Another stunning example of the light-sculpted glamorous portrait photos for which Hollywood publicity departments were famous. Ann Blyth, like other stars, spent hours in front of the still cameras as well as the movie cameras. This was taken in 1948 during her Universal studio period, quite likely by the master, Ray Jones.
From my book, Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star.:
Black and white photography perhaps reached its zenith as creative art form in the Hollywood studios—but especially still photography that sculpted the stars images with light and shadow and glamorized them as persons of almost supernatural beauty. One of the very best of the artists was photographer Ray Jones, head of the Stills Photo unit of the Publicity Department at Ann’s home studio of Universal...
There were three dressing rooms in his studio where the stars were prepared for their photo shoots: for body makeup, for face and hair, and for clothes. Grips worked under Jones’ direction to set the lights and enormous 8 x 10 view camera....
Ann Blyth recalled for the author that photo sessions usually lasted all day, and along with other stars, complimented Ray Jones on his ability to put his subjects at ease, to inspire their confidence. They were placing their image, and whatever insecurity or doubtfulness they brought with them to the photo shoot, in his capable hands.
No comments:
Post a Comment