Inside Helmut Newton’s Latest Taschen Book, ‘Gun For Hire’
Today, the German photographer Helmut Newton is considered one of the greatest legends in fashion photography. He’s pushed the boundaries of what makes a fashion photo pop, increasing the sense of drama in each shot to such an extent that many of his photos look like stills from film noir.
in one news week In a 2004 interview, Newton explained his approach to photography: “Some people’s photography is an art. It’s not mine. If they happen to be on display in a gallery or museum, that’s fine. But that’s not why I do them. I’m a contract weapon.”
His famous “gun for hire” phrase has been turned into a photo book. A reprint of his book A Gun For Hire was published by Taschen on February 6th.
The book brings together a curated selection from over 40 years of Newton’s fashion photography, from the early 1960s to 2003.
It features his work for fashion brands Thierry Mugler, Blumarine, Villeroy & Boch, Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Versace and Absolut Vodka, as well as his latest editorial photographs for Vogue Italy and american Fashion. They describe the work he did as a “gun for hire.”
This new issue includes a new introduction by Mathias Harder, Director of the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin. The book also includes essays by Pierre Bergé (Yves Saint Laurent’s longtime partner), fashion designer Tom Ford, journalist Josephine Hart, Helmut Newton’s wife June Newton, and Anna Wintour.
The Helmut Newton Foundation is currently hosting an exhibition to tie in with the book’s re-release (the book was first published in 2005). HELMUT NEWTON. BRANDS runs until May 14 at the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin and features over 200 photographs by Newton, including his collaborations with brands such as Swarovski, Wolford, Blumarine, Neiman Marcus, Picot watches and Lavazza, among others.
Model Claudia Schiffer recently shared her fondest memories of Newton Fashion Franceand explains what it was like working with the photographer.
“It was an honor to work for Helmut; He was one of the first photographers to form a clique of models that he worked with regularly,” Schiffer explained. “I understood him immediately because he was very German, Germanic, organized, calm and collected. He also exuded confidence which made you feel very safe and comfortable and he was a perfectionist. Each frame might have lasted longer than other photographers because every detail was meticulously thought out, but he allowed his wit and mischievousness to shine through in spontaneous improvisations.”
A Gun for Hire by Helmut Newton
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