Photographers inspiration
Francis Giacobetti
Born: 1939 (age 85Â years), Marseille, France
Books: Francis Bacon: 11 June-5 July, 2003, Che's Compañeros: Witnesses to a Legend, Francis Giacobetti
Children: Louis Giacobetti, Olivia Giacobetti
Giacobetti is renowned not only for revolutionizing the depiction of the nude form but also for redefining the entire artistic process of image-making, encompassing both photography and videography. Serving as the principal photographer for the iconic monthly publication, Lui, from its inception, Giacobetti's work remained untouched by retouching, all the while operating under fourteen distinct pseudonyms. While Lui played a pivotal role in popularizing the pinup aesthetic in Parisian circles, Giacobetti himself is celebrated for infusing a sense of refinement into the realm of nudity.
Through his innovative lens, Giacobetti imbued genre photography with imagination and desire, evident in his contributions to illustrious projects like the Pirelli calendars and his portraiture of renowned artists, actors, and models. As a self-taught artist, Giacobetti's unconventional approach to technique, light, and shadow has resulted in numerous cover features across various mediums and formats, firmly establishing his name among the titans of photography.
Giacobetti's series, including "Zebras," "Iris," "Hymn," and his portraits of figures like Bacon, are celebrated for their amalgamation of photography and painting, blurring the boundaries between craftsmanship and fine art. His distinctive processes have left even the most esteemed art connoisseurs in awe, with many affirming that his works encapsulate the profound beauty of the human body.
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Sam Mellish
Sam is a highly experienced and versatile freelance photographer with a focus on commercial and editorial photography. With over a decade of experience in the industry, he has built a reputation for delivering high-quality images for clients ranging from local businesses to multinational corporations.
Throughout his career, Sam has cultivated a diverse portfolio, collaborating with a wide range of clients across various sectors. From capturing the adrenaline-fueled action of extreme sports to creating compelling visual narratives for corporate campaigns, Sam's work demonstrates his adaptability and creative vision.
Notable highlights of Sam's career include his involvement in major sporting events such as the Olympics, where he has provided extensive coverage for Team GB and other national teams. His images have been featured in leading publications and have earned him recognition for his ability to capture the essence of the moment with precision and artistry.
In addition to his commercial work, Sam is passionate about personal projects that allow him to explore different themes and styles of photography. He is constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities to push the boundaries of his craft.
With a commitment to excellence and a dedication to his craft, Sam continues to inspire and captivate audiences with his captivating imagery and unique perspective.
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Raymond Depardon is a French photographer, photojournalist and documentary filmmaker. Wikipedia
Born: 6 July 1942 (age 81Â years), Villefranche-sur-Saone, France
Spouse: Claudine Nougaret
Awards: César Award for Best Documentary, César Award for Best Short Film - Documentary, Louis Delluc Prize for Best Film
Raymond initiated his photographic pursuits at the age of 12 on his familial estate in Garet. Subsequently, he apprenticed under a photographer-optician in Villefranche-sur-Saône before relocating to Paris in 1958.
In 1960, Depardon commenced his professional trajectory by affiliating with the esteemed Dalmas agency in Paris as a photojournalist. Thereafter, in 1966, he co-established the Gamma agency, thus expanding his purview to encompass reportage from diverse locales worldwide. Noteworthy among his journalistic endeavors was his comprehensive coverage, spanning 1974 to 1977, of the abduction of French ethnologist François Claustre in northern Chad, a testament to his versatility as both a visual documentarian and filmmaker.
Parallel to his photographic endeavors, Depardon embarked upon a trajectory in documentary filmmaking, evidenced by his notable contributions such as "Une Partie de Campagne" and "San Clemente" during the early 1970s. The pivotal juncture of his career was marked by his integration into Magnum in 1978, affording him continued opportunities for reportage and the publication of acclaimed works such as "Notes" (1979) and "Correspondance New Yorkaise" (1981).
Depardon's photographic oeuvre garnered further acclaim with his receipt of the Grand Prix National de la Photographie in 1991. Simultaneously, his cinematic endeavors received accolades, notably with his documentary "Délits Flagrants" receiving the prestigious César Award for Best Documentary in 1995.
Manifesting a steadfast commitment to depicting the essence of French rural life, Depardon embarked upon a trilogy of films dedicated to this subject matter. His prodigious output has been the subject of numerous exhibitions and publications, including a significant retrospective hosted by the Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris in 2000.
Continuing to explore the boundaries of artistic expression, Depardon has engaged in multidisciplinary projects, including installations depicting major urban centers and assuming the role of artistic director for the Rencontres Internationales d’Arles in 2006. With eighteen feature-length films and forty-seven published volumes to his credit, Depardon's enduring legacy as a pioneering figure in both photography and filmmaking serves as a source of inspiration for successive generations of visual artists.
