Weekly Inspirations #1

Louise Dahl-Wolfe
Words by Allen Carbon
Photographs by Louise Dahl-Wolfe

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Louise Dahl-Wolfe self portrait

For the premiere weekly inspirations, I want to celebrate the works of one of my favourite fashion photographers - and personal inspirations - Louise Dahl-Wolfe. Louise, born 19 November 1895 in San Francisco, is one of the worlds most celebrated fashion photographers working for Harper’s Bazaar magazine during the 30s-50s. During her Harper’s Bazaar career, 1936-1958, she worked hand in hand with the legendary art director Alex Brodovitch and fashion editors Carmel Snow and Diana Vreeland.

She was one of the first photographers to really pioneer the use of natural light. In fact, her photographers really evolved the whole sub-genre of ‘environmental’ fashion photographer as most fashion shoots back then were dominated by the use of studio and props.

Her photographs pefrectly captured the essence of the American Woman during the 30s-50s. Spirited, Sophisticated and independent.

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Resources

+Centre for Creative Photographer - http://www.tfaoi.com/aa/2aa/2aa204.htm
+Louise Dahl Wolf - http://louisedahlwolfe.yolasite.com/biography.php
+Museum of Contemporary Photography - http://www.mocp.org/info.php?s=Louise+Dahl-Wolfe&t=objects&type=all