MELVIN SOKOLSKYFashion & 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

colorsrepetition 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 SO KO L SKY ’S IN FLU EN CE ON MY WO RK

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

http://www.sokolsky.com/#/about

http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/entertainment/arts-culture/photography-melvin-sokolsky-00000000040524/page7.html

www.rangerfinderonline.com/features/profiles/Bursting-prosaic-Bub-4459.shtml#ksuoeXac.dpuf