ARTHUR ELGORT: 1970 - 2010
The photographs of Arthur Elgort created a sensation in his 1971 debut in British Vogue when a breath of fresh air wafted into the world of fashion photography. His free and easy snapshot style freed his models to move. His young and pretty models wore less make-up, were more casual and lively and moved about freely in the natural light and outdoor locations such as city streets, pools, and beaches which characterized his style. Elgort quickly became one of the best known and most emulated photographers and his influence changed the face of fashion photography.
Arthur Elgort was born in 1940 and raised in New York City. He studied painting at Hunter College and transitioned to photography. He attributes much of his spontaneous and liberated style to his lifelong love of music and dance, especially jazz and ballet. In his long career he has worked on major advertising campaigns, as well as on French, Italian, British Vogue and American Vogue, where he continues to work today. He has published several books, including Personal Fashion Photographs, 1983, and the best seller Models Manual, 1994. He is presently working on a comprehensive book of his personal and fashion photographs from throughout his career. He lives in New York City with his wife and three children.