William's Media Studies Blog: Magazine Research Blog Post #3c: Photography

By the pages of Vogue in the 1930s had shown women at this stage gaining the freedom in dress, hemlines were up and down, and they were politically aware. This was reflected by the fashion choices they made, not only in silhouettes, but in photography as well. Through this, we can see that Vogue had these ideals both socially and photographically for the next decades that were deeply roots in those years in 1930.

For example, actual British Royalty had been photographed and appearing in its pages, yet Vogue remained subtle and politically discreet when it came to photographing these subjects. Although they would often take photographs of high society people, (Vogue originally being a high-society magazine before becoming a women's fashion magazine) they would present them in style and presented in all sorts of unique ways, which capture the reader's attention effectively. One of the best examples of this is the photographs of Wallis Simpson in Vogue in the early years of 1930. Moreover, the photograph discusses the social scene during the 1930s.

Another example of great photography is this photo of Christy Turlington in New York City, 1990, by the legendary photographer Albert Watson. Watson is behind many of pop culture's most recognizable images by far. He states that the picture has the power of "memorability, something that grabs you quickly." A fashion magazine usually communicated lifestyle, so the picture is dependent on the situation or style that is should adhere to. In this way, it can visually appeal to the reader, while simultaneously adhering the typical feminine lifestyle, sleek silhouettes of fashion, and the minimalism and elegance of Vogue. Through these choices, the reader can be immersed into the lifestyle of fashion, despite only reading from the magazine.

Reflection

Learning how to incorporate the right elements in photography is extremely vital and is the life line of immersion when it comes to fashion lifestyle! For example, Vogue photographs its models in a more typical feminine articulation, which adheres the innate femininity of the Vogue magazine. Moreover, the poses that are photographed are dynamic, which adds even more style in the magazine. Use of color theory and layout, all contribute to the aesthetic of the photograph, and so editing should keep into account these factors in order to display the photograph in an elegant and minimalistic way.