Photo: Mascara Wars

Photo by: Irving Penn

"A good photograph is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart, and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it; it is in one word, effective." —Irving Penn.

Irving Penn

My focus today is on the late great American photographer named Irving Penn. For many years, he did fashion photography for Vogue magazine. During his time at Vogue he was known for "glamour photography. (His photographs appeared on over 150 covers in the last 50 years.) Penn was also known for his amazing photographs shot against simple white or gray backdrops. He had a way of making the subject pop. The result-amazing photographs. His images seem effortless and are absolutely timeless. He also focused on still life photos, which are filled with beauty and elegance. Irving Penn passed away at the age of 92 on October 7th, 2009. He was one of the 20th century's most influential photographers.