Herb Ritts

Herb Ritts was born into a Jewish family in 1952 where they lived in Los Angeles. His mother was a graphic designer while his father was a businessman. Ritts was an American art and commercial director as well as a fashion portrait photographer. His main pieces of photography he portrayed were black and white. Ritts began his photography and works in New York where he attended Bard College. Soon after he received his degree's, Ritts moved back to Los Angeles where he would begin shooting popular famous people such as Madonna and Olivia Newton-John. When he his career started to "rocket-off" was in the 1980's. During this time period he began shooting very well known people such as Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, President Ronald Reagan, Elton John, and many more. Along with photography Ritts is also known for directing videos and worked on commercials.

This photo to the left is of former President Ronald Reagan. I chose to talk about this picture because of its elements. The cropping of the portrait was a very beautiful choice. I like how its almost as the viewer is looking up to him. Reagan's face is shown looking slightly up, but with an ease of a smile. The smile shows calmness but with a sense of former power. I also like how Ritts developed the photo. The contrast of the photo makes his face stand out while the background is black. Thus being said, the background being black really brings out Reagan's face. We can also see that the eyes were focused on; they are almost glassy like. All in all, this is a beautiful capture of the former President Ronald Reagan.

I'm also choosing to talk about this piece done by Ritts. I adore this piece as it is a beautiful shot. The octopus for the hair was an interesting choice to add into this shot, but I think it was a creative idea. The viewer can also assume that the person being photographed is wet-like, like he just got out of the ocean. The development of the photo is also stunning. Developing a photo is a very difficult thing to do trying to get the perfect contrast. In class I find this very hard to do, so seeing this photographer accomplish this is amazing. I also think that Ritts created a perfect portrait pose. Looking away from the camera was a perfect choice I believe. If this was shot face on the camera I think it would be kind of boring. With this pose and this creativeness, Ritts creates beautiful photographs.

All together, Ritts has been one of my favorite photographers I have written about so far. I find interest in portraits the most, so seeing the people he captures and the creativity is beautiful and he is one who really inspires me.
- Bronwen Lewis