HALSMAN, THE LATVIAN JUMPER

The Master and the Star

I liked his pictures since i don't remember well. One of the first photografers i care to learn his name (the first was Ansel Adams). The lot of postcards, books and old Life magazines I keep talk about my pleasure for his work. Just have to confess I didn't know about the fact that he was in jail when he was very young acussed of killing his father and that some 20th Century icons like Einstein, Freud and Mann, where on his side.

Anyway, Philippe Halsman (Riga, 1906- New York, 1979) was one the giant famous portrait photografers (other one could be Avedon but i have to say that i have a softer spot for the Latvian one). He became very popular for making jump royalty, politicians and stars and catching them in the act on the air.

So without further ado. Some classic shots of the master of some cool guys I just can't have enough here, in Guelyland.

"I drifted into photography like one drifts into prostitution. First I did it to please myself, then I did it to please my friends, and eventually I did it for the money."- Philippe Halsman

MM from and ultra famous session

Barefoot Marilyn

MM during an interview

A teen BB

Just... whistle

Paulette Godard (... Lucky Chaplin)

Perkins

Brando

Hope

Durante

Berle

And as they say in Life: "Just one more!"