portrait inspiration

RON GALELLA

Ron Galella, born January 10, 1931, is an American photographer from New York City. He was an Air Force photographer during the Korean war from 1951-1955, and he then attended the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles and graduated with a degree in photojournalism. He began his career as a paparazzi photographer by photographing celebrities getting out of their cars at red carpet events. Now, he is one of the most famous celebrity photographers and has work published in Time, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, Vanity Fair, People, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and Life. His work is also showcased at museums and galleries around the world, including The Museum of Modern Art in New York City and San Francisco, the Tate Modern in London, and the Helmut Newton Foundation Museum of Photography in Berlin. Galella is most famously known for his portrayal of celebrities in non-celebrity environments, and most infamously known for being hated by many of the people he photographed, including Jackie Kennedy and Marlon Brando. He was involved in a lawsuit with each. Others who disliked him include Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley, Brigitte Bardot, and Sean Penn. However, he is critically acclaimed for his work, receiving high praise from Andy Warhol and Glenn O'Brien. 

This is Galella's most famous photograph, titled "Windblown Jackie". It uses soft, natural lighting and was probably shot in the afternoon. The photo was taken on a city street, probably in New York City. This is a candid image so there was no posing done, and the effect is a very natural looking photo. Jackie's signature style is important to this image, and her hair blowing in her face sets an effortless tone. 

I love this photograph because I love Jack Nicholson. His expression along with the sunglasses and formal tux set the "crazy" personality so many people associate with him. His signature smile really completes the image. 

This is one of my favorite photos of Andy Warhol. Andy really admired Galella as a photographer, and even said he was his favorite. Andy had such a captivating look that was so unique, and by making the rest of the image rather plain, he really stands out.