Herb Ritts began his career in photography in the late 70's. He focused on simplistic graphics such as clean lines and strong forms. Ritts produced portraits, editorial fashion for magazines such as Vanity Fair, and created advertising campaigns for companies such as Calvin Klein and Chanel. He contributed to many charities including the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Herb Ritts passed away at the age of 50 in 2002.
I believe that Herb Ritts produced beautiful and meaningful photographs and I chose him because of his unique style and ability to draw the audience in without using color.
I find this photograph beautiful in many different ways. The contrast between the dark shadows and the pale skin of the woman draws my attention, and the fact that the woman is nude makes me feel that she is vulnerable. I think the spiral shapes of the shadows cover her nudity, yet add to her beauty.
This picture contains a deep meaning behind it. Although I do not know what Ritts meant the picture to mean, I believe the man in the picture is struggling. The scars and lines across his face, lips, and hands display that he has been through a lot in his lifetime. The way his eyes are not calmly closed but squeezed shut make him seem troubled and dismal. I find this photograph interesting because it is mesmerizing and has an interesting meaning.
Combining nature and humanity, this photograph has a great symbolic meaning. Whether Ritts meant this picture to mean what I believe it means does not matter because art is supposed to make every person feel a different way. When I look at this photograph I feel that it represents mother nature. Although in the winter when the branches on the trees are coarse and lacking color, nature is still beautiful. By having a nude woman as the trunk of a tree, Ritts conveys the message that all nature is beautiful during every season. Another meaning behind it could be that our environment needs the help of humanity to sustain it and help it to continue to grow. I chose this photograph for its beauty and symbolic meaning.
This picture is simple, yet appealing. The two people holding hands represent unity and love, and their bracelets display that they are possibly of another culture. I find this photograph interesting because although it is only a picture of the two people holding hands, it seems to hold a deeper meaning like most of Ritts' other photographs.