In 1960, David Bailey began photographing for British Vogue, and his fashion work and celebrity portraiture, known for stark backgrounds and dramatic lighting effects, transformed British fashion and celebrity photography. His work reflects the 1960s British cultural trend of breaking down antiquated and rigid class barriers by injecting a 'punk' look into both clothing and artistic products.
Bailey’s Education Bailey was far from being an outstanding pupil. His attendance at school during his most formative years was continually disrupted by the German bombing campaign. On top of that, Bailey was later diagnosed with dyslexia, a condition that was unknown at the time. Dyslexia sufferers were usually regarded as low intelligence students, and they were often ignored by their teachers. Legally, he had to stay in school until he was 15, and he quit immediately after reaching that age. He then spent three years in a variety of dead end jobs. In 1956, he was drafted into the Royal Air Force under the compulsory National Service legislation, and he was sent to Singapore in 1957. During this period, he expanded his interest in photography and invested in a high-end Rolleiflex camera. |
Here are some examples of Bailey's Photography
David Bailey revolutionized fashion and portrait photography in the 1960s with his spare, graphic aesthetic and irreverent approach.
Best known for his iconic photographs of artists, musicians and actors of the 1960s and 1970s, including Andy Warhol, the Rolling Stones and Catherine Deneuve, Bailey has gone on to publish work ranging from gritty London streetscapes to intimate photographs of his wife and family.
Best known for his iconic photographs of artists, musicians and actors of the 1960s and 1970s, including Andy Warhol, the Rolling Stones and Catherine Deneuve, Bailey has gone on to publish work ranging from gritty London streetscapes to intimate photographs of his wife and family.
I really like the way the artist has photographed the models in black and white and how the background is white.
What I like the most about Bailey's work is the use of dramatic lighting effects and the way he makes the models stand out in the portrait.
What I like the most about Bailey's work is the use of dramatic lighting effects and the way he makes the models stand out in the portrait.
Jean Shrimpton being photographed by David Bailey in the 1960s CREDIT: TERRY O'NEILL