Herb Ritts
Herb Ritts
Herbert "Herb" Ritts Jr.was an American fashion photographer who concentrated on black-and-white photography and portraits, often in the style of classical Greek sculpture...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionPhotographer
Date of Birth13 August 1952
CityLos Angeles, CA
CountryUnited States of America
ocean light space
I abstract it in my photographs: I like large planes and spaces, areas of texture and light, like deserts or oceans or monumental places.
growing-up california light
Coming from California and growing up where I did, I've always had a fondness for and innate sensitivity to light, texture, and warmth.
school light feelings
I'd go down to the end of my street, to a garage that had a certain feeling about it, or a particular light; I'd take a picture of a friend who needed a head shot. That's how I learned, instead of having school assignments and learning camera techniques.
two light mountain
Within two hours of where I live, you have mountains and desert as location. I like the natural elements that abstract into light, texture, shape and shadow.
american-photographer
When you start out, you're not really aware. I didn't have a sense of photographic history.
american-photographer elements felt foreign halfway home matter
That's why I felt so at home when I went to Africa. It didn't matter that I was halfway around the world in a foreign country, because all those elements are universal. And I think that's one thing about my work: It's universal.
affects american-photographer develop environment feeling home matter
Once you develop your own style, you know when you're able to give your best. Feeling at home is part of it, and I don't think that's an L.A. thing. It's a matter of the environment and of what affects you.
photography important subjects
It's important to let your subjects be themselves.
eye thinking important
For me, the most important thing I learned was just honing my eye. I think I had a good eye.
rehabilitation culture language
Regardless of whether you speak the language or are familiar with a culture, the picture should hold up.
shapes photographer form
I like form and shape and strength in pictures.
self people taught
Many people who excel are self-taught.
stars growing-up fun
I did grow up next door to Steve McQueen, who was a very famous movie star at the time, but as a kid it didn't impress me. We always had great fun with him. He would take us out on Sundays on his motorcycles, riding around in the desert; he was like a second father.
photography parent firsts
Actually, when I first started dabbling in photography, I was still working for my parents as a salesman.