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Quote by Philippe Halsman

“In a jump, the subject, in a sudden burst of energy, overcomes gravity. He cannot simultaneously control his expressions, his facial and his limb muscles. The mask falls. The real self becomes visible. One only has to snap it with the camera.”

Quote by Philippe Halsman

Work

The Mask Falls: Psychological Portraits by Philippe Halsman : a Retrospective Collection of Images from the Photographer's Studio, to be Sold by Public Auction, Friday, November 13, 1981, at 7:00 P.m. at Harris Auction Galleries

This book presents a curated selection of images from Philippe Halsman's studio, highlighting his innovative approach to photography. The collection is set to be sold at a public auction on November 13, 1981, at Harris Auction Galleries. more

Author

Philippe Halsman
Philippe Halsman

Philippe Halsman was a renowned photographer known for his unique portrait photography style and his ability to capture the essence of celebrities. His work spanned over half a century, covering a wide range of subjects from political leaders to movie stars. Halsman's photographic techniques and his mastery of light and shadow made him one of the most important photographers of the 20th century. more

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“When the photographer Philippe Halsman said, 'Jump,' no one asked how high. People simply pushed off or leapt up to the extent that physical ability and personal decorum allowed. In that airborne instant Mr. Halsman clicked the shutter. He called his method jumpology. The idea of having people jump for the camera can seem like a gimmick, but it is telling that jumpology shares a few syllables with psychology. As Halsman, who died in 1979, said, 'When you ask a person to jump, his attention is mostly directed toward the act of jumping, and the mask falls, so that the real person appears.'”

“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.”

“There have been many beautiful women since Marilyn Monroe. But who is there that has her total magic? Nobody has that vulnerability any more. We turn to child models in an instinctive search for that innocence and freshness, but they don’t have the deep feminine sexuality that came from Marilyn like light.”