Steven Meisel

I have decided to do some research on Meisel after seeing his photographs when looking at Vogue magazine.

Steven Meisel (born 1954) is an American photographer, who obtained popular acclaim with his work in US and Italian Vogue and his photographs of friend Madonna in her 1992 book Sex. He is now considered one of the most successful fashion photographers in the industry, shooting regularly for both US and Italian Vogue.

As soon as I seen this image by Meisel it immediately caught my eye; this is because of the clashing, hectic and overwhelming patterns featured. It reminds me of a tapestry effect involving different textures, colours and shapes. This makes the photograph appealing to the human eye, adding depth and layers. This effect also gives the image a historical and creative sense. The lighting evenly lights the model and her surroundings. I feel the photographer was trying to represent culture and history in this photograph.

This image by Meisel was taken for Vogue Italia the theme is 'Couture Magic'. The main subject of the photograph is the model with her outrageous hair and outfit. A fairytale theme is created from the costume, giving an enchanted overall atmosphere. The soft materials and pale colours help continue the theme of elegance, gentleness and daintiness. Juxtaposition is used combining the models dirty skin against the overall perfect appearance. In my opinion the dirty skin could represent the models past; showing she has worked her way up in the world to this point. I feel the mask in her hair could show she is a performing industry such as drama/opera or performing. The skin could also show that this field of work is a tough industry, showing the strain on the woman's body. 

I really like how the lighting frames the model, shadows fall all around the model and behind her. Te lighting also helps to highlight the models bone structure and skin. There is a 'painting' like feel to the image, giving a vintage effect. 

This is another image by Steven Meisel which really caught my attention. The image has a futuristic feel to it due to the editing done to it. - the photograph feels 3D like. The image also has a blurred effect to it, which adds an edgy and unusual feel to it. The editing also creates texture to the photograph making it appealing to viewers. The main focus appears to be on the models face with focus slightly gradually dropping out. 

I found this image by Meisel really unique and interesting. The costume and Make up is really different and beautiful. Feathers feature over the models hair and around her eyes. A motion blur effect has been added to the photograph, this creates a sense of movement and action. This blur could also represent the motion of the wings of a bird. I personally think the model has been made to look like a bird. The colour scheme, is bland but could also relate to the colours of a blackbird or magpie. Many textures are present here, including lace features and silk. This makes the image appealing the viewers.