John French

JOHN FRENCH (1906–1966) PHOTOGRAPHER

During the 1950s and 60s John French was one of the leading photographers in the fashion world.  


The models he worked with included the most famous of the time, many were debutantes who went on to become well-known society figures. French persuaded the art editors of the national press to use his flawlessly lit images of top models and his work appeared in virtually every newspaper and magazine. 

Anne Gunning

Helen Bunney, photo John French. London, UK, 1957

Marla Scarafia in a Federica printed cotton sunsuit, photo John French. London, UK, 1958

Barbara Miura with Madame Crystal printed rayon poult handbag and neck tie, photo John French. London, UK, 1953
 

 



Susan Abraham in a John Cavanagh tiered evening jacket, dress and hat, photo John French. London, UK, 1954
 

Susan Abraham in Brilkie spotted evening dress and June Clarke in Baker Sportswear floral evening dress, photo John French. London, UK, 1954

High Key lighting
 

  

Grace Coddington in a Nina Ricci suit, photo John French. England, 1965

I think this was acheived with a softbox to the left of the camera, facing head on to the model. A reflector may have been used to bounce a soft light back up under the chin also.

 


Patterns galore!
 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 


The images above I think were achieved by using High Key and Low Key light set ups with a light modifier similar to a Gobo. The gobo I'm assuming has paisley and floral patterns on it. Maybe he used a barn door in order to isolate the light/pattern to particular areas of the models? I am now on a mission to achieve this look during my photoshoot on Tuesday so watch this space.........

 John French used mainly medium format cameras, usually preferring his Hasselblad or Rolleiflex cameras. He doesnt seem to appeal to any aspiring photographers, but his contribution shows that you don’t have to use much to get what you want, and it’s the photographer and his use of the light, not how much or how expensive his equipment is, that gets the perfect shot.