As an innovator of fashion photography, Gian Paolo Barbieri's various approaches and techniques helped to shape modern fashion photography.
Just as there was a reawakening of Italian fashion design, Barbieri made a point of becoming a friend of the designers. By befriending and eventually understanding their style and design, Barbieri was able to become a champion of the new era of Italian fashion and costume designers.
In doing so, Barbieri was able to be a driver of this reawakening of Italian fashion popularity.
For Barbieri, fashion photography without art is empty, and so, he drew on his deep knowledge to enrich his shoots with references to art history.
Barbieri also relied on cinematic grandeur to help his images stand out. Not just replicating ideas, but shooting in a way to expand the conversation.
If you're in the neighborhood, you can see Barbieri's newest exhibit at House of Lucie Ostuni, in Ostuni, Italy. The exhibit is showing off many masterworks by Barbieri, as well as some previously unpublished photographs dating back to the 1960s.
All images used with permission.
Stunning photos! Absolutely love them! But how did he manage to capture these with such old cameras and lenses in the 60s, 70s and 80s? None of them had autofocus, eye detection, tracking, color balance presets, 40fps, 36,000 ISO, no AI, no Photoshop, no sky replacement. Let me guess—could it be that he was just incredibly creative, with a deep understanding of photography and lighting? I know, skillset is so overrated. I wish more people would focus less on today’s gear (all brands produce great cameras now) and spend more time actually learning about photography and light. Just my humble opinion, though—who cares?