I have written about one of my favorite celebrity/fashion photographers, Patrick Demarchelier.
Having reviewed numerous books such as Forms and Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea (PAC) Jan 18-Mar 12, 2000 feat. Patrick Demarchelier, this book is probably his earliest, as it was released back in 1989.
Titled “Fashion Photographer”, unlike other photography books featuring the work of a photographer, this one is probably one that delves into the life of Patrick Demarchelier. From what led him to become a photographer, his earlier years and achieving success.
The book was written when the photographer was 44 years old and it was the beginning of the era of the Super Models, so you will see one of his favorite models in the ’80s, Paulina Porizkova, but emerging models Christy Turlington, Tatjana Patitz, Cindy Crawford and many celebrities shot during the ’80s such as Brooke Shields, Johnny Depp, Kim Basinger, Isabelle Adjani, Warren Beatty, Diane Keaton, Billy Joel, to name a few.
While an older book, this is probably the best book to learn about Demarchelier’s approach to photography. Granted, much has changed from when he was in his ’40s and now in his 70s, aside from technology changes, advertising/magazine budget changes and Patrick now up there as one of the legendary fashion photographers that is still working today.
But Henry Horenstein does a good job of asking the right questions as part of the “American Photographer Master Series” of Demarchelier’s approach to shooting on location, shooting for covers, advertisements, showcasing his portfolio, nudes and portraits.
This is a fashion photography book, so one should know that this has nudity. While not a hardcover book, I can see one putting this on the coffee table, may it be a conversation starter or for one to show their love of Patrick Demarchelier’s work.
For me, it’s great to see his practice in lighting and using film photography during that era in time but also learning from his words of his approach to photography in general.
Again, Patrick Demarchelier books are primarily photography but this one features interviews with the photographer and you probably won’t find that anywhere else.
While released in 1989, it’s still a treasure of a book because of that timeless interview with Demarchelier. Yes, much has change in technology, advertising and magazine budgets, time to shoot on location and more. And yes, this was released years before he would shoot the iconic supermodel photos, photos of Princess Diana, Janet Jackson, etc.
But certain concepts and approach to photography and the respect you give to your subjects that you are capturing on film, helps you understand why decades later, Demarchelier has become a legend in the field and why many models and celebrities love to work with him.
Henry Horenstein’s “Patrick Demarchelier Fashion Photography – American Photographer Master Series” is highly recommended!
