Background-History.
George Hurrell was a photographer, famous for his significant contribution to the famous Golden Age Hollywood MGM photography. He was born on June 1st, 1904 in the district of Cincinnati, Ohio, originally studying as a painter with no particular interest in photography until he discovered photography was a more reliable income than painting. After moving to California from Chicago, Illinois in 1925 his photography work was encouraged by his friend who often posed for him. Eventually he opened a Photography Studio in Los Angeles, California where he met actor Roman Novarro, (Hurrell took several photographs of him). He was so impressed he showed Hurrell's work to friend and actress Norma Shearer who requested he took photographs of her to make her appear more sophisticated and glamorous in hope of getting a film role. After showing photographs by Hurrell to her husband, MGM Production Chief Irving Thalberg, Thalberg said he was so impressed by Hurrell's work he immediately signed him to a contract with MGM Studios, making him head portrait photographer. Throughout his time at MGM Studios, before leaving, he photographed every star including the likes of Vivien Leigh, Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland to Clark Gable, Robert Montgomery and several others. In the early 1940's, Hurrell moved to Warner Bro's Pictures photographing, where he photographed many other Hollywood stars amongst Bette Davies and Rita Hayworth to Humphrey Bogart to James Cagney.
In May 27th, 1992, George Hurrell died losing his battle to bladder cancer shortly after completing a documentary about his life for TBS. Since his death, his work has continued to be appreciated and his photography can be found in many museums all around the world that display his collections.
My Chosen Photograph
This photograph is from George Hurrell's collection, showing famous Hollywood actress and singer Judy Garland taken in 1944. I chose this photograph as it shows the actress with a deep shadow cast over her but in a flattering way, and how the intensifying lighting is shone onto her really shows how Hurrell could transform a wholesome image into something more glamorous and sophisticated. The lighting in this image shows so much depth and atmosphere, it's interesting how in the 40's he managed to produce such dramatic lighting without using digital. This displays his work as a whole very well, he transformed wholesome images and made them into masterpieces, showing actresses and actors in a way that made them seem surreal and like wax figures.
More from Hurrell's collection
Humphrey Bogart, 1938-9. - George Hurrell
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