MELVIN SOKOLSKY Fashion & Advertising Photographer

MELVIN'S EARLY LIFE  Born and raised in New York City  Began to use his father's box camera at the age of 10.  Started his career as a stills photographer  At the age of 21 he was invited to join the staff of Harper's Bazaar.  In 1962 he photographed the entire editorial content of Mccall's Magazine.  In 1969 began a new career in television commercials as director.

MELVIN'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS  Recipient of every major television commercial. (Director's Guild nomination)  In 1995, Canon USA named Sokolsky as one of their "Explorers of the Light," to lecture and photograph internationally.  2003 First Annual Lucie Awards-Outstanding achievement in Fashion Photography  2010 Real Simple magazine celebrated Sokolsky with a one man show at the Axelle Galllery in New York.  Lectures internationally and is an ambassador for Canon Camera.  He has been honored with 25 Cilo Awards.

BOOKS/STYLE OF WORK  Melvin has two books:Seeing Fashion-Collection of Shoots  Melvin Sokolsky "Archive" (Collector's Edition With Print of "Betsy Updraft")  His work is characterized by his sense of fantasy and invention.  Surrealism, proportion and reality.

THE BUBBLE SERIES The model is the primary subject. Rule of thirds-not completely centered- more visually appealing. Small aperture in order to get maximum depth of field. Orange color is rich Vertical line repetition

LENA HORNE NEW YORK 1963 Contrast with black hair and white background Effective use of negative space lines-hair, hands, fingers, cut-out- curvy Movement

LA TIMES Vibrant colors Contrast- Bright pink against her smooth, dark skin. Orange eyeshadow. Rule of thirds-Primary focus is coming from the right side. Texture-Everything about her looks so smooth.-rocks look jagged.(contrast)

CLASSICS: NARRATIVE Golden Triangle Repetition of shapes-Triangle Contrast in colors repetition of colors- eyes, dress Texture-smooth Effective use of negative space- allows for focus on primary subject

BUBBLE SERIES Black and white-create a dramatic, rich mode. Repetition of circle-guitar hole, hair. Primary subject-model Secondary subject-the other people Movement-shown by her position and angle Rule of thirds-gives the photo more depth. Model’s face gives off a mode of untouchable.

WALLPAPER MAGAZINE Vibrant colors- balloons, jacket. Repetition of vertical lines- legs, columns, arm. Movement-shown by her pose and the balloons floating in the air. Larger depth of field.

WALLPAPER MAGAZINE Contrast- Yellow, black and tan color.-columns Repetition- umbrellas(circular shape) Black color- umbrella and lips create a dark(dramatic) mode. Repetition-vertical lines-handles on umbrellas, legs, columns Primary subject-model(focal point) Secondary subject-umbrellas Movement-model looks as if she is walking towards us.

HARPER'S BAZAAR "FLY" SPRING COLLECTION Black and white-dramatic, powerful mode. Repetition/pattern- squares(windows)-horizontal lines border around building. Pose of model shows movement. Angle- lower point(creates more emphasis on her movement. Primary subject-model Larger depth of field-everything is in focus

LIP STREAKS Long exposure- captured still model with blurring effect. Lighting-ultraviolet Vibrant color-pink Contrast- pink, blue, white Repetition-lines Focal point-model’s face Higher Iso-due to dark lighting Texture-smooth Movement-turning head in order to create streaks(no Photoshop)

MY RESPONSE  I feel that Melvin Sokolsky is a very talented photographer.  His work gives is whimsical, creative, adventurous, and unique.  Lighting is a very important aspect of his work.  Palette is also an important aspect-creating his own emulsion.  "All of the digital photographic devices are meaningless without an idea," he says. "It still needs the content that comes from the human mind. “

MELVIN SOKOLSKY’S INFLUENCE ON MY WORK  I have learned the importance of lighting through his work-will focus on different lighting and what’s most appropriate  I have realized the importance of depth of field.  I will focus on taking more pictures of what really interests me.  You have to take pictures the way you fall in love. With love, somehow you can’t get that person out of your mind. It’s how human nature works. We’re wired to look at things we like and that move us.”

TRIBUTE PHOTO

WORKS CITED   culture/photography-melvin-sokolsky /page7.html culture/photography-melvin-sokolsky /page7.html  Bub-4459.shtml#ksuoeXac.dpuf Bub-4459.shtml#ksuoeXac.dpuf