The Photographic Art of Hoyningen-Huene

Rating:
Summary: A Rediscovery of a Master Photographer
Review: George Hoyningen-Huene was one of the most sought-after fashion photographers of the 20's and 30's. However, he was far more than just a hack. In fact, Hoyningen-Huene is regarded by many as the greatest master of photographic lighting who ever lived. Hoyningen-Huene worked before anything resembling contemporay flash photography came along. He worked in huge studios and used whatever lighting worked best, from huge theatrical spots to, on at least one occasion, an ordinary flashlight-and everything in between. If you've never seen his work, it's very easy to predict that you'll find many astonishing and stunning images in this book. As mentioned, what will most strike you is the lighting. However, there is something about the texture of these old black and whites that one seldom finds in contemporary work. Beyond fashion, Hoyningen-Huene was a master portraitist as well, and you'll find quite a few images of Hollywood stars and other celebrities here as well, since he spent the last years of his career working in Hollywood. This book is a must for anyone interested in the History of Photography, photographic lighting, and photo portraiture. It's very easy to give this book the highest possible rating. The only wish one could possibly have after reading it is "Please, give me more!"

Rating:
Summary: Elegance Personified
Review: I almost bought this book at the Whitney for my Mom after seeing some of these photos up close but my corporate discount did not apply and my Mom would not let me pay full price! Needless to say, I'm buying it on Amazon! These reproductions are beautiful and my Mom, a woman of culture and impeccable taste, loves the photos and the fashion; this is a very, very fine book! Read it and be transformed into another era.

Rating:
Summary: Photographic ART
Review: Prior to Avendon, or Horst, or the many others who later made fashion photography so interesting, Huene made it art. The photographs in this book are good quality and are not only fascinating to look at in their own right, you realize this man was a true artistic genius. Staging, lighting, composition, style above all. Great coffee table book. Inspiring.

Rating:
Summary: Photographic ART
Review: Prior to Avendon, or Horst, or the many others who later made fashion photography so interesting, Huene made it art. The photographs in this book are good quality and are not only fascinating to look at in their own right, you realize this man was a true artistic genius. Staging, lighting, composition, style above all. Great coffee table book. Inspiring.