From Nixon to Monroe, Mr. Halsman has a unique approach to his compositions. Not to say as if he was the first to do photo manipulation/surrealism, but he carefully engages his subjects. Talking them off the pristine ladder and encouraging them to be more. Let loose! “Jump!” He exclaimed, and they did. The amazing series he does with all these stars. Jumpology! I’ll leave you with one of his quotes.
“Most people stiffen with self-consciousness when they pose for a photograph. Lighting and fine camera equipment are useless if the photographer cannot make them drop the mask, at least for a moment, so he can capture on his film their real, undistorted personality and character. “
