The 1960s in Fashion Photography: A Revolutionary Decade
The 1960s marked a turning point in the history of fashion photography. It was a time of social and cultural change, which inspired photographers to explore new styles and push the boundaries of their art. Two of the most influential photographers of this period were Norman Parkinson and Terry O’Neill.
Norman Parkinson
Norman Parkinson, born in 1913 in London, is considered one of the most influential fashion photographers of the 20th century. He began his career as a fashion photographer in the 1930s, working for renowned magazines such as Harper's Bazaar. In the 1940s, he was hired by the Condé Nast photography agency to work for Vogue, which launched his international career. He also worked for other fashion magazines like Queen and Town. In the 1950s, Parkinson became famous for his outdoor photographs, which were a stark contrast to the studio-based fashion photographs that were common at the time. His photos were often taken in exotic locations such as Kenya and Morocco, featuring models in natural landscapes.
Over the years, Parkinson worked with many celebrities and fashion personalities, including Princess Grace of Monaco, fashion designers Yves Saint Laurent and Norman Hartnell, and models Jerry Hall and Twiggy:
However, it wasn't until the 1960s that he really began to experiment with innovative techniques. Parkinson used bright colors and eccentric settings to create bold and evocative images. He is also known for his dynamic compositions, which capture the energy and movement of his subjects:
In 1960, he created a series of photographs for the English fashion brand Biba, which was considered one of the most innovative advertising campaigns of the time.
During his career, Parkinson received numerous honors, including the Order of the British Empire, and published several books of photographs, including Norman Parkinson: A Very British Glamour and Eyes at the Window. He died in 1990, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of fashion photography.
Terry O'Neill
Terry O'Neill, born in 1938 in London, was an internationally renowned photographer celebrated for his iconic celebrity portraits. He began his career as a technical photographer for an airline, but his passion for music soon drew him to the world of jazz and rock photography. By the 1960s, O'Neill had become widely recognized for his candid portraits of cultural icons, capturing the likes of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and Elton John. Known for his relaxed, behind-the-scenes approach, he had a unique talent for revealing the personality and charisma of his subjects. Like Norman Parkinson, O'Neill brought energy and spontaneity to his images, but he also pushed boundaries by experimenting with unconventional angles and dramatic lighting:
MICK’S PARKA, 1964 - TERRY O’NEILL
O'Neill's series of photographs of the Beatles is particularly famous, with iconic images of the band taken on their tours and in their daily lives. His photographs of the Rolling Stones, taken during their 1965 American tour, were also very popular. By photographing these two iconic groups, O'Neill immortalized their youth, energy and creativity, becoming a privileged witness of the era.
O'Neill's photographs of the Beatles show the band at different points in their career, from their early tours to their rooftop performances at their recording studio in 1969. The photos were often taken in moments of relaxation and camaraderie, giving fans an intimate glimpse into the lives of their favorite band:
O'Neill's photos of the Rolling Stones also captured the band's energy and rebellious attitude and helped shape their public image. O'Neill's images remain an inspiration to popular music photographers around the world:
THE ROLLING STONES, 1963 - TERRY O’NEILL
Beyond music, he has also photographed many Hollywood personalities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, and Paul Newman, and has worked for renowned magazines such as Vogue, Life and Rolling Stone:
O'Neill was recognized for his work with numerous awards, including the Royal Photographic Society's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 81, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of celebrity photography.
Fashion photographers of the 1960s were deeply influenced by the art movements of the time, including pop art and surrealism. These artistic currents infused their work with bold colors, striking compositions, and a playful sense of experimentation that captured the vibrant spirit of the era. Fashion photography emerged as a true art form—admired and emulated by both professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Today, the work of photographers like Norman Parkinson and Terry O’Neill remains highly sought after. Their iconic images continue to inspire contemporary fashion photographers and captivate art collectors around the globe. The legacy of 1960s fashion photography endures, having made a lasting impact on both the fashion industry and popular culture.
Read:
Photography in the 1970s: Color, Counterculture, and Creative Revolutions
The 1980s in Fashion Photography: From Power Aesthetics to Postmodern Grit
The 1990s: The Golden Age of Fashion Photography & Supermodels
Capturing a New Era: Trends that defined Fashion Photography in the 2000s