4.06.2011

David Hamilton for Show Magazine: April 1970

Ages ago I mentioned finding some David Hamilton images from a 70s magazine called Show. I found the magazine at a huge warehouse sale amongst stacks and stacks of old magazines and paper ephemera. I promised scans at the time, but a cluttered household kept me from getting it done. I rediscovered the magazine during the move, so here I am six months later, delivering that prolonged promise. 

I've admired David Hamilton's work for a long time. Maybe it's because he photographs pretty girls in fields, wearing sheer white dresses and floral sunhats, carrying delicate parasols. It seems to really fit my style. I'm constantly looking at his work for inspiration, and as much as I adore his photographs, I really appreciate the behind the scenes perspective of this article. It's from April of 1970 and it talks about how he quit his job as a top magazine photographer in London to pursue a free-lance career. He bought a 800-year-old house in the Saracen village of Ramatuelle (Southern France) and invited his models to come live with him for weeks or months at a time. Ewa and Irja are the two featured in this editorial. They're both Swedish, ages 17 and 18. 

As much as it sounds like a Charlie Sheen-goddess situation, I actually think David Hamilton's tactics were brilliant. Having his models live with him must have allowed for a very creative and productive household. And unlike ol' Charlie, he always delivered a tasteful perspective –– never raunchy.

I like the over the shoulder views of him with his camera and the girls in the background. It's nice to be in his line of sight –– very helpful for a wannabe photographer trying to scramble ideas together for a shoot. You can find more photos on my flickr page if you're interested.

9 comments:

Kelly said...

I love love David Hamilton. Excellent choice!

Jenny said...

I am such a big fan of David Hamilton. His photographs are dreamy. I absolutely love their grainy aesthetic and ethereal quality to his work! These photographs are fabulous picks. xoxo

burke said...

The second photo is soooooooo beautiful. Love the light on these photos, such a warm sensation...
Xxx from Spain!! :D

http://msewig.blogspot.com/

jess said...

The photos are pretty. So springy and bright.

Holly Mackenzie Cupp said...

great pictures but the thought of 17 and 18 year old girls living in a house with an un-related grown man who wants to take their pictures is a bit awry... great pictures nonetheless!

http://hollydollyfashion.blogspot.com

Monique said...

David Hamilton is so talented. These photos are brilliant.

Louise, Raspberries In Winter said...

Awesome find! These scans are great.

Sally Jane Vintage said...

Thanks for taking the time to share this with us! I really love the behind the scenes perspective. And the styling of the models is spot on for what I'm feeling right now. So Hamilton was sort of the Dov Charney of the 70s, eh? Who knew!

muchlove said...

I've been a huge fan of David Hamilton's work (I thrifted one of his books, which is amazing!), so this is really fascinating to see and read. Thank you so much for sharing!