Terry Richardson

Terry Richardson evokes a reaction in almost anybody who is aware of his work, whether it is positive or negative. Personally, I believe that Richardson is a scummy, dirty old man who drops any sense of professionalism in the studio. However, I like his style of photography. He brought a new angle to fashion photography, shooting more minimal and personal sets with models rather than grandiose and conceptual events, encouraging them to bring out their personality rather than to frame the merchandise. That's what I like most about Richardson: his photos are filled with energy. Take this photo of the late Amy Winehouse. She was always a wild person, and it shows. She leaves almost nothing to the imagination, what with the obvious symbolism of having a cock between her legs. Richardson is known for his graphically sexual content, and he really makes this image gross, frankly. Her teeth are on display, her manner of dress is something akin to what you'd see late at night on the Vegas strip, and there's something about the sterile bright white background that gives it a serious contrast to the content. However, that is not necessarily a bad thing. The lighting is so harsh and her pose is so crass that it just reeks, which speaks volumes about the kind of person that Winehouse is/was. Her personality is captured very well. The relationship between model and photographer is very important, and Richardson connects very well with people. Terry Richardson may be disgusting as a human being, he may rub people the wrong way a lot, but he embraces himself shamelessly and wholeheartedly and his work shows it. He is genuine. Genuinely gross, perhaps, but genuine.