Customer Reviews

Irving Penn: Platinum Prints

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The first time I saw a photography of Irving Penn was in a Brochure advertising the exhibition at the National Gallery this summer. At that moment I knew I had to make a special trip back to D.C.. The platinum prints were breathtaking. I stood in front of each print for minutes; transported to another world. I felt as I could converse with the subjects; as if their essence had been revealed to me. The book is almost as good as visiting the exhibition. The only difference is the size of the prints. The same text and explanations used in the exhibit are used in the book. The quality of the paper and the color of the prints is exceptional, and accurate. This book is simply a must have!

Irving Penn's Platinum Prints is amazing book. As you go through the it, every turn of a page is a new experience. Each print tells a story of a person's life or a type of culture. Penn is a master in capturing the right moment at the right time. There are so many types of photos in this one book and you get a variety of views on photography
Another great feature to this book is the quality of the prints. The whole photographic process of Platinum Prints is done with the camera. There is no post camera editing. The photos also have a bronze look to them, which is only found in Platinum Prints. Overall this book is amazing; Penn is a genius with the camera. This book will change your view of photography and the way you look at the world. You will walk around looking for things to shoot, hoping to capture a photograph as good as Penns.

.....photographs I have ever seen, in person, and the reproductions in this book come close to replicating the experience. The value of this book for admirers of Irving Penn is the opportunity to see a good selection of solely Platinum/Palladium prints in one well printed book, and to read about the blood, sweat, tears and joy that went into bringing these gorgeous images into the world. Any number of these images are in the pantheon of greatest 20th century photographs, and if "Ballet Society, 1948" isn't one of the most exquisite objects in the possession of 15 lucky owners, then I'll give one of them a good home!(Offers, anyone?). Another worthy monograph devoted to the art of a great photographer.

Right after Penn died, I knew I wanted to have something to commemorate him. This book does not disappoint. Unbelievably beautiful, with unmatched richness and depth compared to all the lackluster images that we are bombarded with on a daily basis, it makes me even more sad that someone of his genius and eye has passed. What was fascinating was that I knew him for all of his fashion work but much of this book reveals his passion not only for photographing models and celebrities but in finding the beauty and humanity in everyday people. Oh to have been photographed by him.. that would have been such an honor.

This book is a collection of some of Irvings most prolific work. What stands out about this particular book is the beautifully printed representations of Irvings master prints.
Look at this book and you will see the roots to much that has affected the better photographers from the past 20+ years. Irving is the maestro when it comes to work without gimmick or pretense, his eye is always unfailingly in tune with what he was set to photograph and how he wished to represent it. This is classical photography like there is classical oil painting. Enjoy this folks, after Irving..there just aren't too many more alive.

Second only to the originals. Excellent, excellent book...

Real ones will be on exhibition until October 2, 2005 (National Gallery of Arts, ground floors). If you happen to be in the DC area, and have one hour to spare, this is an exhibition you don't want to miss. The experience will be worth it & will enhance your enjoyment of the book.

Irving Penn's Platinum Prints is an inspiring and insightful look into the world of photography, and the unique style of Irving Penn. Each picture conveys a story while establishing a sense of truth and reality. The "platinum" technique is rich and bold with a bronze like color, that actually brings life to the photographs. This book allows for any person to step inside the artistic vision of Irving Penn, and take a closer look into the world behind the lense. I highly recommend it!!!