011 exhibition "Helmut Newton Polaroids" at the Museum für Fotografie in Berlin, this collection captures the magic of Helmut Newton photo shoots as only Polaroids can.

Details

ISBN13: 9783836528863
Format: Hardback
Number of Pages: 224
Edition: Multilingual edition
Publication Date: 13 Aug 2011
Publisher: Taschen GmbH
Publication City, Country: Cologne, Germany
Dimensions (cm): 27.5(H)x21(L)x3.1(W)1642
Weight (gm): 1642

Author Biography

Matthias Harder studied art history, classical archaeology, and philosophy in Kiel and Berlin. He is a member of the German Society of Photography and an advisory council member of the European Month of Photography. Head curator of the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin from 2004, and since 2019 the Foundation's director, he has written numerous articles for art magazines, books and exhibition catalogues. Helmut Newton (1920–2004) was one of the most influential photographers of all time. He first achieved international fame in the 1970s while working principally for the different international editions of Vogue, where he was celebrated for his controversial scenarios and the ability to make a thoroughly planned photograph seem fresh and dynamic. His many titles and awards include Commandeur dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

Reviews

This rare and unique title showcases the work of Helmut Newton, possibly fashion's greatest photographer. Spartanly designed with just one or two Polaroid-sized images per page, the book contains test shots used by Newton to help frame his subjects and refine the final images from some of his greatest shoots over a period of decades. * Real Travel *