Thanks Herb...

Philippa and I made a journey to the seaside last month to catch our last piece of Summer.  We went with a vision to create a set of images inspired by the work of Herb Ritts.  If I'm being honest with myself it was Herb's 1980's and 1990's photography that made me want to be an image maker.  I grew up listening to the albums that had Herb's images on the cover.  Very often I'd buy the records before hearing the song just because I'd been won over by the picture.  I now recognise his work instantly.  

I remember being at university and being asked who my favourite photographer was.  As everyone gave their answer, Minor White, Alfred Stieglitz or Henri Cartier-Bresson, I kept my answer of Herb Ritts to myself.  He was never part of that canon and even when asked recently about our shoot we were greeted by the phrase 'well he was very much of his time'.  I'd like to agree.  Herb Ritts was very much of his time.  Like all true masters are. 

The Golden Hour

I've long been a fan of Herb Ritts.  I drew inspiration from his work in this photoshoot with Philippa.

Perfume & Leather

I've looked to Herb Ritts for inspiration for my latest shoot.  Herb Ritts was one of the most sought after fashion and portrait photographers of the 80's and 90's shooting mostly black and white, iconic images which referenced the greek gods and goddesses.  On a personal level Herb Ritts is one of the main reasons why I am in love with creating images.  His image of Oivia Newton-John on the cover of 'Physical' and Madonna's 'True Blue' are etched on my mind.  It was his photograph of Belinda Carlisle in 1989 that really took hold of me.  I've used this as a reference point.  Philippa and I hope to transport you back to 1992 with this shoot.. where the women were sexy and proud.