YIPPEEE! It's the weekend!!...and this is how I feel - particularly as I have a whole two weeks off!!! Can you believe it? I can pretend I'm a bohemian artist for two (count 'em) whole weeks!!
*Ahem*
O.K. now that I have got that out of my system I'd like to introduce you to my new favourite photographer: Philippe Halsman (1906 - 1976). Halsman, the Latvian born American portrait photographer, is probably one of the most famous photographers of his generation. He was not only responsible for taking iconic photos of anybody who was anybody but was also responsible for the "Jump Book".
Halsman said at the time, "When you ask a person to jump, his attention is mostly directed toward the act of jumping and the mask falls so that the real person appears." Halsman even created his own philosophy of jump photography, called "jumpology". He published his iconic book in 1959 and it had up to 178 photos of everyone from Oppenheimer to Marilyn to Nixon to The Duke and Duchess of Windsor in full flight.
I am a big fan of his other photos too some of which you have probably seen before. These two of Salvador Dali are very nice I think.
Images from top are: Philippe Halsman and Monroe, Bridget Bardot, The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Salvador Dali and skull, Savador Dali and Rhino. All Photos are by Philippe Halsman and you can find them in Google images. You can also read more about Halsman here - he had quite an extraordinary life!!
Have a super duper weekend all you glorious bloggers out there!!
and
don't forget the GIVEAWAY of my work at Gabbi's and Jess' blogs!!
Oh oh oh, I love that you posted about the Jump Book! I had only knew about it a few weeks ago because it was mentioned in an Audrey Hepburn book I borrowed. So thank you for sharing! It's such a brilliant concept, and I especially love the one with Marilyn Monroe.
AND... I was actually just browsing for "jumping" photos since yesterday, there's something very joyful about the act of jumping! So again, love your post ^_^
Posted by: Anna | September 12, 2009 at 09:37 PM
Love love love the jump photos! What a fantastic idea. Hope you enjoy your time off Sam.
Posted by: jo | September 12, 2009 at 10:29 PM
Something about jumping poses that make me feel so happy! "...weeehhh!!!" Happy weekend Sam! ~xo*
Posted by: lenorenevermore | September 12, 2009 at 11:57 PM
I so love these photographs; they make me want to jump up myself! :)
I hope that you have a wonderful two weeks off - get lots of rest and relaxation! Happy weekend! :)
Posted by: Cafe Fashionista | September 13, 2009 at 12:24 AM
Happy Weekend, Sam!
Posted by: Diana | September 13, 2009 at 03:12 AM
Yippee is right, darling! Love these pics!
Enjoy your weekend, Sam!
xoxox,
CC
Posted by: Couture Carrie | September 13, 2009 at 04:46 AM
et bien, je suis RAVIE de découvrir ce blog !
génial !
Posted by: Noémie K | September 13, 2009 at 05:08 AM
These are such happy pictures! And I love that rhino. :) Hope you have an exciting break!!
Posted by: Rebecca | September 13, 2009 at 06:14 AM
love all these shots sam!
have a great weekend!
Posted by: epe | September 13, 2009 at 12:29 PM
Those are fun images
Posted by: runaway gallery | September 13, 2009 at 01:12 PM
What a joyous post Sam! I can imagine you jumping around like a crazy loon right now with the excitement of being on HOLIDAYS! I'm not jumping. I'm stomping around with jealousy ;) Have a super holiday! You've chosen the perfect time of year for having time off. I bet spring in Sydney is glorious! Keep us updated here with your holiday adventures. And I'm expecting to see lots of lovely new art! Enjoy your break Sam! xo
Posted by: Tracy | September 13, 2009 at 06:14 PM
Haha, that quote is totally true--I honestly can't seem to control myself at all when I take jump shots. The first pictures are so wonderfully joyful! Nice find.
Posted by: Amelia | September 13, 2009 at 06:16 PM
O my goodness! All those jumping photos on the blogosphere have an actual artistic reference?! I love love love this. And the quote about how when someone is asked to jump in a photo, their mask falls off and their true self is revealed. I must be very very enthusiastic and a wee bit dorky because that's how I always look jumping.
Posted by: ondressingup | September 13, 2009 at 08:35 PM
I love photos in which people jump :)
Posted by: Parapluie | September 14, 2009 at 12:34 AM
1. No YOU are a doll!
2. This post made me so happy and it's already Sunday! So thank you lovey! And I am dying to win Gabbi's giveaway...love your work! XO
Posted by: Elizabeth Marie | September 14, 2009 at 08:33 AM
Oh these are amazing!! Yay! They make me happy!!! I love crazy action shots like these in photos and the jump book is pure genius. I hope you had a funfun weekend. I adored your lil' story about the tuxedo cat.
Have a Super Great Vacation!!
Posted by: Kathleen | September 14, 2009 at 11:28 AM
I love these action shots...i hope you had an amazing weekend.
Posted by: deana | September 14, 2009 at 04:05 PM
Wow! Thanks for introducing me to his work. I have never heard of the Jump Book -- what fantastic idea. Isn't it interesting that the "jump" has become such a common motif in fashion photography. I guess it came from him!? I love the Dali photo with the nudes -- so crazy!
Posted by: Tara | September 15, 2009 at 12:22 AM
The jumping pics are so marvelous.
Posted by: The Clothes Horse | September 15, 2009 at 02:53 PM
this photographer reminds me another one, more "contenporain"
Denis Darzacq, regarding jumps too. You can see his job at www.denis.darzacq.revue.com
Posted by: sofiasophie | September 16, 2009 at 02:21 AM