Practical Photography

This week I am looking at French photographer, Guy Bourdin.

French orphan Guy Bourdin first received tuition in Photography during his military service in the French Air Force, he was stationed in Dakar, Senegal 1948 - 49. By 1950 he was ready for his fist exhibition of paintings and drawings at Galerie, Rue de la Bourgogne, Paris, his artitic talents were critically acclaimed and by 1952 hw was ready to showcase his photographic work at Galerie 29, 29 rue de Seine in Paris.

His career flourished with his work being published in French and British Vogue, Harpers Bazaar etc. He has worked on advertising campaigns for MAFIA advertising agency, Issey Miyake, Charles Jourdin, Lancietti, Channel, Gianfranco fierre…the list continues! And even shot the Pentax calender in 1980.

I love his work as it is sharp, intriguing and very different to how conventional photographers work, he hints at a narrative but leaves the observer with just enough to speculateon the full story.

Guy Bourdin was never afraid to use bright colours and controversial compositions and it is for this reason he was o succesfull, his work was years ahead of its time and paved the way for todays fashion photographers to really have some fun.

With such an impressive cv and portfolio it is no wonder Guy Bourdins work can be picked up on postcards and prints all over the world in art galleries and memorabilia gift shops.

Guy Bourdin passed away in Paris on March 29th 1991 aged 62.