The power of a background in portrait photography

Ever since Irving Penn first started experimenting with white paper backdrops in the 1940s—and later, an old, repurposed theater curtain from the 1950s—portrait photographers have been pushing the boundaries of what backgrounds can look like. Far beyond the scope of the conventional, artists on 500px have found new ways to use traditional studio items—such as… Continue reading The power of a background in portrait photography

With thoughtful luminescence, Elizabeth Messina offers an intimate study of the female portrait

Messina is renowned for her stunningly simple portraits of women that convey depth and feeling. Elizabeth Messina Southern California-based photographer Elizabeth Messina is something of a legend. With her beloved Contax 645 and Fujifilm GFX100s, she has photographed for the likes of Tori Spelling, Claire Pettibone, and Brooke Shields—and that’s just to name a few.… Continue reading With thoughtful luminescence, Elizabeth Messina offers an intimate study of the female portrait

Cig Harvey explores grief and death through the quiet beauty of floral life

Cleaver and Petals. © Cig Harvey Cig Harvey lives in a farmhouse in rural Maine, where she photographs the people and places around her. Harvey’s photos often feature bright, saturated colors, and a touch of surrealism, as she tries to find the magic in the mundane. Her latest book is Blue Violet, an exploration of… Continue reading Cig Harvey explores grief and death through the quiet beauty of floral life